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There are Two Types of Herpes Virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2

Genital Herpes

Herpes is one of the most common forms of viral infection or sexually transmitted diseases transmitted among people today. There are two kinds of Herpes: oral herpes, which results in cold sores or fever blisters and genital herpes.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type one often referred to as HSV-1 and type 2 referred to as HSV-2. Though these viruses are almost identical in nature, HSV-1 typically results in sores around the face and mouth, whereas HSV-2 is usually associated with genital herpes.

There is a lot of social stigma surrounding herpes, which is unusual given that more than 80 million people in the U.S. alone have herpes in any given year. HSV-1 is actually one of the most common infections in young people today. More than 80 percent of the population in fact will contract HSV-1 usually before they are age 25.

The Signs and Symptoms of Herpes
Herpes is generally transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or contact with body fluids. Thus you can transmit oral herpes by kissing or sharing drinks, and you can transmit genital herpes through sexual contact.

Many people will contract herpes but not become aware of it. This is particularly the case with genital herpes, because many people with genital herpes do not have any noticeable symptoms of the disease at one time or another.

When first exposed to the herpes virus, many people will notice their first symptoms however within 2 to 21 days of exposure. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. The first episode may include swollen lymph nodes, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue and headaches. If you have contracted genital herpes you may notice swelling, pain or itching in the genital area. The same may be true of oral herpes. Typically this is followed by the formation of small red spots that can change into blisters.

Eventually the herpes blisters crust over and begin to heal. This may sometimes case pain and discomfort. Symptoms typically go away within two to three weeks after the first episode. Subsequent outbreaks are usually much less severe and may heal within 10 days.

The Treatment of Herpes
Once you have herpes, the virus stays in your body for life. There is no cure for oral or genital herpes. Some people who contract herpes will have only one outbreak their entire life. This is typically referred to as an inactive infection.

Many people however will have recurrences of their symptoms. Recurrences tend to generally get milder and heal much faster in the future. Herpes is most contagious during the active phase, when viral shedding occurs. During this stage you may not have any symptoms of an outbreak, but your skin cells may be shedding the virus.

There are some triggers that sometimes can result in a reactivation of the virus. Among the more common triggers include the following:

• Overexposure to the sun.
• Menstruation.
• Fatigue or being run down.
• Skin irritation.
• Poor nutrition.

There are many treatment options available for people with herpes. The most common treatment methods is use of antiviral mediation. Antiviral medications can be applied topically or taken internally to help prevent the virus from multiplying on the surface. They can also be used to reduce the length of time someone is experiencing an outbreak. The most common forms of antiviral available today include: famciclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir.

Suppressive treatment involves taking a medication on a daily basis to reduce the likelihood that you will experience an outbreak. This can be useful for people who experience frequent outbreaks.

Herpes Prevention
There are many things you can do to minimize your exposure to the herpes virus. If you have already contracted the virus, you can also do several things to prevent your disease from spreading to other people or other areas of your body:

• Avoid touching herpes sores, which will limit the areas of your body exposed to the virus.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water several times per day.
• Avoid unprotected intercourse, (though there is a risk of infection even when protection is used).
• Avoid sexual contact when you are experiencing any symptoms of a sore, until the time when a sore is completely healed.
• Use sun block and avoid excessive exposure to the wind and other elements.
• Reduce your stress level as much as possible.
• Exercise to improve your immune system.