Herpes

What is HERPES?

HERPES IS A VIRUS THAT CAN SPREAD FROM PERSON TO PERSON THROUGH SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT.  IT CAN APPEAR ON MANY DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BODY AND IS TYPICALLY MARKED BY AN ERUPTION OF A CLUSTER OF BLISTER.

Different Types of Herpes

1.  Herpes Simplex  Virus Types 1 and 2 (responsible for cold sores and genital herpes)
2.  Varicella-zoster Virus
3.  Epstein-varr Virus
4.  Human Herpes Virus  (recently discoverd)

 

HERPES SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of herpes can vary widely from full blown outbreaks to no symptom at all. It is very important to educate yourself about genital herpes symptoms as it is a sexually transmitted disease.

Genital herpes (signs & symptoms)

 One  or more of the following symptoms may be experienced if the infection is located in the genital area:

1.     Muscle aches or pain near to area.

2.    A blistr, cut, tear, sore, bump or rash in the infected area.

3.    Vaginal or penile discharge.

4.    Burning sensation or pain when urinating

5.    Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and swollen gland.

 

HOW TO TREAT HERPES

Treatment works best if it is started as soon as possible after an outbreak begins. This is especially true for outbreaks that come back again and again (recurrent outbreaks).

Initial treatment:

Most people find some relief and recover more quickly from the first (primary) outbreak of genital herpes by taking antiviral medicines.

Use medicines to relieve symptoms and speed healing of blisters and sores.

Antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex) are recommended for treating primary genital herpes outbreaks.

Nonprescription medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may reduce the pain and fever from genital herpes.

Use home treatment, such as taking warm sitz baths and wearing cotton underwear, to promote healing of herpes sores. For more information, see the Home Treatment section of this topic.

Take steps to prevent the spread of genital herpes. These include avoiding any sexual contact if you or your partner have symptoms or are being treated for genital herpes.

R. Y. MANABAT,  R.N.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, (also called STDs or STIs -- sexually transmitted infections) are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control there are over 15 million cases of sexually transmitted disease cases reported annually. Adolescents and young adults (15-24) are the age groups at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD, 3 million becoming infected each year.

STDs affect men and women of all ages and backgrounds, including children.  Many countries require that Child Protective Services be notified if children are diagnosed with an STD.

STDs have become more common in recent years, partly because people are becoming sexually active at a younger age, are having multiple partners, and do not use preventive methods to lessen their chance of acquiring an STD. 

People can pass STDs to sexual partners even if they themselves do not have any symptoms. 

Frequently, STDs can be present but cause no symptoms, especially in women (for example, chlamydia, genital herpes or gonorrhea). This can also occur in some men.

COMMON STDs

Chlamydia- is a very dangerous STD as it usually has no symptoms; 75% of infected women and 25% of infected men have no symptoms at all.

Gonorrhea is one of the most frequently reported STD. 40% of its victims contract PID if not treated, and it can cause sterility.

Herpes - Painful and episodic; can be treated but there's no cure.

HIV/AIDS - First recognized in 1984, AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among young men and women. The virus is fatal involving a long, painful death.

Syphilis - Untreated, can lead to serious damage of the brain or heart.

Tricomoniasis - Can cause foamy vaginal discharge or no symptoms at all. Can cause premature birth in pregnant women.

HOW TO AVOID STDs 

Abstinence is the number one way to avoid contracting an STD.   Faithfulness to your spouse or sticking to one partner is the second best way to avoid the disease. 

 R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.