Learn About Genital Herpes - Your Guide To Manage Herpes In Your Life
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How Long Does A Genital Herpes Outbreak Last Article
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What is Oral & Genital Herpes?
from:There are two types of herpes infections, oral herpes and
genital herpes; both are contagious. The most insidious fact
about herpes is that it can be an "invisible virus;" it is
possible for a person to have and to spread either type of
herpes virus and not even know that he or she has herpes.
The virus that infects a person with oral herpes is named
"herpes simplex type 1." The virus that infects a person with
genital herpes is named "herpes simplex type 2." Both types of
herpes are spread by direct contact with an infected area or by
contact with a body fluid from that area.
There is no known cure for either type of herpes; it is
permanent, but not always active. A person with oral herpes or
genital herpes may have one or several outbreaks in his or her
life.
Oral Herpes and It's Symptoms
Oral herpes symptoms include blisters or cold sores on the lips
and in the mouth that can develop into painful ulcers. If the
gums are infected they will become red and puffy. Oral herpes
may also cause a fever, aching muscles and swollen glands in the
neck. An initial outbreak may last from two to three weeks.
Oral herpes is very common among children. Children share each
other's straws and eating utensils and generally have a lot of
physical contact with one another playing sports and just
generally roughhousing. Children are also subject to being
kissed by visiting close friends and relatives who are
completely unaware that they have oral herpes.
Genital Herpes and its Symptoms
Genital herpes symptoms include blisters and pain in the genital
areas. Blisters may appear on the penis, scrotum, vagina, in the
cervix or on the thighs and buttocks. Initial symptoms include
an itch or pain in an infected area, fever, headache, swollen
glands in the groin, a painful or burning sensation during
urination and possibly a thick, clear fluid discharge from the
penis or vagina. The blisters may become painful sores. An
initial episode of genital herpes may last from one to three
weeks.
Preventing Herpes
It is possible to prevent a herpes infection by avoiding direct
contact with blisters, sores or ulcers that appear on someone's
mouth or genitals. Keeping in mind that herpes can be an
"invisible virus," it is a good idea to avoid physical or
intimate contact with anyone you suspect may carry either virus.
Teach your children that putting something in their mouth that
has been in someone else's mouth is never a good idea. They
should also be warned that when someone has a cut or sore they
should be very careful to avoid touching it because of the
"germs" that they might catch. Adults and teenagers who are
sexually active should never have unprotected sex with someone
who they even suspect may be infected by genital herpes. The use
of a condom will provide some measure of protection but not
complete protection. The only complete protection is abstinence.
A pregnant women who has ever had an outbreak of genital herpes
should inform her obstetrician well before her due date, so the
obstetrician can, if necessary, discuss and plan for a
non-vaginal delivery.
Treating Herpes
It is worth mentioning again that all a doctor or a medication
can do is treat symptoms of an outbreak of herpes with an
antiviral medicine -- there is no cure.
If your child has cold sores that do not disappear within ten
days, or has a history of frequent cold sores, take him or her
to a doctor.
About the author:
Daisy Bone writes on Herpes Virus. For more information: ="http://www.oral-genital-herpes-pictures.com/">oral-genital-herp
es-pictures.com
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