Once HIV became an epidemic, public concern about Herpes Simplex Virus faded. However, herpes affects a staggering number of people in the US. Approximately 30 million Americans carry HSV-2, the strain mainly responsible for genital herpes. Many of these people do not even know they are carriers. One of the roadblocks to preventing herpes is the lack of information about the virus. At least one in every six Americans carries HSV-2. So while you may feel isolated and alone if you have herpes, it is likely that some people you see every day are in the same boat, even if they do not know it.
What is herpes?
Herpes is a virus with no vaccine and no cure. The virus enters the skin cells and multiplies, eventually causing irritation, redness and sores. Once this outbreak subsides, herpes travels from the nerve endings to the spinal cord, where it rests until recurrence, which occurs periodically. In spite of this, it is possible to live a normal and happy life with herpes, including an active sex life and childbirth.
What does an outbreak look like?
Herpes lesions are small sores or blisters that occur singly or in groups. They range from mildly to extremely painful and itch, burn or feel like cuts. The lesions look like red, white or gray blisters or open sores. Because it travels through nerve ganglia, herpes usually recurs near the site of initial infection.
An outbreak can last from a few days to several weeks. The first outbreak typically occurs within 2-21 days of transmission. Severity and duration usually diminish with recurrences, once the body has developed a defense of antibodies. Unless sores become infected with bacteria, they usually do not scar.
Outbreaks can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms: general malaise, headaches, muscle aches, fever, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes. However, many people experience few or no symptoms, which is one reason why HSV-2 is so widespread. An outbreak can also occur within the vagina or on the cervix, testicles or scrotum, where it may not be easily seen or felt.
How is herpes transmitted?
Herpes is typically contracted where skin touches the virus at a sore location. It can also spread through saliva that has mixed with the virus or by touching a sore and then touching another skin area. An outbreak site might also shed virus when there are no symptoms or sores. Genital herpes is mainly spread by close contact, like intimate touching or oral, genital or anal sex. Rarely, it can be transmitted through sports that can involve accidental contact with genital areas, like wrestling. There has never been a documented case of someone getting it from a toilet seat or everyday casual contact.
