How long does herpes remain contagious after an outbreak. What are effective ways to prevent spreading herpes to sexual partners. How can someone with herpes maintain a healthy sex life. What are the key facts about herpes transmission and treatment.

Understanding Herpes: Types, Symptoms, and Prevalence

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types:

• HSV-1: Typically associated with oral herpes, causing cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth
• HSV-2: Usually responsible for genital herpes

According to the World Health Organization, herpes is extremely prevalent globally:

• Approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 have oral herpes (HSV-1)
• An estimated 417 million people aged 15-49 have genital herpes (HSV-2)

Despite its commonality, herpes continues to carry a significant social stigma, particularly regarding sexually transmitted infections. This stigma can lead to stress and anxiety for those diagnosed, which may inadvertently trigger outbreaks.

Herpes Transmission: Myths and Facts

Understanding how herpes spreads is crucial for prevention and managing the condition. Can you contract herpes from everyday objects? While the risk is low, it’s not impossible. Herpes can potentially spread through contact with contaminated items such as:

• Toilet seats
• Bedding
• Swimming pools
• Shared utensils, soap, or towels

However, the primary mode of transmission is through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, particularly during an active outbreak when sores are present.

Recognizing Herpes Symptoms and Outbreaks

Herpes symptoms can vary from person to person, but typical signs of an outbreak include:

• Burning, itching, or tingling sensation in the affected area
• Appearance of small, red bumps or blisters
• Open sores that may leak fluid
• Scabs forming as the sores heal

Is the first herpes outbreak the most severe? Typically, yes. Initial outbreaks are often the most painful and prolonged. Over time, many individuals experience shorter, less intense outbreaks, with some eventually ceasing to have outbreaks altogether.

Managing Herpes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Adjustments

While there’s no cure for herpes, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce outbreak frequency:

1. Antiviral medications: Prescribed by healthcare providers to suppress the virus and shorten outbreak duration
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers: To alleviate discomfort during outbreaks
3. Topical treatments: To soothe affected areas and promote healing
4. Stress management techniques: As stress can trigger outbreaks, practices like meditation or yoga may help
5. Dietary adjustments: Some foods may influence outbreaks, so keeping a food diary can be beneficial

How effective are these treatments in preventing herpes transmission? While they can significantly reduce the risk, it’s important to note that no method is 100% foolproof. Consistent use of antivirals, combined with safe sex practices, offers the best protection.

Navigating Relationships with Herpes: Communication and Safe Sex Practices

Maintaining a healthy sex life after a herpes diagnosis is entirely possible. The key lies in open communication with partners and adopting safe sex practices:

• Discuss your herpes status with potential partners before engaging in sexual activity
• Use condoms or dental dams consistently, even when no symptoms are present
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks or when you feel one coming on
• Consider suppressive therapy to reduce the risk of transmission
• Explore non-penetrative forms of intimacy during outbreaks

How can you approach the conversation about herpes with a new partner? It’s best to be honest, direct, and well-informed. Choose a calm, private setting and be prepared to answer questions. Remember, education can help reduce stigma and fear.

The Contagious Period: Understanding Herpes Transmission Risks

One of the most common questions about herpes is: How long after an outbreak are you contagious? The answer isn’t straightforward, as herpes can be transmitted even when no symptoms are present. However, the risk is highest during an active outbreak.

• Avoid sexual contact from the first signs of an outbreak until all sores have completely healed
• Wait at least 7 days after sores have healed before resuming sexual activity
• Be aware that asymptomatic shedding can occur between outbreaks, though the risk is lower

Is it possible to transmit herpes without visible symptoms? Yes, through a process called asymptomatic viral shedding. This is why consistent use of protection and open communication with partners is crucial.

Debunking Herpes Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Misinformation about herpes can lead to unnecessary fear and stigma. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Only promiscuous people get herpes

Fact: Herpes can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of the number of partners.

Myth: Herpes always causes visible symptoms

Fact: Many people with herpes are asymptomatic or have such mild symptoms they go unnoticed.

Myth: You can’t have a normal relationship if you have herpes

Fact: Many people with herpes have healthy, fulfilling relationships. Open communication and safe sex practices are key.

Myth: Herpes is life-threatening

Fact: While herpes can be uncomfortable and emotionally distressing, it rarely causes serious health problems in healthy adults.

How can dispelling these myths help those diagnosed with herpes? By reducing stigma and promoting understanding, we can create a more supportive environment for those living with the condition.

Living with Herpes: Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies

A herpes diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define you. Here are some strategies to cope with the emotional aspects:

• Seek support from trusted friends, family, or support groups
• Educate yourself about the condition to feel more in control
• Practice self-care and stress management techniques
• Consider counseling if you’re struggling to cope
• Remember that many people live normal, fulfilling lives with herpes

How can someone newly diagnosed with herpes maintain a positive outlook? Focus on the facts: herpes is manageable, extremely common, and doesn’t prevent you from having healthy relationships or achieving your life goals.

In conclusion, while a herpes diagnosis can be shocking and stressful, it’s important to remember that millions of people live with this condition. With proper management, open communication, and safe practices, individuals with herpes can maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships and lead normal lives. Education and understanding are key to reducing stigma and fear surrounding this common viral infection.

I was just diagnosed with herpes? How can I have sex and not spread it?

By
Kendall @ Planned Parenthood
|
Jan. 27, 2011, 5:07 p.m.

Category:

Ask the Experts

I went to the doctors a few days ago for what I thought was poison oak on my vulva, but the doctor said that she is pretty positive I have genital herpes so she gave me a urine test and some cultures. I have not recieved the results yet, but the more I look into information about herpes the more I notice that I have all the symptoms of the intial outbreak. Honestly I am terrified and I feel hurt and very confused. My question is how can I have sex with my boyfriend or anyone ever again without giving them the virus?

It’s normal to be upset after a herpes diagnosis, but try not to feel bad or get too scared. Herpes is a VERY common infection — millions of people have it, and plenty are still having totally normal relationships and living totally normal lives.  Herpes can be painful and annoying, but the good news is it doesn’t usually cause serious health problems.  And sure, herpes outbreaks are no fun, but the first one is the worst — future outbreaks are usually shorter and less painful. Most people with herpes get fewer outbreaks as time goes on, and some stop having them altogether.

There’s no cure for herpes, and it’s possible to give the virus to others (whether or not you have symptoms). But luckily there are lots of things you can do to help protect your partners and avoid spreading herpes:

1. Herpes is spread during skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, and it’s most contagious during an outbreak — when you have sores that are open, moist, or leaking fluid. So definitely avoid sex (even with a condom) when you have sores, and anytime you feel an outbreak coming on. Warning signs of an outbreak may include a burning, itching, or tingling feeling. Don’t have sex until your sores are totally gone — at least 7 days after the sores heal and the scabs fall off.

2. Don’t touch your herpes sores, because you can spread the infection to other parts of your body or other people. If you touch a sore or your genitals, wash your hands with soap and water right after.

3. Use condoms when you have sex, even if you feel totally fine. It’s possible — but less likely — to spread genital herpes when you’re not showing any sores or symptoms. 

4. Herpes medication can help prevent outbreaks and lower the chances of spreading herpes to your partners. Talk with your doctor about herpes treatments that may be right for you.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center can give you more information about treating herpes and protecting your partners. They may also be able to connect you with support groups in your area. 

Please know that a herpes diagnosis is not the end of the world, and there’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. For lots of people, herpes really doesn’t end up being a big deal (seriously). You’re not alone, and there’s plenty of support out there. Read more about living with herpes.

Tags:

STDs,

herpes

Herpes FAQs: (HSV) Types, Causes & Treatment

CS-Blog

Cedars-Sinai Blog

Feb 10, 2018
Cedars-Sinai Staff

Herpes may be more common than you think.

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, 3.7 billion people younger than 50 have oral herpes and 417 million people aged 15-49 have genital herpes.

Dr. Maya Benitez says there has always been a stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases, especially herpes.

Stigma aside, it’s stressful to be diagnosed with something with no cure and no direct definitive treatment. And anxiety and stress can trigger outbreaks, says Dr. Benitez.

“It is important for people to learn about the disease and understand it, so that if diagnosed, people will know how to live with it,” she says.

“The likelihood of contracting herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from sharing objects such as silverware, soap, or towels is low, but it is possible”

What is herpes?

There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV):

• HSV-1 is most often responsible for oral herpes, which can cause cold sores, aka fever blisters, on or around the mouth
• HSV-2 is most often responsible for genital herpes, which is sexually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact

Both are highly contagious.

Many people never have symptoms and it is possible for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 to be transmitted without an outbreak or other visible symptoms.

An outbreak of herpes usually appears as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. The first time someone has an outbreak they may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen glands.

How do you get herpes?

Oral herpes can be spread by oral-to-oral contact like kissing or by sharing drinks.

You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has it. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes.

The likelihood of contracting herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from sharing objects such as silverware, soap, or towels is low, but it is possible, says Dr. Benitez.

While an outbreak isn’t necessary for herpes transmission, herpes is most contagious about 3 days before an outbreak; this usually coincides with an itching or burning sensation or pain in the area where the outbreak will occur.

Read: Millennials: Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis C?

How to treat herpes?

“People often try to Google herpes and read as much as they can on sites that are not credible or confirmed by a professional provider,” says Dr. Benitez. “It’s important to get the right information and not cause undue stress.”

Having a conversation with a primary care doctor is a great place to start understanding herpes, says Dr. Benitez.

A primary care doctor will be able to guide patients through the whole process and create a treatment plan that includes recognizing the symptoms, preventing outbreaks, recommending medication, discussing how to approach their partner or a future partner, and, if it becomes too much of a stressor, help accessing mental health resources.

“Some of these topics may not be covered in one visit with your doctor,” says Dr. Benitez. “You may have to have follow-ups to ensure you are comfortable with the knowledge you’re sharing over your life time and comfortable with the knowledge of the disease that you’re diagnosed with. “

causes and methods of treatment

Many people know this feeling when, waking up in the morning, we look in the mirror and find a slight swelling on the lip, which later turns into a small sore. The herpes virus most often manifests itself precisely in the cold season and causes a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. Let’s talk about the prerequisites for the occurrence of this disease and understand the methods of its treatment.

Causes of manifestation

In the ranking of the most common infections, herpes occupies one of the leading places. The main problem is that, once in the body, it remains in it forever and is not amenable to complete treatment. The spread of viral cells is carried out along the nerve endings in the region of the cranial cavity. It is here, settling on the nerve plexus, that they doze, waking up only occasionally to hit the mucous membranes. Almost 90% of the world’s population are infected with this virus. With good immunity, the disease is not detected for years. So, what are the main causes of the manifestation of the disease?

• Freezing
• Critical days for women
• Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcoholic beverages
• Severe emotional stress
• Pregnancy period
• Stimulant diseases: diabetes mellitus, acute respiratory infections, colds
• Smoking

In a word, herpes waits for a period when a person’s immunity is weakening, and at that moment it strikes. The most annoying thing is that a cold on the lips is contagious. When you touch the wound, the virus will remain on your fingers, so during the period of illness, you need to wash your hands very carefully and often and protect your family as much as possible. Get personal cutlery, and also refuse kisses until the viral manifestation is neutralized.

Methods of elimination

Initially, you need to purchase a special herpes ointment from the pharmacy, which is recommended to be used at least 5-7 times a day. If you have herpes several times a year, such a drug should become an indispensable attribute of a home first aid kit. At the first symptom, use a cream. So you can stop the growth of swelling in time and avoid cosmetic problems. The best remedy for colds on the lips will be acyclovir ointment, which is very effective and costs several times less than its foreign counterparts. If the development of the herpes virus has become more severe, it is necessary to take oral remedies.

One of the simplest methods of dealing with a cold on the lips is the use of aloe juice, which must be applied to the affected area several times a day. Medicinal chamomile has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, the infusion of which, mixed with 10% alcoholic propolis, is useful to apply to the affected area of ​​the skin. It is useful to use fir essential oil and it is best to do this before going to bed.

The minimum treatment period will be 5-6 days. At this time, it is better to exclude seeds, nuts and chocolate from the menu, which contain arginine, an amino acid that promotes the development of herpes. Drink more milk, eat yoghurts and fish containing lysine. This compound will help the body fight disease.

The material is for informational purposes only. Medicinal products, biologically active supplements and other products are indicated as an example of their possible use and / or application, which in no way constitutes a recommendation for their use. Before using drugs, dietary supplements and medical equipment and other products, be sure to consult a specialist.

what to do with herpes on the lips

Enroll

January 17, 2022

read 5-7 minutes

Herpes simplex virus is a widespread infection worldwide. Many are familiar with the unpleasant tingling when a bubble pops up on the lip, which itches, hurts and interferes with life. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Many are constantly faced with “colds on the lips.” Especially in the autumn-winter period. What virus causes this problem, what is its peculiarity and how to treat it, says the doctor.

Elizaveta Kazachkina, family doctor at GMS Clinic.

What is herpes

Herpes simplex are rashes or fluid-filled blisters that form near the mouth or on other areas of the face. Sometimes manifestations can be on other parts of the body, but less often. This disease appears if there is a herpes simplex virus in the body.

There are two common types of herpes simplex virus:

• HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is more commonly associated with facial manifestations.
• HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is more common in the genital area.

Both viruses are ubiquitous in the human population, with about 90% of the population having antibodies by age 20. The herpes virus, once it enters the body, remains in it forever, remaining in nerve cells and without causing any symptoms. When immunity is weakened, for example, during hypothermia, SARS, emotional stress, the virus is able to reactivate and cause disease.

The herpes simplex virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person. You can get infected with a kiss, through saliva, or even through contaminated common household items: lip balm, towel, dishes, and more. Even if the infected person has no visible manifestations. Most often, people become infected in childhood or adolescence.

For some people, the symptoms of the virus do not appear throughout their lives, but others sometimes experience exacerbations – during periods of reduced immune defenses, after severe stress, or due to illness.

Usually, the manifestations of herpes are unpleasant, but not dangerous. But sometimes a virus can lead to complications:

• in case of infection of a newborn passing through an infected birth canal,
• immunosuppression, such as cancer and advanced HIV infection,
• first contact in children and adults.

Symptoms of herpes on the lips

At the first encounter with the herpes simplex virus, symptoms may appear not immediately, but 20 days after infection. And the complete healing of the wound lasts from two to three weeks. Most often, blisters occur on the lips, tongue, palate, or gums. There may be several ulcers, which then coalesce. At the first meeting with the herpes simplex virus, the immune system is not yet ready, therefore, in addition to vesicles, more severe manifestations are possible:

• flu-like symptoms;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• headache;
• redness of the eyes and lacrimation.

But some people have no symptoms. More often, the infection is asymptomatic and most people do not know that they are infected.

The disease is characterized by the presence of blisters on the lips, as well as in the oral cavity, nasal cavity or pharynx. Their appearance is accompanied by itching, pain or burning. After a few days, the blisters open on their own, sores form in their place, which then become covered with a crust.

If the virus has been in the body for a long time, then the immune system has developed antibodies to it. Then the rashes can appear in the same place and disappear in 5-10 days.

In this case, the symptoms are limited to the focus of infection:

• begin with tingling or burning in the affected area;
• it seems that the lip has increased in size, swelling has appeared;
• there may be itching, pain and a feeling of heat at the site of the rash;
• blisters appear, filled with infectious fluid;
• sores are formed;
• after 4–6 days they crust and heal.

In this period, the rashes are no longer contagious.

You can read the continuation of the article at the link to RBC Style.

Family doctor
Therapist

Source RBC Style

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