[Jdub]

Herpes

Disease Fact Sheet
What is Herpes?
Herpes is caused by a virus called [I]Herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV type I is usually associated with oral herpes (in and around the mouth) and type II is usually associated with genital herpes (in and around the vagina, penis and rectum), although both strains can infect any area of the body.[/I]
How is Herpes spread?
Herpes simplex type I is spread through the saliva of the infected person to his or her partner through kissing or oral- genital (mouth to penis, mouth to vagina) contact. Herpes simplex type II is primarily spread through sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal).
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Typically, a herpes simplex infection is characterized by a blister-like sore (lesion) or several sores which appear at the area of exposure. Once infected, a person may remain entirely without symptoms or may have occasional outbreaks of the lesions. The lesions are usually painful and may be more painful for women than men.
The first outbreak tends to be the most severe and most painful. Often, it is accompanied by fever, malaise (a general "blah" feeling), headaches, and neck and back stiffness.
How soon do the symptoms develop?
Usually between two and twelve days after exposure.
For how long is the infected person able to spread herpes to others?
Once infected, a person is capable of spreading herpes to others for the rest of his or her life. The most dangerous time is when an infected person is having an outbreak of herpes sores, but people can spread herpes to others during times when no symptoms are present. This occurs during times of viral shedding (large amounts of the herpes virus present on the surface of the skin without the herpes sores). Unfortunately there is no way to know when viral shedding is occurring.
What is the treatment for herpes?
There is no cure for herpes. There is a medication called Acyclovir (Zovirax) which can shorten the time period and lessen the pain of the outbreaks. Zovirax is available as an oral tablet taken five times a day, or as a cream that you put on the sores. A doctor's prescription is needed to obtain it. There are newer medications that have recently been made available that are only taken twice a day.
What are the complications of herpes?
In adult women there is a risk that herpes infection can lead to cancer of the cervix.
People can get herpes infections in their eyes. This happens when they touch an area of themselves that has a herpes sore, and then they rub their eyes.
How can herpes be prevented?
Consistent condom use will greatly decrease the likelihood of spreading herpes but there is no such thing as no risk. Sexual contact should be completely avoided when a person is having an outbreak of the sores. Hand washing after using the toilet or touching a sore will prevent infection in the eyes.
What about my partner(s)?
If you are infected with herpes, it is your job to do your best to prevent others from getting herpes from you. Most people consider it their duty to warn people about their herpes infection [I]before having sex.[/I]
Can I get help in telling my partners?
Yes. You can call a public health worker who will help you decide which words will work best in telling your partner(s). The public health worker can role-play with you to practice telling your partner(s). You're partner(s) can also call the public health worker with any questions or concerns they may have about herpes.

[Don]

There is a chick at work with herpes on her face..... some may call it a cold sore..... I say it is from her sucking dirty cocks.