What is Herpes

Herpes is kind of sexually transmitted disease(STD) by herpes simplex virus(HSV). it is a group of common virus that cause painful sores and blisters on your genitals, rectal area, anal areas, buttocks and thighs. The most common viruses include herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most people who get the virus that lead to herpes may have no symptoms at all. But once people get the disease, it can be annoying and painful. Since there is no cure for the disease, it may trouble people with the disease for years.

Herpes is a common infection that stays within your body for a lifetime. About 1 in 5 people in the US has genital herpes. Herpes is caused by two different viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both viruses can cause sores pop up on or around the vagina, anus, penis, butt, thighs, lips, mouth and throat.

HSV 1 and HSV-2 are two different but similar virus that can live on many parts of the body, most people can’t tell the difference.

When herpes, either HSV-1 or HSV-2, on or around the genital areas such as vagina, anus, penis, butt and thighs, it is called genital herpes.

When herpes, either HSV-1 or HSV-2 occur in or around your lips, mouth and throat, it is called oral herpes, which are also called fever blisters or cold sores.

HSV-1 often causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. But it is possible for the two kinds of herpes to occur in any parts of the body.

Herpes can spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas during sex, including vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex and kissing. Herpes can also be passed from penis ir tongue to vagina, anus or mouth. People can also get oral herpes from kissing. The skin on the genitals, mouth, eyes can be easily infected. Herpes causes painful sores that may come and go around genitals, rectal area, anal areas, buttocks and thighs. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, painful lumps in the groin, painful urination and muscle pain. Most people who get infected with the disease may mistake the sores for something else and have no idea they have already been infected. People can also spread herpes even they don;t have any symptoms.

There’s no cure for herpes, but some medications like acyclovir, , and famciclovi can help patients feel better and shorten an outbreak. Taking condom or dental dam every time can largely reduce the chance to get infected with the disease. Keeping a healthy life may also help.

Posted on May 5, 2023