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- Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection
affecting primarily the genitals of men and women. It is characterized
by recurrent clusters of vesicles and lesions at the genital areas. It
is caused by the Herpes Simplex-2 virus (HSV-2), one of several
strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus responsible for chickenpox,
shingles, mononucleosis, and oral herpes (fever blisters or cold
sores, HSV-1). While generally not dangerous, it is a nuisance and can
be emotionally traumatic, as there is no cure.
It has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S.;
500,000 are diagnosed each year. One in five American adults has
herpes, but only one third of those inflicted are aware that they have
the virus. Many people don\271t relate their symptoms to herpes, since
they have either very mild or no symptoms at all. Over 50 million
cases are currently estimated to exist in either the active or dormant
stage.
- Transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact,
including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct
skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transfer of bodily fluids.
- A person is considered contagious when prodromal symptoms, active
sores, and healing lesions are present.
- Herpes is potentially contagious when no symptoms are present. That
is, a person who has genital herpes is potentially always shedding
active virus.
- Approximately 1 in 6 members of the general infected population is
thought to shed active virus occasionally without symptoms:
- Some people do not get typical blister-like sores but harbor
active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, and
can shed the virus without knowing they have herpes.
- Lesions can occur deep inside the vagina where they cannot be
seen or felt, but can readily transmit the virus.
- An uninfected individual has about a 75% chance of contracting
herpes during intimate contact with someone actively shedding virus.
- Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa.
Symptoms are similar.
- Auto-inoculation: An infected individual can spread
the virus to other parts of his or her body by touching an area
shedding virus and then touching, scratching, or rubbing another
susceptible part of the body. Towels are especially conducive to this.
- It is possible for a person to contract genital herpes If the
partner with oral herpes performs oral sex. Oral herpes can be
transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Symptoms are similar.
- Environmental surfaces like toilet seats may be a source of
contagion, but there is no evidence that this poses a real threat to
the general population. Experts differ as to how long the virus can
survive on its own. The primary cause of infection remains intimate
contact.
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