According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of four women and one out of eight men in the United States are infected with the herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is commonly characterized by blisters or sores on the genital area.
Initial Outbreak
The first outbreak of herpes simplex 2 is typically the most severe. The sores can take up to eight weeks to heal. Over time, the severity of genital outbreaks will decrease and occur less frequently.
Absence of Symptoms
Most people who have herpes simplex 2 will never experience any noticeable symptoms. This makes unknowingly transmitting the virus to others easy.
Transmission via Childbirth
Although rare, herpes simplex 2 can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. If a mother has a genital herpes outbreak during delivery, a c-section might be performed to prevent transmission of the virus.
Risks of Increased HIV Infection
2 can make the transmission of HIV easier because it makes people with HIV more contagious.
Herpes Management
There is no cure for 2, but the outbreaks can be managed with antiviral medications. The only way to prevent contracting the virus is to practice abstinence. Tansmission of herpes can be minimized with the use of condoms and dental dams.
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