Genital Herpes Research Paper

961 Words2 Pages

Caden Nash
Mr. Rousselle
Health 7th
3 December 2015
Genital Herpes Genital Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in America. Although herpes is extremely common however, it is not fatal. At least 45 million americans over the age of twelve are infected by the herpes virus, this is ⅕ of the population in the United States. This means that in every five people, one is likely to be infected with the virus. Herpes is “any of several viral diseases causing the eruption of small blister like vessels on the skin or mucous membranes especially herpes simplex or herpes zoster.” In other words, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects the skin and can spread to the area of skin around the infection. …show more content…

Outbreaks or symptoms usually occur between three and five days however, sometimes outbreaks can show up months or even years after contact. Infected individuals usually have about four outbreaks a year for the first few years, then the number of outbreaks goes down. Usually the outbreaks happen near where the virus entered the body. Everyone does not always have the same outbreak symptoms and the outbreaks can come and go over time. Different contributors can bring on outbreaks. Stress, hormones, trauma, immunosuppression or illness are some of the contributing factors. Herpes outbreaks begin at the area of exposure, with an itching and burning sensation. Later, as the symptoms progress, watery blisters form, then later become open sores. Outbreaks can cause sores on or near lips, genitals, rectal area, buttocks or thighs. General symptoms can include small red bumps, swollen glands, muscle aches, headaches, genital discharge or pain when urinating. The first twentyfour hours are critical after contracting the virus and the quicker a medical regiment is in place the better the overall outcome. Medicine can calm the symptoms however, the virus will never leave the body. A blood test can be administered to determine if the virus is in the …show more content…

Oral herpes can be spread to the genital with infected oral contact. During sexual contact herpes can spread to the partner when there are open sores however, it can also spread when there are no symptoms present. The herpes is most contagious for the first six months after contracting the virus. Condoms can block but not completely prevent the spread of the virus. Abstinence is the best defence in preventing herpes.
Herpes also means “to creep.” The STD is referred “to creep” because of its reputation to stay with you indefinitely and to outbreak at random times. Herpes has a tendency “to creep” from person to person due to the fact many people do not know they have the virus. Most teens do not know much about this virus. Teens are are the fastest growing population contracting the virus. Once one has been infected with the virus it stays with you for the rest of your

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