The word "herpes" conjures up different images for different people. Some see herpes as an ugly and annoying cold sore or blister that periodically appears on or around the lips. Others see herpes as a feared sexually transmitted disease that, once you have contracted, you have to suffer with for the rest of your life. Of course both of these images do represent the term "herpes" quite accurately for many people throughout the world, but medically speaking herpes is also appropriately applied to several lesser known afflictions. These conditions include herpes inside the mouth (herpes gingivostomatitis), herpes of the throat (herpes pharyngitis), herpes of the eye (herpes keratitis), herpes of the brain (herpes encephalitis), herpes transmitted to newborn infants (neonatal herpes), chickenpox (varicella-zoster), mono (mononucleosis) and shingles (herpes-zoster). All of these conditions are caused by one of the two closely related herpes viruses known as herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2.
Showing posts with label Understanding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Understanding. Show all posts
Jan 7, 2011
Herpes: Understanding If You Can Be Exposed
Herpes is one of those diseases that 'other people' get, right? Wrong. In fact, the sad truth is that many people will contract this disease without even realizing that they are at risk. Knowing what it is, what symptoms are, and how to seek out treatment is necessary. You need to understand, then, that anyone engaging in sex can be exposed to herpes.
Overview
First, you need to know what herpes is. There are two main forms that you are likely to come into contact with. The first type is oral herpes which effects the mouth and face. Then, there is genital herpes. There are two different viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2 that cause these conditions. The viruses live on nerves. They live in the nerves but travel up to the skin or mucous membrane to duplicate. This is called shedding. Then, it travels back down into the nerve and can remain there, dormant for a period of time.
The sad fact is that about 20 percent of all individuals living in the United States have HSV-2, which is the virus that causes genital herpes. But, HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes is present in upwards of 50-80 percent of adults! The sad part of this equation is that up to 90% of those who have herpes do not even know they have it.
Overview
First, you need to know what herpes is. There are two main forms that you are likely to come into contact with. The first type is oral herpes which effects the mouth and face. Then, there is genital herpes. There are two different viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2 that cause these conditions. The viruses live on nerves. They live in the nerves but travel up to the skin or mucous membrane to duplicate. This is called shedding. Then, it travels back down into the nerve and can remain there, dormant for a period of time.
The sad fact is that about 20 percent of all individuals living in the United States have HSV-2, which is the virus that causes genital herpes. But, HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes is present in upwards of 50-80 percent of adults! The sad part of this equation is that up to 90% of those who have herpes do not even know they have it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)