Herpes

 Herpes is a virus that is sweeping the world that few know anything about. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are many varying strains of this virus; however there are two that are the most common. Herpes simplex type 1 affects the parts of the body that are above the waist, although occasionally it will affect the genitalia.

 After infection lesions occur on the lips in the form of cold sores or fever blisters. The second strain of herpes is herpes simplex type 2. This strain affects the parts of the body that are below the belt. When an outbreak of this strain occurs, lesions appear on or around the genitalia. All strains of herpes are extremely contagious as well as incurable. However not all cases of herpes cause outbreaks. In fact, five to twenty percent of infected people receive the disease through a partner that is asymptomatic.   Herpes derives its name from Greek philosophers, including Hippocrates. The meaning of herpes means to creep or to crawl. This is a perfect description of this dormant lying disease. Once infected by a particular strain, there is an initial outbreak.  This is the most painful of any of the episodes a person is to encounter. It generally takes two to twelve days to show signs after an infection. Once this occurs, it could take up to three weeks for the lesions to go away. Under the initial infection a person may experience flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and irritability, on top of the lesions. Lesions are typically red fluid like blisters, which open easily. Thus the blisters soon turn to open sores. These sores then crust over, the scab falls off and new skin grows underneath. With these lesions there is no scarring. The similar cold sores that are present on the lips are pretty much the same sores that are present on the genitalia.   Herpes is a virus that is incurable, therefore it is also dangerous. The disease does like dormant a majority of the time, most people only have outbreaks five times a year. This is a disease that affects people as young as twelve, and as old as forty-five. Hopefully research will provide us with some new answers and a cure to this epidemic. However, until that is reached one must remember that the only way to avoid contriving herpes is to practice abstinence, or safe sex. However, even kissing can pass herpes. So one should remain safe, and always be aware of your condition, as well as your partners.