How Is Herpes Simplex Treated
Some people have few to no herpes outbreaks and choose not to have treatment. But many people prefer to use medications that shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.
During an outbreak, you may use an antiviral ointment or cream to help lessen your symptoms and help them go away faster, but it only works if you start it soon after you start an outbreak. Many people with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to keep outbreaks at bay.
Your provider may prescribe a topical medication or oral medication such as:
Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md
Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.
Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.
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Where Do Symptoms Appear
When a person has genital herpes, the virus lies dormant in the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine. When the virus reactivates , it travels nerve paths to the surface of the skin, sometimes causing an outbreak.
Genital herpes, regardless of whether it is HSV-1 or HSV-2, does not cause symptoms on the mouth or face. For more on oral-facial herpes, see the oral herpes page.
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Herpes Is A Common Infection
Herpes is a super-common infection that stays in your body for life. More than half of Americans have oral herpes, and about 1 out of 6 Americans has genital herpes. So chances are a few people you know are living with herpes.
Theres no cure for herpes, but medication can ease your symptoms and lower your chances of giving the virus to other people. And the good news is, outbreaks usually become less frequent over time, and even though herpes can sometimes be uncomfortable and painful, its not dangerous. People with herpes have relationships, have sex, and live perfectly healthy lives.
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How Many People Have Herpes Worldwide
Globally, 67% of the population, or 3.7 billion people under age 50, have HSV-1. HSV-2 affects 13% of the same population, or 491 million people.
HSV-1 is most commonly passed non-sexually during childhood. People who are born female are more likely to be affected by HSV-2, since sexual transmission is more likely during vaginal sexual intercourse. The highest number of new herpes simplex infections occurs during adolescence.
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Fewer Americans Have Herpes But The Number Is Still High
A new federal report reveals some good news about herpes: fewer Americans are getting the virus. However, nearly half of American adults have the first type of herpes simplex virus.
According to the new findings, released Wednesday by the National Center of Health Statistics part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the prevalence of both strains of herpes is down. Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 can both cause outbreaks of sores. HSV-1 typically causes cold sores on or around the mouth and is often spread by kissing, and HSV-2 can cause genital outbreaks and is spread by sexual intercourse. But its now common to get genital herpes from both strains, likely because of oral sex.
This is an excellent finding, because theres a clear declining trend, says report author Geraldine McQuillan, a senior infections disease epidemiologist at NCHS.
The report shows that 48% of Americans ages 14 to 49 have HSV-1, and 12% have HSV-2, according to 2015-2016 data. The fact that nearly half of Americans have HSV-1 may seem like a lot, but its actually lower now than it has been in prior years. The report shows that the prevalence of HSV-1 declined from around 59% in 19992000. HSV-2 experienced a similar drop, from 18% in 19992000.
Every year, about 776,000 people in the United States get new herpes infections, the CDC estimates. There is no cure for the infection, but some medications can relieve symptoms and suppress or shorten outbreaks.
How Can I Avoid Spreading Herpes To Others
Use latex condoms every time you have sex between outbreaks. While condoms do not provide 100% protection, they are the best prevention available for people who have sex. Condoms can also help prevent HIV and other STDs .
Talk to your partner about herpes before having sex. Discuss what you will do to help prevent spreading herpes. This might be a good time to talk about your sexual health and STD testing.
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So What Does That Mean
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 776,000 new genital herpes infections occur annually. About one out of every six people ages 14 49 has genital type 2 herpes. Thats 16% of us. If you also account for all of the many people who have genital type 1 herpes infections, there are a lot of people living with genital herpes infections.
How To Tell If You Have Herpes
Many people who contract herpes will experience very mild symptoms, while other peoples symptoms may be painful. The only sure way to know if you have herpes is to get tested for it.
1 in 3, who will experience evident symptoms, will likely seek medical attention and receive a diagnosis. While the others, who have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, are unlikely to seek medical attention right away and may go undiagnosed.
It is important to be regularly screened for sexually transmitted disease. It is often recommended that sexually active adults should be screened annually for diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.
Herpes can be diagnosed following an STI Blood test, which you can get at sexual health or GUM clinics. You can also buy STI testing kits online which can be delivered discreetly to your door you simply provide a blood sample, post it to a laboratory and receive your test results via email or text.
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How Many Americans Retire With A Million Bucks
Saving $1 million for retirement is a great goal to have. Putting that much aside could make it easier to live your preferred lifestyle when you retire, without having to worry about running short of money. However, not a huge percentage of retirees end up having that much money. In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings. The majority of retirees, however, have far less saved. If youre looking to be in the minority but arent sure how to get started on that savings goal, consider working with a financial advisor.
What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes
The symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 are similar, though the site of infection is often the differentiating factor.
HSV-1 primarily causes cold sores on the lips, though they can also appear on the chin or neck in some circumstances.
HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which is characterised by ulcers and small grouped blisters around the genitals.
Both strains of human simplex virus can cause blisters on the fingers called Herpetic Whitlows. These are rare and usually occur when you touch an infected blister or sore.
It is important not to pop or drain the blisters yourself.
Heres what to do if a blister bursts:
If you require assistance or advice, speak to a pharmacist.
A burst blister will scab over and typically heal within four weeks time. Keep the area clean and avoid picking at the skin around the blister.
If you suspect your blister has become infected, see your GP. Infected blisters, which are often look red, feel hot and are filled with green or yellow pus, require specific treatment to prevent the risk of skin or blood infections.
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Herpes Signs And Symptoms
While some people realize that they have genital herpes, many do not. It is estimated that one in eight persons in the United States has genital herpes however, as many as 90 percent are unaware that they have the virus. This is because many people have very mild symptoms that go unrecognized or are mistaken for another condition or no symptoms at all.
Because signs can vary a great deal, we recommend that an individual see a healthcare provider to be tested if they have a lesion of any kind. This can be swabbed for testing.
A person may show symptoms within days after contracting genital herpes, or it may take weeks, months, or even years. Some people may have a severe outbreak within days after contracting the virus while others may have a first outbreak so mild that they do not notice it. Because of these possibilities, it can be difficult for people to know when and from whom they may have contracted the virus.
What About Chlamydia The Most Common Std
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria, whereas herpes is caused by a virus. This is why chlamydia is easily treated and cured with antibiotics. However, many people have chlamydia and dont know it because they dont have any symptoms. Thats why people who are at higher risk of chlamydia, including sexually active young women and men who have sex with other men, are advised to get a test for chlamydia every year.
If you dont treat chlamydia, it can increase the chances of both men and women getting or giving HIV and AIDS, according to Medline Plus. Untreated chlamydia can also cause serious pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to infertility, and in men it can spread to the testicles and the tube that carries sperm, causing inflammation.
Screening for chlamydia is usually done by taking a urine sample or a swab from your genitals. Results of these tests are usually found quickly. Different testing methods are used for infections of the rectum and throat, and these take more time.
While the only way to completely avoid getting chlamydia or herpes is to not have sex, you can reduce your chances of getting both by being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected with an STD and by using latex condoms every time you have sex.
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How Do I Get Rid Of Herpes
Whilst you cant get rid of the virus, herpes is treatable.
Most herpes episodes last three to seven days. Antiviral medication is available on prescription from a doctor to help prevent or shorten these episodes. These tablets should be taken within the first three days of the symptoms appearing for best effect.
Local treatments may also help.
These include:
- salt baths, this may help if your genital area is painful
- aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to help relieve pain
- acyclovir creams, like Zovirax, which can be used on cold sores as soon as they appear
- topical anaesthetics such as lignocaine
- passing urine in a warm bath, if urinating is painful
- applying ice to the infected area to help relieve pain
In addition, you can:
- wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to increase comfort and help healing
- drink plenty of water so the urine is diluted and doesnt sting when it contacts the genital sores
- rest to help recovery
Suppressive treatment is when you take a tablet every day to prevent episodes and this is usually used by people who have multiple episodes a year.
Contact Dermatitis Can Be Mistaken For Herpes
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause red, itchy, cracked, dry, or scaly skin, blisters, or a rash. Like herpes, it recurs, and while its not an STD, when it appears in the mouth or genital area, it may be mistaken for herpes. However, unlike herpes, contact dermatitis can happen anywhere on the skin and is caused by direct contact with an irritant or something youre allergic to, per the Mayo Clinic. Its not caused by a virus.
Contact dermatitis usually occurs within minutes to hours after touching an irritant. Common causes include poison ivy and reactions to medication, cosmetics, detergents, and jewelry. The skin rash from contact dermatitis usually clears up in a few weeks.
The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify whats causing it and avoid touching that item or substance again. Allergy testing can help identify the cause.
While contact dermatitis is generally not a serious condition, it can be itchy and uncomfortable. When the rash is present, try using cool, wet compresses or anti-itch creams to soothe it. Antihistamine pills can help reduce the itchiness. Avoid scratching the area: Doing so can make symptoms worse and open the door to a bacterial or fungal infection. If your itching is severe, you should see your primary care provider or a dermatologist for topical steroid medication.
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What Happens When Herpes Enters The Body
One thing that distinguishes viruses in the herpesvirus family from other types of viruses is something called latency. Herpes simplex and other herpesviruses have a way of creating a small but permanent colony of viral particles inside the body. This colony is often completely inactive but it stays for a lifetime.
Heres how it works: once HSV gains a foothold, the virus begins making copies of itself and spreading. This can lead to a range of signs and symptoms, everything from subtle symptoms that go unrecognized to severe illness. In response, the immune system mobilizes its forces for an assault and limits HSVs spread.
Whether there are severe symptoms or not, the virus will stay in the body. To avoid the immune system, HSV will retreat along the nerve pathways, hiding in a nerve root called a ganglion. In cases of genital herpes, HSV retreats to the sacral ganglion, located at the base of the spine. In oral or facial herpes , HSV finds its way to the trigeminal ganglion, at the top of the spine. In the ganglion, the virus remains inactive for an indefinite period of time.
The phenomenon of latency is similar to a sleep cycle. Basically, the virus returns to a safe haven and sleeps, sometimes for long periods. Unfortunately, while HSV is latent, various biological events can cause it to become active and begin traveling the nerve pathways back to the skin. There it can cause signs and symptoms again, though it doesnt always do this.
What Are Cold Sores Chickenpox Shingles And Genital Herpes
Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that may be spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin. They are small, painful ulcers that you get in or around your mouth. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of cold sores to others.
Chickenpox is caused by a herpes virus called Varicella Zoster Virus . It causes an itchy rash of multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites usually appearing first on the abdomen or back and face. It can spread to almost everywhere else on the body and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Shingles is caused by the same herpes virus that causes chickenpox. It causes small, painful blisters to appear on your skin. Shingles occurs in people who have already had chickenpox. Shingles can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine by contact with the infected areas of the skin. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of shingles to others.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It causes small, painful blisters on your genital area. You can spread genital herpes to others, even when you have no symptoms. If you are sexually active, you can still pass herpes to your partner, even if you are taking valacyclovir tablets. Valacyclovir tablets, taken every day as prescribed and used with the following safer sex practices, can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.
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Is There A Cure For Herpes
Unfortunately, no cure for Herpes has been discovered. There are antiviral medications for Herpes that you can take to prevent or shorten any sudden outbreaks. There is also a daily antiviral medication for HSV 2 that can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.
As medicine and technology advance, clinical trials are being conducted to develop a vaccine that will protect us from genital Herpes infection. That said, no vaccine is currently available. There is still hope for the future, but vaccines are still in development and are being reviewed.
Is There A Cure For Herpes Simplex
There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, its a lifelong infection.
What is the outlook for people with herpes simplex?
For many people, the first herpes outbreak is the most severe. Many outbreaks are less frequent and milder after the first year of infection. Some people may have only one outbreak and never have another again.
Herpes infection doesnt usually pose a serious health risk. The risk of a health complication due to herpes is higher in infants and if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant.
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