How Likely Are You to Transmit Herpes?

By Elva Jose  |   Submitted On July 16, 2015

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Are cold sores contagious?
There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about cold sores. Once you get to know that these are symptoms of oral herpes, you start getting worried about how it might affect your life. However, it is worth mentioning that every 1 in 4 persons in the United States is affected with the herpes simplex virus. This means that a majority of adults in the country have herpes and there is nothing to be worried about it. Herpes isn't a big deal for most people having it.
What is herpes and how do you get it?
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus is categorized by two types - HSV 1 and HSV 2 that are responsible for oral and genital herpes respectively. The virus can be transmitted through direct physical contact or body fluids such as saliva and sperm. It is worth noting that the infection is most contagious when a person has cold sores.
HSV 1 can be transmitted through kissing or oral sex, in addition to vaginal and anal sex. Sharing towels, toothbrushes and utensils with the infected person may also transmit the virus. The herpes infection can be asymptomatic in nature. This means that a person infected with the herpes simplex virus may never know that he is carrying the virus. On the other hand, if the infection is symptomatic, you might experience outbreaks that are characterized by blisters and cold sores, which is accompanies by burning and itching.
What triggers a herpes outbreak?
A herpes outbreak is usually triggered by changes to your immune system. Hormonal changes in the body as well as stress may also lead to a herpes outbreak. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is also considered to be one of the culprits.
How can you avoid spreading the infection?
It is extremely difficult to prevent spreading asymptomatic herpes. On the other hand, if you happen to experience symptoms of herpes such as cold sores and blisters, it is advised that you do not touch any other person and abstain from exchanging body fluids. The herpes infection is very easy to spread. Therefore, it is essential that you follow adequate precautions while interacting with others.
Can you get genital herpes from oral herpes?
Having HSV - 1 doesn't make you immune against HSV - 2 and vice versa. An outbreak in one part of the body cannot stop it from spreading it to another part. You can transfer an oral infection to the genitals by touching your mouth or if you receive oral sex. However, this is not very common. According to statistics, only 10 percent of the population having herpes is infected with both the strands of the virus.
All in all, herpes is contagious regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms. As there is no cure to this, once you're infected, you have it forever.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Elva_Jose/1943247

Herpes With Pregnancy - Things You Need To Know

By Dinah Taylor  |   Submitted On July 22, 2015

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The herpes simplex virus is contagious and can be passed on easily through direct contact. Children are likely to come in contact with HSV-1 from infected adults. Be it genital herpes or cold sores, once you are infected with herpes, it stays for life. There's a small risk of complication during pregnancy, if you are infected with herpes. But as the condition can be devastating, it is imperative to undertake and follow certain preventive measures that would reduce the risk of infection.
PROTECTING THE BABY DURING PREGNANCY
If a mother acquires herpes before getting pregnant, she is very unlikely to transmit the infection to the infant. The antibodies will protect the baby from contracting herpes. Moreover, doctors can help protect the baby with proper and suitable medications. In case the mother is infected during late pregnancy, the baby is at a greater risk and has a real chance to contracting herpes. The mother does not have antibodies to act against the herpes virus in this case.
COMPLICATIONS FACED BY INFECTED MOTHERS DURING PREGNANCY
Genital herpes leads to premature birth and sometimes even a miscarriage. Moreover, it is also possible that the infected mother passes the virus to the baby during labor. As there is no cure for genital herpes, it is more likely to pass herpes in the event of an outbreak. A lot also depends on the right care with proper medications and regular visits to the doctor to keep the baby safe. It is important to inform your doctor and midwife if you have herpes.
HOW DOES HERPES INFECT A BABY?
If a mother is observed to have an outbreak while delivering a baby, it is more likely that it will affect the infant. Herpes can also be spread to the baby when someone with cold sores kisses the baby. In rare cases, if someone touches a person having symptoms of herpes and then immediately touches the baby, the risk of transmission of HSV increases. Each year, nearly 30% of pregnant women are reported to have herpes in the United States but only 1500 infants are passed on the virus. This also indicates that a majority of women give birth to healthy babies.
It takes approximately 10 weeks to develop antibodies which prevent herpes to infect a newborn. Antibodies are good. A pregnant woman should do all the possible things to prevent infection in her baby. It is very important to let your doctor know about any herpes outbreak as right medications can be extremely effective during pregnancy. In the first place, safe sex would prevent you from contracting the herpes simplex virus.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dinah_Taylor/2070134

How Do Herpes Support Groups Work?

By Elva Jose  |   Submitted On August 04, 2015

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There was a time when people affected with herpes and other sexually transmitted infections found it difficult to cope up with the stigma attached with it. However, things changed significantly over the years and people have become more supportive and sympathetic towards them. Nevertheless, these individuals continue to face discrimination in many parts of the world.
Herpes support groups have emerged as a ray of hope for those looking to understand the condition and seek support from like - minded individuals from all walks of life. It has been observed that a lot of people diagnosed with herpes have no idea about how the infection can be treated or prevented from spreading. This is when the importance of support groups increase manifold.
How do these work and what should you do to make the most of them?
As the name suggests, these groups are exclusive to those infected with the herpes simplex virus. Although others can join these groups, discussions pertaining to herpes are entertained. These groups prohibit users from indulging in any form of marketing / promotion. Nevertheless, if you have any useful resources that can help them understand the condition better, you can share them.
Membership: A majority of these groups are absolutely free to join. However, there are a few that require users to pay a subscription fee. The subscription usually gives access to chat features and gives the ability to post more questions.
Features: A typical herpes support groups gives users the opportunity to communicate and connect with each other. It is essentially a platform where people from across the globe can come together and share their experiences pertaining to herpes. Users can also post success stories and give vital information about 'herpes care' centers. Besides, you would be able to post questions and participate in discussions initiated by others. A few support groups also allow users to get in touch with a counselor or a medical expert.
Some of these groups also help users find a life companion or make friends. Registered users would be able to create a profile and communicate with like - minded people from across the globe.
Privacy: The topic of STDs continues to be a sensitive one and websites ensure that a user's personal identifiable information is safe. Indeed, most websites give its members the convenience of remaining anonymous.
Should you join such a group?
There is no reason why you shouldn't join such groups. They are packed with information and users get a platform to share their personal experiences. In addition, you could also read success stories and draw inspiration from them. All you need to do is complete the registration process and wait for approval from the admin. Once this has been completed, you'd be able to post questions and participate in other discussions.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Elva_Jose/1943247

Common STDs

By Ken S.  |   Submitted On August 06, 2015

Common STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) include chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis. Also called STI's (sexually transmitted infections), they are bacteria and viruses that are spread from person to person during sexual contact. If left untreated, they can cause serious health complications or even death. Everyone who is sexually active is at risk. It is important that people get an STD test in order to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common STDs in More Detail:
Chlamydia is an infection caused by bacteria. It can cause cause a burning or stinging sensation during urination. It can also cause genital pain and discharge. It affects both men and women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's one of the most common STDs in the United States. Sexually active people ages 15 to 24 have the highest rates of this infection. It is easily cured with antibiotics that must be prescribed by a doctor. A lab must diagnose the chlamydia infection. A small urine sample is all that is needed for a chlamydia test. Often, people who test positive for chlamydia also test positive for gonorrhea. Doctors recommend testing for both at the same time. If one partner tests positive, both partners need to be tested and treated. This reduces the risk of re-infection if they remain sexually active with each other.
Gonorrhea, also in the class of common STDs, is a bacterial infection that can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. Often referred to as "the drip" or "the clap", it thrives in the penis or the vagina. It can also live in the anus or the throat. The CDC reports that people age 15-24 who are sexually active have the highest rate of new cases each year. A lab-based test is the only thing that can diagnose gonorrhea. A small sample of urine is needed. People that have gonorrhea often have chlamydia as well. Doctors recommend getting a full STD test that will screen for both of them. Doctors also recommend that both sexual partners get tested and treated or they could quickly re-infect one another.
Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. If it isn't treated, hepatitis can cause serious liver damage, liver cancer, and even liver failure. There are three types of hepatitis - A, B, & C. Antibiotics will not cure hepatitis. Antiviral medication must be prescribed to suppress this virus instead. Antiviral treatment allows infected people to live an active lifestyle. Research is underway to find a cure for hepatitis. It's considered one of the common STDs because it can easily be transmitted during sexual contact. A blood test must be completed in order to diagnose hepatitis
Herpes (also called Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV) is a viral infection. It can be treated with antiviral medication. There are two types of herpes - Type I and Type II. Both of these common STDs cause blisters and open sores. Type I creates blisters and/or sores in and/or around the mouth and lips. (People call them cold sores.) They can be treated with over the counter medication. Type II causes sores in and around the genital or anal region. Antiviral medication is available with a doctors' prescription. When the herpes virus is active, the blisters and sores it causes are called "outbreaks". The antiviral medication that is available can suppress these outbreaks. However, herpes can be spread even when outbreaks are suppressed. Without treatment, herpes can make a pregnant women have a miscarriage or deliver early. It can also be passed from the mother to her unborn child during delivery. That's why a caesarean section is recommended for mothers with herpes. A simple blood test can diagnose common STDs like herpes.
HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). If not treated quickly, it can be fatal. Many times it is the most stigmatized of all of the common STDs. Many people do not know they have been infected with HIV because they do not have any symptoms. However, if indications do occur, people may experience flu like symptoms within a few weeks of infection. These symptoms can include fever, rash, headache, sore throat, swollen neck glands, and open sores or ulcers in the mouth. Generally they go away without treatment within a few weeks. If left untreated, HIV can live in the body for about 10 years. During this time the body's immune system is weakened. If the HIV is still not treated, a person will develop AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV. This is when the body loses all of its ability to fight off infections. This is when it becomes fatal. A blood test is needed to diagnose HIV. Once diagnosed, it can be treated. When detected early, people that are properly treated for HIV are able to live long, active lives.
HPV (human papilloma virus) is a viral infection. There are approximately 100 types of HPV. When it comes to common STDs, it is definitely one of the most common STDs in the U.S. The CDC estimates that about 75% of people between ages 15 and 49 who are sexually active get some form of HPV at some point. In many cases, the body is able to fight the virus and any symptoms will clear up on their own. However if symptoms continue, they can cause genital warts as well as cervical, anal, and/or oral cancer. A lab test must be completed to diagnose the different types of HPV. Generally women will get a Pap test to determine their HPV status.
Genital warts are common STDs caused by certain types of HPV. These warts can be big or small. They can be located anywhere on or near the genital region. This includes the cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, or thigh. They may take weeks or even months to show up after having sexual contact with an infected person. A doctor must do a visual inspection to diagnose and treat genital warts. The HPV types that cause warts are often associated with cervical cancer, not oral or anal cancer.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection. This sexually transmitted infection is one of the most common STDs that can be easily and quickly treated with antibiotics. But without treatment, it will develop in stages. The symptoms vary with each stage.

• Stage 1 (also called the primary stage), a sore will develop. The sore (or sores) develop at the place where the infection entered the body. It is often painless and is often unnoticed. It lasts 3-6 weeks and heals with or without treatment. However, treatment is necessary in order to kill the bacteria so that symptoms will not progress.


• Stage 2 (the secondary stage) is when multiple sores or rashes can develop in various parts of the body. These sores or rashes occur when the primary sore(s) is healing. They can also occur several weeks after the primary sore has healed. They generally do not itch and can be so faint that they go unnoticed. Other symptoms can mimic flu like symptoms and include fever, fatigue, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and weight loss. These symptoms usually go away whether they are treated or not. However, getting the right medication is important or the infection will progress to stage three.


• Stage 3 syphilis is also called the latent or late stage. This stage begins when the untreated symptoms from the first two stages disappear. The bacteria continue to live in the body for decades during this stage. Then when symptoms arise they are serious. They can include paralysis, numbness, blindness, and dementia. They can also damage your internal organs and cause death.

Common STDs in Conclusion:
Common STDs are easy to get and easy to spread. The only way to know if you have one is with a lab-based, FDA approved STD test. Doctors recommend that anyone who is sexually active be screened for all common STDs at least once every year. They also recommend that you get an STD test with every new partner or if your partner has other partners.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_S./179266