Imagine a tiny intruder, sneaking into your body and unleashing havoc in the most intimate parts of your being. This stealthy enemy is none other than the Herpes Simplex Virus, a sly viral disease that knows no bounds. Herpes has two types that are often classified by the body parts they infect.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV I) is the crafty culprit behind those pesky cold sores that appear around the mouth and lips. And, as if that weren’t enough, this tricky virus can also hitchhike its way to the genitals through oral sex. On the other hand, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV II) is notorious for causing genital infections, resulting in blisters and ulcers around the nether regions. This sneaky virus can spread through oral sex, too, and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
The risks of contracting Herpes are higher if you or your partner have visible symptoms such as blisters or sores. However, it’s still possible to transmit the virus even when there are no apparent symptoms. Once the virus gets into your system, it may reactivate every so often, causing new episodes or outbreaks that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Symptoms of Herpes typically appear within a week after exposure to the virus, and they can be quite unpleasant, ranging from small blisters to painful sores around the mouth, genitals, rectum, thighs, or buttocks. In addition, you may experience other symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, and a burning or tingling sensation.
Thankfully, there are ways to test for Herpes through blood or swab test. The results are available within two working days from the sample being received in our laboratory. Once diagnosed, anti-viral medications, lifestyle changes, and other treatments can help manage the virus and reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks.
It’s crucial to remember that leaving Herpes untreated can lead to serious complications, especially during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and have Herpes, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider to minimize the risk of passing the infection to your baby during delivery. Moreover, Herpes can spread to other parts of your body, such as your eyes, brain, liver, or lungs, leading to severe infections that could be life-threatening.