HERPES SIMPLEX 2

Herpes … even the name sounds menacing. While not a life threatening condition, contracting Herpes Simplex 2 (otherwise known as genital herpes) can change a person’s life and the way they handle their relationships forever.

The Herpes Simplex Virus comes in two general forms: Herpes Simplex I, which is categorized by the painful blisters and sores it causes in and around the mouth and lips.  While not pleasant to deal with (they tend to be pretty ugly and hurt a lot), most people would prefer this version of the virus when compared to Herpes Simplex 2, otherwise known as genital herpes.

When Herpes Simplex 2 is contracted, blisters appear on the sexual organs and genital area.  An outbreak of this strain of the virus can be extremely painful and embarrassing. It can also cause a variety of other health-related symptoms including::

• Open sores that scab and then heal over a period of several days or weeks
• swollen glands
• a fever
• mild to severe headaches
• overall body aches
• muscle aches
• painful urination

Since Herpes Simplex 2 is extremely contagious, close contact should be avoided with one’s sexual partner when a flare-up occurs.  Sexual intercourse should not be performed during this time and even when an active outbreak of sores is not present, any sexual intimacy should be conducted under extreme care using condoms for added protection. Keep in mind though, that condoms are not 100% effective in keeping transmission of the disease from occurring.

Contracting genital herpes can be devastating for a person who may not want the stigma attached with the disease also attached to them as a person. .  Another reason for their concern may be the fact that the virus can not be cured and remains in the system for a lifetime.

While active outbreaks of the virus may only occur a few times a year, unprotected sex at any time is not recommended.  The virus (even when lying dormant) can be passed quite easily from one partner to another during close intimate contact.  Those with multiple partners must notify each of their partners about their disease in order to prevent spreading the virus to any unsuspecting partners in the future.

Pregnant women must be especially careful to prevent passing the disease onto the unborn baby. The most dangerous times to have a herpes outbreak while pregnant is during the first few weeks of a pregnancy when the fetus could be put at risk, and the end of the pregnancy when labor may occur.  Most doctors will recommend a C-section section for any woman with herpes, although some will allow a vaginal delivery as long as no open sores are detected.

Considered both a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), herpes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor for the long term.  If you suspect that you may have contracted herpes, be sure to tell your doctor and have any open sores in your genital area tested immediately for the virus. Waiting until a sore has scabbed over or even healed can make diagnosing the disease difficult and may require waiting for another outbreak to begin treatment.

Although Herpes Simplex 2 can not be cured, there are medications as well as homeopathic remedies that can be used to lesson a patient’s symptoms and keep future attacks at a minimum.
Of course, the best treatment option is keeping your immune system strong. Research shows that a weakened immune system actually helps the herpes virus thrive and can push it out of its formant stage, causing a painful outbreak of blisters.  Stress and illness have been cited as the two main herpes activators, according to the medical experts who study the virus.

To eliminate future attacks, it is important to live as stress free as possible and eat a well balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.  Alcohol, mono-saturated fats and processed foods should be avoided as much as possible. In addition, getting plenty of sleep to give the immune system the time it needs to rest and rejuvenate the entire body is paramount to success. For most people that means indulging in 8-10 hours of quality sleep every night to ensure optimal health.

Contracting herpes simplex 2 can be difficult for some people to handle. That is why it is important to get support if needed.  Learn as much as you can about the disease so that you can keep outbreaks at bay and live  a healthier life. For more information on the disease and what you can do to handle this new reality in your own life, contact the National herpes Hotline at 919-361-8488.