Herpes Simplex 2 - Genital Herpes

The herpes simplex 2 virus or HSV-2 is a form of the herpes virus. The other form is HSV-1 which is commonly responsible for cold sores. The HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. Studies show that in about 80% of patients, the HSV-2 causes genital herpes, while the other 20% end up with just cold sores. This percentage can vary in teens due to the practice of oral intercourse which can pass the HSV-2 from the genital area to the mouth area.

Symptoms

While cold sores are common and visible, the herpes simplex 2 virus can be a little more problematic. When it becomes symptomatic, it can be easily confused with other opportunistic infections like jock itch or vaginal yeast infections.

HSV-2 is generally regarded as a STD (sexually transmitted disease). After infection has occurred, it takes anywhere from four days to a whole week for the virus to become symptomatic. The first time you will experience an outbreak, you are most likely to notice some flu symptoms like fever, muscle pain in the legs and swollen lymph glands.

The Good News About Bad News: Herpes Everything You Need to Know

A mild rash will appear at first. Itching sensations are also common, along with possible difficulty in urinating. Blisters filled with liquid will appear causing even more itching in the area. The blisters will burst eventually causing painful, itchy sores. Without treatment, it usually takes a full two weeks for them to heal. This time can be shorter, depending on how healthy you are and on the status of your immune system.

If you are experiencing any of these herpes symptoms, it is best to avoid sexual contact until after you treat them. Or if you are not sure whether it is genital herpes or not, the best thing to do is go to a doctor so he or she can give you an accurate diagnosis. Engaging in intercourse during an outbreak will result in you infecting your partner.

Treatment, prevention and possible complications

As with any type of herpes, the herpes simplex 2 virus is an untreatable condition. Once the virus settles in your body, it will remain latent there for the rest of your life. But when it does cause an outbreak, you have the option of treating the symptoms.

Antiviral medication is the sure way to go, especially if you are going through your first outbreak. Along with some pain managing medication and ointments for the blisters or sores, you should be fine in no time. There is no way of knowing if another outbreak will occur ever again – but there are methods in which you can reduce the risk of it happening. Maintaining proper hygiene, healthy diet and lifestyle and a strong immune system will help you on the long run in preventing further outbreaks.

The problem with the herpes simplex 2 virus is the fact that it can be mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic. Studies show that out of the 50 million US citizens who are suffering from this infection, 90% of them do not even know they have it. If a person with a compromised immune system (HIV, AIDS, liver cancer patients) gets infected, they are exposed to serious complications in case treatment is not applied immediately.

You can read more about herpes and diet at the herpes diet page of this site.

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