The Facts There are many misunderstandings about genital herpes.The truth is, millions of people lead normal lives despite outbreaks of genital herpes. Here are the facts: Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that affects about 1 in 5 American adults. Genital herpes is a viral infection in the same family of viruses as chicken pox, cold sores, and mononucleosis. At this time, like these other viruses, genital herpes does not have a cure. Fortunately genital herpes can be managed effectively with medication. After an initial outbreak, viruses like genital herpes can hibernate in certain cells in the body (host cells) for weeks, months, years, or even for a lifetime. It's only when the virus wakes up and becomes active that you experience symptoms of genital herpes. That is why it's so hard to predict when you will have another outbreak. When you do it's called reccurent genital herpes. There are two types of herpes viruses: Oral herpes and genital herpes, though similar, are usually caused by two different types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2. Some people think they can be identified by where each appears on the body; however, both can show up in either the oral or genital area. HSV-1 (oral herpes) usually appears around the nose and mouth, but can also affect the genital area. HSV-2 (genital herpes) usually appears around the genital area, but can also cause sores around the throat and mouth. Both herpes are viral infections, as is the flu. However, unlike the flu, HSV can hibernate in your body, and can cause repeated outbreaks. These repeated episodes are called recurrences. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are like other viruses; you can catch them from, and give them to, others with whom you have intimate contact. During your first experience with genital herpes, called your initial episode, you probably felt pain or discovered blisters in your genital area. Without treatment, the pain and discomfort may have lasted up to 2 weeks with lesions taking 1 to 3 weeks to heal. You may also have had flu like symptoms: fever, muscle aches, or headaches. The initial episode is usually the most severe, both medically and emotionally. Since genital herpes is an unknown invader at the time of your initial episode, your body hasn't had the opperitunity to develop any defenses. Once your body has built up a line of defense, any episodes that follow are usually shorter, with fewer severe symptoms. Interestingly the first time you notice symptoms (your "initial episode") may not be your first outbreak of genital herpes. For instance you may have acquired an HSV infection earlier in life but if the physical symptoms were mild enough, you might not even have noticed. If so, it is possible that you may already have had your initial episode. If you're going through an initial outbreak this one is probably the toughest, any outbreaks that occur in the future will most likely be easier to handle. Passing It On- Genital herpes is contagious. Genital herpes is usually spread person to person through sexual contact. Moist surfaces of the mouth and genital areas are especially at risk, but the virus can also enter through cuts or abrasions on any exposed skin. When the virus is active, it multiplies. When the virus is active there is a greater risk for giving genital herpes to others. So, when symptoms are present and you are aware that the virus is active, you should certainly take precautions against infecting anyone else. The risk of passing genital herpes along is greatest when your symptoms are active. Avoid sexual activity during these times, or when you feel an episode may occur. The risk of passing the disease on is reduced by using latex condoms. Unfortunately the virus can also be passed when infected people aren't showing symptoms of genital herpes. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding and occurs when the virus has become active, but you are not aware of it, because you feel none of the usual symptoms. But, how do you know when that is, and what can you do to protect others when it's happening? Because you can't always be sure when the virus is present, you must protect yourself (and your partner) regularly. The good news is viral shedding usually lasts several days and the "danger" is most likely limited to the genital area (where you ordinarily have symptoms). Certain treatments have now been shown to reduce the length of time viral shedding (symptomatic and asymptomatic) occurs. You know when the virus is active it can spread to other people. It can also be spread from one part of your body to another through autoinoculation. You can guard against this by washing your hands frequently and by not reusing bath towels, if you feel they may have come in contact with the active virus. Fortunately autoinoculation generally occurs during primary episodes, and rarely with recurrent outbreaks. The potential to infect others can be reduced by using latex condoms, which can provide an effective barrier between skin surfaces during sex. You may want to talk to your health care provider for more specific information. Talking to Your Partner Although this may be a difficult conversation it is an important one to have. Honesty is really the best policy, and an attempt to keep genital herpes a secret may actually cause more anxiety than telling the truth. Once you become more comfortable with the fact that you have genital herpes, you'll be more confident discussing it. When you talk to your partner, remember these facts: It may be difficult to pinpoint when, where, or from whom a genital herpes infection originated. Try not to "blame" yourself, your partner, or a former partner for what has happened. Genital Herpes can be controlled, and millions of couples are leading full, loving lives with genital herpes.

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