Understanding the Facts about Herpes

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults have herpes. Although herpes is a widely known infection, some infected people are unaware of their condition. When a person with herpes is not taking suppresant medication, it becomes easier to pass herpes to another person. There are classic symptoms of herpes, which are strong indicators of the infection. On the other hand, many people living with herpes suffer form less obvious symptoms, which contributes to the condition going unnoticed.

Classic Herpes Symptoms:

• Small fluid-filled blisters, bumps, or sores
• Blisters will break, and then heal
• Blisters often accompanied with redness, pain, or itchiness

Other Symptoms of Herpes:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Swollen glands
• Muscles aches
• Fever

Facts about Herpes:

• Symptoms generally apear within 2 to 20 days following initial contact
• Herpes symtpoms may linger for several weeks
• Mild infections often go unnoticed, or is attributed to other conditions
• Herpes is contagious, and primarily affects the genitalia of men and women
• Approximately 500,000 people are newly diagnosed with herpes each year
• Herpes can be transmitted when there are no visual symptoms
• Herpes is passed by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

1. Intercourse
2. Oral Sex
3. Anal Sex
4. Masturbation
5. Kissing 
Herpes and Pregnancy

If pregnant, infected mothers may pass the virus to their unborn babies. For this matter, knowingly infected mothers should speak with a doctor upon learning of their pregnancy. Moreover, infected women planning on becoming pregnant should speak with a doctor and discuss the risks.

Most babies are infected with herpes as they pass through the birth canal. However, if there are no signs of an outbreak, the risk of infection is low. Still, doctors may recommend a cesarean section to protect newborns from coming in contact with the herpes virus.