Herpes: What's the big deal?
We often talk about physical herpes outbreaks being fairly minor for most people, but emphasize the psychological aspects as being the most troubling. I don't like this spin because of the medical risks and because having genital herpes really isn't the same as having a cold sore. Like it or not, there are social stigmas. To minimize them sends the message that we are saying, in essence, quit whining and buck up. Since it is a big deal for many people, that's not a message I want to drive home.
Most people DO have serious symptoms; 90% just don't recognize them. That's a big difference, because identifying those infected would then allow them to begin accurately observing for subtle symptoms or symptoms not presenting in the genital area.
We can talk about transmission (rather than "spreading" - sounds too much mayonnaise in my book) -- people always want numbers. How does talking about transmission lead to thinking it would be horrible if infected? There is an underlying negative feeling about herpes in this country. If we tell people it's no big deal, don't worry about it, we risk losing them, and losing them can have serious implications.
For example, neonatal herpes is very serious. Many babies die. The risk of transmission from mother to baby is very low if the mother is infected prior to the third trimester. But if she gets infected IN the third trimester, her baby has a 30-50% chance of getting infected. So it's good to know, going in to the pregnancy, who is infected and who is not, so vulnerable women with infected partners can reduce the chances of getting infected.
Related Topics: Herpes: Breaking the Silence, STDs and Pregnancy
10 Comments:
Can you please give me advise. I was diagnosed with HSV1 in the 'other area'. I had no idea that this was possible. I think I got it from using my partners razor! Anyways, I have been having small outbreaks (overlapping) so that for the past month I have not been free of an outbreak. I would say I find 3 new bumps about every 3 days. I have been taking Valtrex for 2weeks and I am still getting new ones. My gyn says that it may be due the fact that my body is adjusting to the new virus and new medication. Have you ever heard of a case like this? Everyone that I have talked to says that Valtrex workes great for them and they stop getting new ones. I am considering using some natural oils or something from the internet, I am so desperate. One outbreak is bad enough...but a month of them is unbearable. Am I doing something wrong?
Please help me.
Liz
STOP worrying. It's the worse thing you can do. STRESS is a major factor in an outbreak. The longer you stay stressed, the more delay to healing. Give your body a chance to cycle and then yo ucan determine how you will be affected and how best to deal with your episodes.
I was also told I have HSV1 genital area about a month ago... I got it from my boyfriends mouth through oral sex, but I have just recently witnessed his first genital outbreak now... and I think caused me to have one... it is differnt though... vaginal discharge (odor liquid-like white)and it looks like no bumps but just like 'cuts' or sore skin or chaffing- underneath my vagina opening. I am becoming worried now that it maybe something else, I dont have pain or itching though.
I was told by my bf of 3 months that he has HSV2 after I performed oral sex on him for the second time in a fortnight.I didn't have penetrative sex with him but there was genital contact with no condom. He said his last outbreak was 3 years ago (twice in 1 year-primary then 12months later recurrent ob and nothing after that) Six days later after the sex I got a blood test and a herpes simplex Type I and II (Elisa) test. My neutophils were slighlty raised, I had a very slight fever and diahorhea. I have a few white opaque round bumps inside my cheeks and 3 yellow like dots on my lips but the Dr said it looked like the normal lining of my mouth. I asked for valtrex and was reluctantly given meds.The test came back
HSIgG1 detected
HSIgG2 Not detected
HSIgM2 Not detected
I'm worried about the HSV-2 IgG seroconversion comment to test after 12-18weeks. Can you tell if the serconversion is likely?I have never had cold sores and I'm worried. Will valtrex mask results if I continue taking them?
To all of you with questions Herpes questions about your own specific symptoms, please post to our Genital Herpes: Terri Warren, RN, ANP message board.
Well..
I was just recently was told i tested positive for HSV2 IGG. I dont really understand the difference between IGG & IGM? & i told my b/f & he totally flipped out & said reallyy mean hurtful things & doesnt want to be with me or see me after a whole year of being with me :( It just sucks, & im really thinking about seeing a therapist asap. Its really taking its toll on me, & i just feel alone in this whole thing, & to lose some one who i love too something that i didnt even know i had really makes me feel ashamed.. but if he really loves me, maybe he will do the right thing & get tested himself, & grow up about this situation. Im 18 & hes a lil older then me.. But thats beyond the point. I was honest & i did what i had to do & i told him & it broke my heart. I just cant get it off my mind, & then with my b/f & startin a new job then same day ig ot my results.. = very freakin emotional plus being on my period. UGH.. my life can not get ne worse
I went to my Dr. today thinking I had a terrrible yeast problem only to be told by her she thinks it is hsv. I dont know if it is 1 or 2. I have had cold sores all my life and had no idea you can get one transfered to the other area. OMG What to do next? She gave me meds, but.....
ugggh look ...this is just my opinion, but I have read a lot about STIs. Most people have HPV and many have...a great % has been exposed to genital herpes. Most don't have symptoms. We should not be worried about these viruses. We are exposed to viruses all the time. Just as if you have a cold sore from time to time, you can be PERFECTLY HEALTHY and have been exposed to herpes. We should worry about eating a healthy/varied diet.
You may think I'm crazy, but I noticed a girl I'm seeing had a Zovirax medicine box on her cabinet. I haven't had sex with her yet. Did this freak me out? NO! People you have got to quit worrying about these viruses. YOu need to focus more on eating fresh fruits and vegetables!! and NUTS!! Yes, her medicine may have been for cold sores, but even if it's for genital herpes, I don't care. I probably already have herpes anyway.
The things you might want to be more concerned about getting tested for are Chlamydia and gohnorrhea, but even then I believe a good diet and a healthy lifestyle can bring you a long way with some of these "infections."
I'm sorry but anybody who describes "herpes" or "HPV" as an "epidemic" is a moron in my opinion -- not that this article did that.
my daughter was told she was exposed to herpes. what is the difference between exposed and have. it's driving us nutty
Like many people, I contracted HSV2 from a girl I was dating about 2 years ago. At first, I was completely freaked out like everyone else, but once you get past the initial 'social stigma fear' and do some research, you start to see how silly all of this paranoia actually is.
It's a virus, plain and simple, one that you can live with quite comfortably. My doctor wanted to prescribe a lifelong regimen of Valtrex, but I told him no and just went on with my life, deciding instead to let my body do it's best to deal with this. After the first few outbreaks, they started to come farther and farther between and much, much less severe each time - to the point now that, when I get one, it's so mild I rarely even notice it. You can't imagine how relieved you'll be when you just accept it, don't worry, and move along.
With 1 in 3 people carrying this virus, unless you decide to refrain from sexual activity completely for the rest of your life, you're very likely going to come in contact with it in some form or another. Is it worth depriving yourself of the joys and benefits a fullfilling sexual relationship can bring you just because you're terrified of a few blisters? I think not.
Just be honest with your partners, and tell them you have it - you'll be surprised, most will say, 'Oh, I do to, don't worry about it.'
Best wishes and hopes for a long, happy sex life. ;)
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