If you're looking for a highly infectious virus that's both sneaky and persistent in the way it inflicts pain on human beings, look no further than herpes. This pesky virus has plagued humans for eons, making people scratch their heads while trying to rid themselves of its presence.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what herpes is, how it spreads from one person to the next faster than wildfire and cover everything else related to it so that at the end of the reading journey - you'll know all there is about herpes!
What Is Herpes?
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by two strains of viruses known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Both strains cause painful blisters around your mouth or genital areas. And just when you thought that was enough pain already; we got some worst news: it never leaves your body! Instead, it hides out alongside nerves deep in your skin until an outbreak occurs.
How Do You Get Infected with Herpes?
Contact with secretions during vaginal sex often leads to becoming infected with HSV-2 in most cases. But worry not! There are other 'fun' ways; like sharing utensils (eww!), towels (stop doing this immediately!!) or even hugging/ kissing someone experiencing an active outbreak which can transfer HSV-1 onto another person causing cold sores – Joyful right?
Many people contract herpes via sexual contact without knowing they were ever exposed since the symptoms may not show up at first. However, once symptoms appear, outbreaks will be present throughout life whenever conditions favor its activities such as stress levels elevating too high eventually triggering yet another episode!
Highly Infectious Little Purple Monsters
Any skin-to-skin contact between you and a person who carries the virus can lead to herpes' transmission. For HSV-1, most people get infected by kissing someone with an active outbreak. Whereas for HSV-2, having unprotected sex or sharing drug needles is the primary mode of transmission.
The Symptoms
If you contract herpes, you'll start noticing symptoms from two days up to two weeks after contracting it - lucky you! It may cause annoying discomfort ranging from pain in the affected area accompanied by itching/ burning sensations while blisters are forming. Once these little purple monsters have burst open and crust over; they tend to leave healing scabs due to which one should avoid scratching at all costs! Remember: Scratching will only prolong misery!
Cold Sores
Cold sores caused by HSV-1 typically develop around your mouth's border within a few days of contact with an infected individual's saliva – use caution when engaging in deep saliva swaps that involve tongue action though!!
Genital Herpes
Here's the granddaddy of them all: genital herpes caused by none other than HSV-2 leads towards multiple sores around genitals, upper thighs or rectum areas (ouch!) If contracted via oral sex; it might also spread into someone's mouth potentially making them feel like they're being attacked internally as well as externally—what fun!
Prodrome Phase Before Outbreaks
Most often before outbreaks occur, there's what doctors call a prodrome phase where tingling sensations/dull pains happen along the affected area(s) That indicates Oh dear another round is going down soon because even if symptoms fade away without any treatment - chances are high it will come back biting just as hard later on!(Hint: You cannot escape!)
Diagnosis & Treatment
There is no definitive cure for herpes currently available worldwide; however certain antiviral medications out there can reduce its severity—finally some good news! But let's not forget taking preventative measures! Services at clinics such as Planned Parenthood provide confidential testing and counseling to identify herpes to help you alleviate symptoms, avoid passing the virus onto others, or possibly establishing ways for reducing eventual recurrent episodes.
Antiviral Medications
These medications could lower down outbreaks in frequency (hooray!) But they may also decrease viral shedding along with relieving painful effects. Le gustaría un poco de medicina antiherpética?
Pain Management Treatments
Common over-the-counter products like Aspirin; Acetaminophen even ibuprofen can reduce pain immensely. However, topical ointments like numbing agents or sedatives often work better in some cases—depending on how much braveness (or stupidity) patients want to bear!
Stressing Less Might Help -We Know It Won't
Managing stress level is incredibly crucial if you have contracted genital herpes because high-stress levels increase its recurrence risks. Potential avenues might include engaging in physical activities – no matter what that implies Or mentally distressing exercises such as meditation/ mindfulness practices but let's be honest: Suggest exercising instead of going drunk-swimming!
Conclusion
Herpes is a harsh reality we all need to face once we get infected with it (which hopefully never happens). There's no complete cure yet available however medication coupled together with other supportive therapies could bring about significant relief from its myriad physical manifestations – so yeah good luck & keep your fingers crossed while hoping for the best remedy out there!