Herpes is a viral infection and a resilient one at that. Knowledge of the disease has been around since the time of Hippocrates — think old, Greek — but it is clear that herpes is not going anywhere. Although the incidence is decreasing, according to the CDC Web site, about one out of four women and one out of eight men in America is still infected with genital herpes. More than half a million new cases are diagnosed each year. The numbers are even higher for oral herpes. In short, those are some serious statistics, so it is pretty important to know the facts about oral and genital herpes, how they are transmitted and what you can do to protect yourself.
There are two types of the herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2. Herpes as a disease, however, is usually classified by the affected site. For example, oral herpes, which is usually referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, is generally caused by HSV-1, and genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2, but these viruses are adaptable, so HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes — in up to 50 percent of cases, actually — and HSV-2 can cause oral herpes. Confusing, right? Basically this means that you can contract herpes from oral sex, but more on that later.
How have all of these people caught herpes? As a rule, sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes, are spread by, well, having sex, or via contact with the genitalia of an affected person, whether it be through oral sex or something more creative than I can even imagine. Oral herpes is spread when the virus — from the mouth of an affected individual — comes into contact with your mouth, especially if there is a break in the skin.
Initially, many people who contract oral herpes will be asymptomatic, while the unlucky ones will trade ignorant bliss for inflammation of the cheeks and gums or possibly ulcers on the mouth, plus or minus a fever and sore throat. To put this into perspective, an estimated 90 percent of Americans have antibodies to the HSV-1 virus, meaning their body has encountered it before. Only a small fraction of those, however, will become symptomatic. Luckily, these symptoms will resolve in a week or so, but this does not mean the virus is gone. This stealthy virus will make itself a home near the original site of infection and wait until you are sick or stressed to make its grand re-entrance — just what you need during finals or right before your spring formal. Some people will experience recurrences throughout life, while others may get by without these.
As for genital herpes, the first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks of sexual contact and can consist of painful ulcers on the genitalia and flu-like symptoms. Some people are unaware that they have contracted genital herpes and will have only mild outbreaks that can be ascribed to other causes (e.g. allergic reaction, insect bites ... I would imagine people could get quite creative on this front if it means avoiding the alternative). Even if a partner is asymptomatic with no visible lesions, however, you can still contract genital herpes.
Unfortunately, there is no cure or vaccine for herpes. Once you have genital herpes, you cannot get rid of it, but you can take daily medications to suppress outbreaks and keep you feeling well. Herpes can affect other organs, such as the brain or eye, particularly if you are immunosuppressed, and it can be passed on to children during childbirth, which can be debilitating, so early diagnosis and a strict medication regimen are key. If you have genital herpes, this can be socially stigmatizing, but it is by no means the end of fun and intimate relationships. Be honest with potential partners and use condoms to decrease the risk of transmission. There are many support groups online and dating Web sites for young people with herpes, both of which can be invaluable resources. Overall, be well, be happy and remember that you can never be too careful when it comes to a condition like herpes.
Emily is a University Medical student. She can be reached at e.graham@cavalierdaily.com.
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