Viral STD’s – Genital Herpes
One common type of viral STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) that causes painful and annoying sores on one’s mouth or genitals is herpes. Although it can be painful, it does not usually lead to serious health issues.
The super-common infection known as herpes is usually life-long. In the US, over half of adults have oral herpes, while around 1 out of 6 people have genital herpes.
The two main types of viral infections that cause herpes are the HSV-1 and the HSV-2. Both of these can cause painful and swollen sores on various parts of the body, such as the genitals, mouth, throat, inner thighs, and penis.
The virus can be transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, such as during oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. It can cause painful or itchy sores that can come and go. Most people with the virus do not notice their sores, and they might not know they have it.
Although there is no cure for herpes, taking medication can help decrease the severity of your symptoms and prevent you from spreading the virus to others. Even though it can sometimes be painful, it is not dangerous and can often become less frequent. Individuals with this condition have healthy bodies and relationships.
The two types of viral infections that cause genital herpes are HSV-1 and HSV-2. When these two are present on or around one’s genitals, they are referred to as genital herpes.
When the HSV-1 or HSV-2 are present in one’s mouth, throat, or lips, they are referred to as oral herpes. These sores are sometimes referred to as fever blisters or cold sores.
Both types of viral infections prefer to live in their preferred areas. The two types of herpes simplex can infect one another in either the mouth or the genitals. For instance, if a person has cold sores on their lips, you can contract HSV-1 if they have oral sex with someone with the virus.
Even if the tongue or penis does not go all the way in one’s mouth, anus, or vagina, the virus can still be transmitted. It’s easy to catch it with just skin-to-skin contact.
The skin, eyes, and genitals can be infected easily. If there’s a way for the virus to enter the body, such as through cuts, burns, or other wounds, then it can be transmitted. Although it’s not sexually transmitted, people with oral herpes can pass the virus to their babies. In some cases, it can be transmitted through non-sexual ways. For instance, a mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth.
If you touch a sore without washing your hands first, then touch other parts of your body, such as your eyes, mouth, or genitals, and you can pass the virus to others.
The most contagious type of herpes is when the skin’s surface is wet and open. This condition allows the virus to spread through the fluid from the blisters. However, it can also be transmitted to other people when the skin is completely normal.
Most people who get herpes are infected by someone who doesn’t have any sores. The virus can live in the body for up to several years without causing any symptoms. This makes it incredibly hard to tell how you contracted it.
The virus can’t live in the body for long enough to affect the body and prevent transmission. Examples of people who can’t get the virus due to its lifespan include coughing, sneezing, and holding hands.
If you think you may have herpes, or would like to schedule an appointment for STD Testing, click here.
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