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Herpes

    Herpes Editor's Picks

    • Causes of Herpes

      There are two types of herpes: genital and oral. Both are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes is spread through sexual activity, and oral herpes can be spread through saliva. Young children are particularly vulnerable to being infected with oral herpes. There is no cure for herpes, but symptoms can be controlled. more »

    • How Can Herpes Be Contracted?

      Herpes simplex viruses are widely spread throughout the human population. Between 50% to 80% of adults have been exposed to a herpes simplex virus by age 30. Up to 80% of patients with an active infection may be asymptomatic, but herpes simplex viruses can produce a variety of symptoms. Fever, weight loss, body aches, swollen lymph... more »

    • How to Get Herpes of the Eye

      Ocular herpes is caused by Type I of the herpes simplex virus, which also causes cold sores and other skin conditions. Although ocular herpes can be easily treated in most instances, it has the potential to become a serious health threat, resulting in scarring and even permanent blindness. This is a condition that can be prevented. more »

    • Can You Die From Herpes?

      Herpes is not partial to gender. It affects millions of American adults who have learned to live with the disease. Though you cannot die from herpes infection, there are other important factors to consider. more »

    • About Genital Herpes

      Genital herpes is an incurable sexually transmitted disease that can cause painful sores on the genitals and anus. Approximately 45 million Americans are affected by genital herpes, making it one of the most common STDs. The disease is caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses and can be spread through most forms of sexual contact.... more »

    Herpes Quick Guides

    • Cope With STDs

      Though not all Sexually Transmitted Diseases are curable, they are at least avoidable. The more...

    Herpes Articles

    • Where Does Herpes Come From?

      Herpes comes from the herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted when a person comes in contact with damaged or irritated skin around the genitals... more »

    • How Can You Get Herpes?

      The herpes virus exists in some 25 different incarnations, eight of which are responsible for ailments such as shingles, the Epstein-Barr virus... more »

    • About Herpes

      As one of the fastest growing diseases in the world, herpes, or herpesvirus hominus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with... more »

    • Does Genital Herpes Look Like Herpes of the Mouth?

      Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus, I and II. Genital herpes is usually caused by... more »

    • How Can Herpes Be Prevented?

      Herpes is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted, especially during mouth to skin contact, such as during sexual activities. The... more »

    Wikipedia

    Herpes simplex

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    Herpes simplex (, lit. "creeping") is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of several distinct disorders based on the site of infection. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Genital herpes, commonly known simply as herpes, is the second most common form of herpes. Other disorders such as herpetic whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, ocular herpes (keratitis), cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, Mollarets meningitis, neonatal herpes, and possibly Bells palsy are all caused by herpes simplex viruses.

    Herpes viruses cycle between periods of active disease—presenting as blisters containing infectious virus particles—that last 2–21 days, followed by a remission period, during which the sores disappear. Genital herpes, however, is often asymptomatic, though viral shedding may still occur. After initial infection, the viruses move to sensory nerves, where they reside as life-long, latent viruses. Causes of recurrence are uncertain, though some potential triggers have been identified. Over time, episodes of active disease reduce in frequency and severity.

    Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding. Barrier protection methods are the most reliable method of preventing transmission of herpes, but they merely reduce rather than eliminate risk. Oral herpes is easily diagnosed if the patient presents with visible sores or ulcers. Early stag read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes+simplex

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