Introduction to HSV-2 Commonly Known as Genital Herpes
Genital herpes HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. 80% of the infected are diagnosed with the HSV-2 virus and a minimum percentage of 20% are diagnosed with the HSV-1 virus which is common for oral herpes patients. The HSV-1 virus is transmitted during oral sex in turn affecting the genital area. The infection affects the skin or mucous membrane of the genitals. Countless people with HSV-2 infections do not have sores and they might have really mild symptoms that are difficult to see on infection. The virus remains dormant in the body but after some time, it will begin to replicate causing an outbreak that comes around 2 weeks after infection. This might vary in different individuals.
Some infected people never really experience any outbreak throughout the infection. This is because they have a strong immune system. A strong immune system ensures the body produces enough antibodies that counter the virus replication in turn reducing any chances of a possible outbreak. Outbreaks come with symptoms such as decrease in appetite, fever, general sick feeling, muscle aches in the lower back, knees, thighs or buttocks. Genital herpes HSV-2 symptoms might be very uncomfortable and painful and they include tiny, painful, blisters filled with fluid.
The disease has no cure but the symptoms can be treated and controlled with medication and maintaining a healthy diet. The virus remains dormant and certain body conditions might cause it to activate the conditions including menstruation, fatigue, trauma and physical or emotional stress. The conditions cause the virus to begin replicating. The replication might come to the skin surface. The outbreaks occur differently in different people as others might not really have them. This is due to different body structure and the different lifestyles people live. Repeated outbreaks in men are usually shorter and milder than in women. The anti-viral medications are only effective during an outbreak since this is the only time the medication can counter the symptoms and reduce the pain that comes with the symptoms.
Doctors are working on vaccines that will be administered to people living with infected partners to reduce any chances of transmission. Infected people are advised to use the medications once they experience an outbreak, the medications cannot really suppress the virus from activating. It works in tandem with the body system in ensuring a boost in immunity for production of antibodies that will counter the virus effects. A healthy diet is also important as it boosts the infected individual’s immune system.
During diagnosis, doctors test the fluid in the skin sores to detect existence of genital herpes HSV-2. The tests are made during the initial stages of the infection. Pregnant women with such signs are advised to constantly see the doctor for advice and medication that will prevent a possible outbreak that will occur during the birth process. Chances of transmitting the infection to the unborn baby might be high if the mother has an outbreak during the birth process. Meet Positives which is an online website has information of the facts that surround the disease and the necessary things an infected person can do to prevent herpes outbreaks.