Genital Herpes Facts

886 Words2 Pages

Genital Herpes Facts

The Sexually Transmitted Disease Genital herpes (to creep) is very

common in most Americans especially adolescents. Genital herpes is

transmitted through sexual contact and other physical contact with an

infected person. Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes

Simplex Virus. Once a person is infected with the virus it stays in

their body for life. Once you have contracted this virus it is easy

to pass it on to someone else even if the virus is not active. The

virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body forever, which can

produce symptoms on and off in infected individuals. Herpes is spread

through direct contact. A Genital Herpes infection will stay in the

area it originated unless transferred elsewhere via direct contact or

skin-to-skin contact. The herpes virus does not just show up on the

body, it is important to avoid skin-to-skin contact with the infected

areas. If the herpes infection is not localized, further

complications will occur. Herpes is equally common among males and

females in the United States, but the rise is among the youth and

adolescents ranging from ages 12 and older.

There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus. Both types can cause

genital herpes and oral herpes. Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV) is one

of the most common forms of herpes simplex affecting more than 80% of

the population. It’s referred to as oral herpes, fever blisters or

clod sores that are formed around the mouth and on the face. Research

has shown that 50-80% of all Americans carry the antibodies of HSV I.

The second type is Herpes Simplex Virus II, which is the most usual

cause of genital he...

... middle of paper ...

...re are different types of

antiviral medications that are used to shorten outbreaks. There are

many different types of medications that can be used like Valtrex is

the number one used medication for genital herpes. A physician can

only prescribe these medications. Daily suppressive therapy for

symptomatic herpes can also be used also. FAMVIR tablets are used as

well to prevent outbreaks form occurring often and many others use

herbal medications.

Genital herpes has become one of the most common viral infections

affecting the social and economic class.

Genital herpes is a very serious and dangerous virus that is

contracted and passed along by a careless person. Even with treatments

this virus can still be passed along. To prevent this from happening

practice safe sex, but the best way is through abstinence.

More about Genital Herpes Facts

Open Document