What Is Mild Herpes And How Can I Avoid It?

When we think of genital herpes, we immediately think of genital sores and other unpleasant and sometimes unsightly symptoms that science has to find a cure for.

Genital herpes affects an extremely large number of people in the United States every year. Nearly 30 million Americans carry a certain strain, HSV-2, which is responsible for causing genital herpes.

Studies show that 1 in every 6 Americans carry the HSV-2 virus

Most people don’t even realize that they are carriers. As of yet, there is no vaccine or cure for herpes. Upon entering the body, the virus will multiply, eventually causing irritation, sores and redness. Once the initial outbreak subsides, the herpes virus will travel into the spinal cord from the nerve endings, which is where it will reside until the next recurrence. Recurrence will happen periodically.

Genital herpes is not life threatening, but it does carry psychological effects as well as painful physical symptoms. Many people who have genital herpes describe feelings of regret, shame and isolation. Many lifelong sufferers speak of feeling “damaged” and “dirty”. Genital herpes definitely promotes a dramatic drop in self esteem.

The symptoms of genital herpes can vary in intensity and appearance, but most people don’t even realize they’re experiencing symptoms, because symptoms can be very mild in some cases.

During the first episode, lesions will typically be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and body ache. Some people will experience difficult and painful urination and swollen glands in the groin. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge.

Lesions as a result of genital herpes will typically appear anywhere from two to ten days after the person is infected by the virus. Lesions can last anywhere from two to four weeks. At first, some symptoms may start out as small red bumps, which may later turn into blisters. The blisters eventually open and become painful open sores, eventually drying up and crusting over. They will then heal, leaving no scar. Sometimes, a second round of lesions will occur.

It seems that people who suffer from genital herpes are also at a much higher risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. HIV infected individuals who also have genital herpes can have very severe outbreaks which tend to be more frequent than with other people. In these situations, such outbreaks may become increasingly difficult to treat.

If you think you may have genital herpes, it’s important that you speak with your doctor immediately. You need to make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly whatever it is you’re suffering from. Your doctor can discuss treatment options with you.

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What Is Mild Herpes And How Can I Avoid It?

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