Top 10 Herpes Facts
There are 50% million cases of genital herpes in the United States alone yet meets about this disease abound. Here are 10 facts you need to know.
Alice W. Ko.
Facts #1: Herpes is contagious all of the time!
Herpes simplex is a contagious viral infection that can affect the mouth or the genitals. This is often manifesting itself as painful Soreson either of this areas. Perhaps one of the most important facts about herpes is that it is contagious all of the time. This is vital because some people mistakenly believe that if there not having an outbreak of sores that they cannot spread the virus
Facts #2: 90% of people infected with the herpes virus are asymptomatic. And do not know they have herpes. Yet, still passed it to their partners.
Facts #3: Herpes Is not just spread through sex
Herpes simplex is a virus that can be spread via the briefest of skin to skin contact. Kissing, oral, or anal sex touching with unwashed hands and even sharing objects like drinking glasses and towels can also spread the herpes virus. This high rates of asymptomatic herpes combined with ease of spreading lead to the frequency with which genital herpes is found in the United States.
Facts #4: Condom Usage does not always prevent the spread of herpes. While using a condom is a smart sexual practice. Condoms do not necessarily protect against the spread of genital herpes. This is because the disease maybe passed through contact with the thighs, pelvis, and stomach. With this it takes in you mind do you probably eager to talk to your doctor about herpes simplex. And that is vital.
Facts#5: Here is why most doctors do not touch for herpes even during a standard STD test unless you ask them too.
Facts #6: A blood test to determined if you were infected with the herpes virus called the serology is more accurate than the basic swab method. If you were considering pregnancy and do not know if you were or your partner have been exposed to the herpes virus it is specially important to find out if either of you is effected.
Facts #7: That is because there is a chance that the active herpes virus can be passed to an infant during its trip to the birth canal. In some cases your doctor may choose cesarean section delivery to ensure that your baby is not infected. You may wonder why these precautions are necessary sense well annoying and embarrassing the herpesvirus does not cause vitally harm beyond blisters.
Facts#8: While this is true for you. Newborn babies do not have to developed immune system that is needed to fight herpes and may die if they contract the virus.
Facts#9: If you have herpes you are more prone to contract HIV and other STDs since your immune system is compromise because of the virus it is important to be honest with your partner and discussed options to reduce transmission with your doctor.
Fact #10: Finally, remember that either you or your partner can have the herpes virus even if neither of you experienced skin lesions fir this reason it is absolutely vital to visit your doctor for serology if you are sexually active. Doing so is worth peace of mind of medica help that will follow.
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