What Is Herpes?

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Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is extremely contagious.  It is spread through unprotected sexual contact that can be vaginal, oral, or anal in nature.  Symptoms vary in every individual, and some people can be carriers of the herpes STD without any symptoms at all.  If symptoms are present, they usually appear within a few weeks after contact with an infected individual.  Symptoms tend to be in the form of sores or blisters that when ruptured, can be quite painful. The blisters tend to last for about 2 to 4 weeks, and then they usually heal on their own.  If there are only one or two blisters or sores, they can easily be mistaken for an ingrown hair or a pimple, so it is always a good idea to see a physician if symptoms appear after a sexual encounter.

Individuals can be infected with either HSV-1 or HSV-2, and both viruses create similar symptoms. HSV-1 is what causes cold sores on the mouth, but it can be spread to the genitals of another individual during oral sex.  It has been reported that up to 16 percent of Americans may be carrying the virus.  Herpes is a virus that can lay dormant in the body for many years, and it is a well known fact that after the first outbreak, any outbreak following tends to be of a shorter duration and the symptoms are not as painful.  Over time, many individuals with herpes experience less outbreaks, and  some individuals may even go a year or longer without any issues.

Symptom control has been the main focal point when studying this disease, basically due to the fact that herpes remains in the system for life.  There are various medications that help control symptoms, and studies have shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can keep symptoms at bay as well as boost the immune system in a positive way.  Until a cure is found for genital herpes, the best success in managing this disease lies within diet, exercise, and immune health.

Herpes is a tricky disease as well, due to the fact that many individuals only have minimal symptoms.  Herpes is spread through direct contact with the sores, but sometimes the sores are so small that a person is unaware that they are carrying the disease. They may not be aware that they are a carrier until they have infected someone else.

Unprotected sex is the main route of herpes transmission, but since the HSV-1 virus can be spread through oral sex, it is important for sexually active individuals to not only use condoms, but to use barriers like dental dams if they are participating in oral sex.  Taking the proper steps to protect one’s self as well as their partner can help stop the spread of this disease.

There are various medications available for individuals with HSV-1 and HSV-2, and these medications work by minimizing symptoms and slowing down the virus in the body. There are also special skin creams that work to lessen the pain that accompanies an outbreak as well as minimize outbreak length. Various forms of natural and homeopathic remedies are currently being studied as well, in hopes that there may be a natural way to eradicate the virus.

In today’s world of medicine, every day there are new and innovative discoveries.  Although the herpes virus still remains somewhat of a mystery, medical professionals are proactively working together in the hopes of finding a cure. Until then, there are definitely ways for patients to manage their symptoms and live happy and healthy lives.  By following the advice of a medical professional, maintaining a healthy diet regime and taking their prescribed medication, symptoms can continue to lessen and patients can remain hopeful.

TESTIMONIALS

My Doctor recommended it, I take it regularly and went from having 2 to 3 breakouts a year to not having a breakout in 2 years. I love it.”
Jenny, Tulsa OK

“This is the best treatment I’ve ever used for breakouts! It heals most of them in about 3 days.”
Adriana, Orlando FL

“I saw my lesions heal faster than when using a topical Mediviral prescription drug.”
Ken, Boston MA

“When used before the sore fully forms, it can prevent. I have also found that it reduces the time to heal the sore”
Ozzy, San Diego, CA

“I’ve always had breakouts. Medavir really worked. It cleared it right up. I’m so glad I found it.”
Danny V, Sacramento CA

“I told a friend about it as she had the same problem I had, she too has not had another cold sore for the past 3 years and no side effects.”
Jose, New York NY

“This is the best treatment I’ve ever used for cold sores! It heals most of them up in about 3 days.”
Erika, Houston TX

“First day of cold sore outbreak, I start taking 1,000 mg of Lysine 3-4 times a day together with Mediviral for 5-7 days. The cold sore never progresses, itching stops by the end of the 1st day.”
Lollygagger, 35-44 Female (Consumer)

 

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