WHO has recently shared alarming data on herpes
As per the data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 3.7 billion people globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and 491 million have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. HSV 1 mostly cause oral herpes and HSV 2 causes genital herpes. Herpes is mainly characterized by blisters or ulcers.
Genital herpes has mild symptoms
One of the main hindrances in the treatment and diagnosis of genital herpes is that the symptoms are either not visible or are too subtle to be noticed. The symptoms associated with genital herpes do not seem to be alarming until it reaches an advanced stage and within this time it is highly contagious. Hence many people spread the infection without being unaware of it.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
The symptoms associated with genital herpes are painful blisters and ulcers which occur repeatedly. These painful ulcers will be accompanied by fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The sores and ulcers are mostly found in the genitals. The blisters break open and ooze making it difficult to be healed.
How does herpes spread?
Herpes spreads through direct contact with the infected person. The herpes virus transmits from the lesions, mucosal surfaces, genital fluid, and oral secretion of the infected person when a healthy individual is in contact.
What are the complications associated with herpes?
Due to herpes, there can be an infection in the internal organs, there can be swelling in the brain, and newborns can be infected. It raises the risk of other sexually transmitted infections and infection of other body organs.
How to prevent it?
The best way to prevent herpes is to avoid having sex with someone who has the symptoms. Protective sex, like using a condom, can save you from herpes. "Condoms can reduce your risk of getting genital herpes if used the right way every single time you have sex. But a condom protects only the area of the body that it covers," warns the US CDC. Visit a doctor if you notice any symptoms.
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