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Herpes is a highly contagious virus. It is a chronic infection that stays with you for life, and you can experience outbreaks throughout your entire life after infection. There are many different types of the Herpes Virus in the world that humans can carry and transmit. Most people are aware of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 – otherwise referred to as oral herpes and genital herpes.  So maybe that blister is not “just” a cold sore.

What is Oral Herpes?

Oral Herpes is the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1(HSV-1).  Oral Herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 and can result in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, as with several STIs, many people do not have any symptoms. Several people with oral herpes were inadvertently infected during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva. Although a different strain of the Herpes Virus, Oral Herpes can cause genital herpes.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes is the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2).  Genital Herpes is transmitted as the result of the unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone infected with Herpes Simplex 1 or 2.  Because some people can be asymptomatic, they are unaware that they are spreading this virus.  Genital Herpes can be spread through direct contact with a herpes sore, contact with the saliva of an oral herpes infection or genital discharges from a genital herpes infection.  Skin to skin contact with either an oral herpes infection or genital herpes infection can also cause transmission of the virus; therefore, you do not have to engage in penetration or oral sex to pass along the virus.  And you can even get herpes from a partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected.

Symptoms of Herpes

Again, many people are not even aware that they have Herpes.  Symptoms can be very mild or even absent. But the virus is still there! 

Symptoms of Herpes may include:

• Females -Blisters may appear inside the vagina, on the vulva, thighs, buttocks, or anus
• Males - Blisters may appear on the penis, scrotum, thighs, buttocks, or anus
• The blisters can bleed easily
• Fever, pain in the joints and flu-like symptoms may present
• Pain with urination
• Itching or tingling
• Enlarged or tender lymph nodes

Many people mistake some of the symptoms for the flu.  This results in a lack of testing and treatment to help curb the spread of Herpes.  

Testing and Treatment

Testing for Herpes is a simple swab of the blisters.  There is no cure for Herpes. Herpes is a chronic infection that needs to be properly managed.  Medicated creams help with the pain and healing of the blisters.  Outbreak frequency changes with each person.  For some, it is monthly, and a small minority never have more than their initial one.  Many people find they have a trigger that can precipitate their outbreaks.  Stress, menstruation, illness, fatigue, and sunlight are a few common triggers.

Prevention

As with all STIs, the only absolute way to prevent transmission is to abstain from sexual activity.  But there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of transmission when engaging in sexual activity.

• Practice safer sex EVERY time
• Don’t have oral sex if you have an active cold sore
• Use a Dam (Oral Barrier) every time you have oral/vaginal or oral/anal sex
• Use a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex (But note that condoms do not protect from contact of skin not covered with the condom)
• Don’t share sex toys with an infected partner
• Condoms should be used to cover the penis during oral sex
• Get tested regularly, after new sexual partners or if a condom or barrier breaks during use

Long-term Effects

Herpes is a virus that stays with you for life. It can create an outbreak at any time.  The sores that result from genital herpes can bleed very easily.  This can make you more susceptible to other sexually transmitted infections as well, including HIV.

Genital Herpes can also impact an unborn child during pregnancy.  The virus can pass to your child before birth or during delivery. If you are in an active outbreak at the time of delivery, a caesarean section is often performed to avoid transmission.

It is imperative that you communicate with your sexual partners that you have the Herpes virus to ensure precautions are taken to help lessen the possibility of transmission. And you need to always remember that even with an absence of symptoms you can still infect your partners.

Summary

Your sexual health and well-being are extremely important.  It is a critical component of your overall health.  Maintaining your sexual health is your responsibility.  Take care of all your parts!!!