The Herpes Virus and Dating
Many of us find it difficult to talk about sexual
health but this is a subject that is becoming more
important as we discover more about all the different
diseases, viruses and infections which can be sexually
transmitted. Herpes is one of these viruses and herpes,
like other viruses, can stay in your system for life
and there is no cure. This fact is not something you
will be happy to hear but even though there is no
cure for the virus, the symptoms themselves can be
treated. Herpes
and Dating - If you have herpes and you are dating,
you need to practice safe sex. If you do not think
you have herpes and you are dating, you still need
to protect yourself from herpes.
How Does Herpes Spread?
Herpes is very infectious and it is spread by having sexual intercourse or any form of sex. For example if you have oral sex with a person who has oral herpes (commonly known as cold sores) then you are at risk of catching herpes. Touching, sexual intimacy and kissing are all activities which can spread the virus.
Symptoms of Herpes
The first signs of a herpes virus appearance may be a rash together with painful and itchy blisters on the affected area of your body. This affected area can be your mouth, anus, buttocks, penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina or buttocks. These blisters can then turn into painful ulcers. On the first outbreak, you may also suffer from swollen glands, a fever or headache and a general rundown feeling. There may be a burning sensation when urinating. Usually, it takes up to three weeks for the first symptoms to appear but the virus can lie dormant in your system for many years. Sometimes before an outbreak occurs, you may have some warning signs such as a tingling, burning or itching feeling in the area where the sores will later appear. Herpes will always have the same symptoms for each outbreak. The first outbreak is usually the worst so although the symptoms seem to stay the same, the actual pain and number of sores should lesson each time an outbreak occurs.
What to do if you have Herpes
It is important to be responsible when you know you have the herpes virus and to inform your partner of the implications. Don’t have sex if you have visible genital sores. Rather wait until the sores have healed because even using a condom will not fully protect you and the sores themselves can be inflamed by the condom and therefore take longer to heal. It is important to be very hygienic with these herpes sores. Avoid touching them wherever they are and always wash you hands thoroughly with soap and water including before rubbing your eyes and handling contact lenses. It is good to know that soap and water kills the virus.
Remember protect yourself - because if you don't,
who will?
Resources
• www.webmd.com
• www.emedicinehealth.com
• www.bbc.co.uk
