Unraveling the Mystery of Herpes, Cold Sores, and Shingles: A Scientific Journey
Unraveling the Mystery of Herpes, Cold Sores, and Shingles: A Scientific Journey
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1 out of 5 people
in the United States
have genital herpes.
About Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2)
Herpes is a common virus that causes sores on your genitals and/or mouth. Herpes is not life threatening and usually doesn't lead to any long term serious health problems. This virus affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 (herpes type 1, or oral herpes) and HSV-2 (herpes type 2, or genital herpes). More than 50% of people in the United States have HSV-1 and around 15.5% of people in the US aged 14-49 have HSV-2. So, most likely you know a few people with herpes.
Herpes Symptoms
The majority of people do not experience any symptoms for months or even years after they have been infected. Those who do experience symptoms right away will notice them anywhere from 2-12 days after being exposed. A herpes outbreak can show symptoms from mild to severe and may include:
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Blisters and ulceration on external genitalia, in the vagina, or on the cervix
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Vaginal discharge
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Pain and itching
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Tender, enlarged lymph nodes
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Pain when urinating
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High temperature (fever)
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Malaise (feeling unwell)
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Cold sores around the mouth
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Red blisters on the skin
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How Do You Get Herpes (HSV)
Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus usually through sex and intimacy. The virus can enter your body through a break in your skin or through the skin of your mouth, genitals, urinary tract, cervix, or anus. Herpes is most easily spread when blisters or sores can be seen on the infected person. But it can spread at any time, even when the person who has herpes isn't experiencing any symptoms.
A pregnant woman must let their doctor know if they have HSV. A mother who gives birth with active genital herpes infection at or near the time of delivery can infect the baby and has the potential of causing brain damage, blindness, or even death in newborns. While in the uterus, the baby is safe. It isn't until the baby passes through the birth canal, they he or she may become infected.
Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you can't get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats.
Treatments
Herpes is a long-term condition. However, many people never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus.
The herpes virus can live dormant inside a person’s immune system for a lifetime, periodically causing blisters that burst and turn into open cold sores or ulcers before healing. When left alone, herpes cold sores usually last about 10–14 days and are uncomfortable for a variety of reasons — causing redness, pain, burning and often embarrassment.
Many people wonder if there is a natural cure for herpes or are looking for ways on how to get rid of herpes for good. While technically the virus that causes herpes (whether on the mouth or genital herpes) is not curable, there are many natural herpes remedies that can put herpes into remission. (1) In fact, many people with herpes don’t experience any symptoms at all, especially long term, once they learn to manage triggers of outbreaks. So while there’s no guide for how to get rid of herpes naturally, there is a method for how to get rid of herpes symptoms the natural way and keep breakouts at bay.
By boosting the immune system through a healthy diet, making lifestyle changes and being precautions during periods of active breakouts, you can help keep any virus dormant, including herpes. Certain steps can significantly reduce the chances of having having reoccurring herpes symptoms and lower the risk that you’ll pass the virus to someone else. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of herpes, read on to learn the natural ways to keep this virus dormant.
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