Got Herpes? Most of Us Do!

Sexually transmitted diseases are more common than you think. In fact, you may already have it or have had it at one time or another. You and your partner may be monogamous or you may even be a virgin, but you may still belong to the ninety percent of the U.S. population afflicted with some form of herpes.

Whoa! How can this happen? Well, ever got a cold sore? Most likely you have had a manifestation of herpes. Also know that you are still harboring the virus. Everyone you know, including yourself, may have the virus lying dormant within them. Yes, the U.S. is one big stew pot of herpes carriers for whom there is no cure. Herpes is highly contagious but thankfully, mild compared to other viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus.

Viral infections are difficult, if not still impossible to cure, despite today’s medical advancements. Herpes is one such virus that remains incurable but controllable. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) out there:

HSV 1, Oral Herpes:

This is the most common form of herpes and the kind you would much rather have. The symptoms are usually not much worse than cold sores. Transmission can occur by some simple social gesture as a social kiss or even shared eating utensils. People with HSV1 don’t experience any pain and most don’t even know they have it. The virus can spread without any visible sores at all. In fact, a lot of people contract herpes in their childhood because of lowered immune systems.

Although HSV-1 is usually considered a mild form, there are cases in which it can be dangerous. If it occurs in the eye, ocular herpes can lead to blindness. There are rare circumstances that HSV-1 can infect the brain causing herpes encephalitis which can lead to death. These conditions, however, are not common and perhaps occur when the immune system is severely hampered.

Herpes simplex 1 isn’t classed as an STD; however, it can become one when transmitted to the genitals through oral contact. If your partner has an HSV1-induced mouth sore and gives you a blow job, his or her herpes becomes your herpes only on a different location… which brings us to the second type, HSV 2, genital herpes.

HSV2, Genital Herpes:

Now this is the type you should avoid. HSV 2 is typed as a sexually transmitted disease, which unlike its milder sibling, manifests itself through irritations of the genitals, buttocks and upper thighs, flulike symptoms and painful urination. There could be recurrent painful genital sores especially in individuals whose immune systems are down.

Although there is medication to control the outbreaks, there is no cure for herpes of both types. The best way to avoid an HSV 2 infection is through sexual abstinence or exclusive sex with a monogamous partner who has been tested to be free of the virus. The next best thing is a latex condom, although it does not guarantee 100% protection. The virus cannot pass through latex; however, if there are minute sores in places not covered by the condom, you will get infected. A condom, though, considerably decreases the odds of infection.