Herpes infections are of 2 types – Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes .<\/p>\n
Oral herpes<\/strong> is caused by Herpes simplex virus Type 1 and Genital herpes mostly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 though it may be caused by Type 1 too . HSV 1 is transmitted through kissing and by shared utensils and tooth brushes whereas HSV 2 is caused by sexual contact . Once a person acquires herpes virus , it remains latent in the nerves. It can be dormant for many years but outbreaks can be brought on due to Herpes simplex virus typically causes blisters which break down to produce sores which are painful . There can be intense burning and pain especially with urination . Sometimes there may be urinary retention due to the intense pain and burning . Some people may also experience discharge from the vagina .<\/p>\n Some people hardly have any symptoms and don\u2019t even realise they have it .<\/p>\n The first episode is generally very severe for most and repeat outbreaks much milder. In fact , a person may be contagious even without any visible sores .<\/p>\n During a recurrence , shortly before the appearance of sores there may be tingling , itching and burning where the infection first entered the body .<\/p>\n Herpes can be diagnosed by taking a swab from these sores and sending them for PCR tests or viral cultures . The swabs can also be taken from the urethra. Antiviral medication helps to reduce symptoms and help in healing these sores faster . They also reduce the number of outbreaks and recurrences .<\/p>\n Neonatal herpes is a serious infection in newborns that can be acquired due to herpes infection during pregnancy . It can result in blindness , brain damage and even neonatal death . Safe sex and using barrier method of contraception is the most important way to prevent herpes . Avoiding intercourse with multiple partners and with your partner if he\/ she has an outbreak of these sores is advised . If there are any symptoms that appear like these , please consult your doctor and remember the mantra to staying safe is safe sex \u2026 because as we all know ,prevention is always better than cure !<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Herpes infections are of 2 types – Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes . Oral herpes is caused by Herpes simplex virus Type 1 and Genital herpes mostly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 though it may be caused by Type 1 too . Oral herpes causes sores around the mouth whereas Genital herpes causes them… Continue reading
\nOral herpes causes sores around the mouth whereas Genital herpes causes them around the genitals or rectum or on the buttocks and thighs . HSV 2 sores may be caused around the mouth as well .<\/p>\nHow does Herpes infection get transmitted ?<\/h2>\n
\nIf herpes is acquired in pregnancy it may be transmitted to the baby growing in the womb too .<\/p>\nWhy does herpes infection cause recurrences and reactivations ?<\/h3>\n
\ndecreased immunity , fever , minor infections , fatigue , stresses , hormonal changes , menstruation , immunosuppression due to chemotherapy or steroids, sexual activity etc.
\nMany people may have numerous episodes every year .<\/p>\nWhat are the symptoms of herpes ?<\/h2>\n
Diagnosis<\/h2>\n
\nIf there are sores that are beginning to heal these may show a false negative results. False positive results are also known .
\nHerpes can also be tested by antibody tests .<\/p>\nHow can Herpes be treated ?<\/h2>\n
Are there any complications associated with herpes ?<\/h4>\n
\nOther sexually transmitted diseases may be transmitted through these open sores .
\nBladder problems and rectal inflammation may also be caused .<\/p>\nPrevention<\/h2>\n
\nIn pregnant patients who\u2019ve had herpes in the past , a fresh outbreak around the time of delivery can be prevented by taking antiviral medication late in pregnancy ( generally after 36 weeks of pregnancy)<\/p>\n