Living With Herpes

Millions of people are living with herpes, and some don't even know they have it. Once you get used to the symptoms and how to handle outbreaks herpes is just a nuisance, not a life-threatening disease. There is no cure for herpes.

Genital herpes is a sexually-transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. At least 45 million people in the United States have herpes. HSV-2 is more common in women. One in 4 women have it compared to 1 in 8 men.

According to the CDC, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are found and released from sores caused by the virus. The viruses can also be spread when sores aren't visible. Genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1 but more commonly it causes cold sores in the mouth area. HSV-1 can also be found on the genitals.

Herpes can be diagnosed by taking samples of the sores and sending them to a lab or through blood tests. Outbreaks can last from 1 to 2 weeks. There are numerous medications used to control herpes outbreaks. These include Valtrex and Denavir. Lifestyle choices can help also.

Signs and Symptoms

Some people don't have any noticeable symptoms. Others may feel a tingling sensation or itchy before an outbreak occurs. Outbreaks look like tiny blisters that form clusters. They go through stages of oozing and crusting over, before the skin repairs itself and the virus goes dormant in the nerve cells. According to Herpes.com, flu-like symptoms are also common. These include headache, swollen glands and a fever.

The makers of Valtrex recommend taking medication to help ease the outbreaks, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, keeping sores clean and dry, and applying ice packs to the sores to relieve pain and swelling.

Complications

According to Herpes.com, herpes can be transmitted when symptoms aren't present. This is called asymptomatic transmission.

Complications occur when the virus is accidentally spread to other areas of the body, such as the eye. Ocular herpes can be dangerous. Hands should be washed frequently during outbreaks to prevent the spread of infection.

Babies can get herpes if they are born via vaginal birth during an outbreak. Babies can also get herpes if they're kissed by someone with a cold sore.

According to the CDC, genital herpes can cause painful sores and herpes infection can be severe in people with weakened immune systems. Herpes also causes psychological distress in people who know they have it.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are important for those living with herpes. If infected, you must get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet.

A diet high in lysine and low in arginine helps to control viral infections. Most fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, fish, chicken and beef are good choices. Foods high in arginine can be eaten but in limited quantities. These include nuts, caffeine, brown rice, oats and gelatin. Avoid foods that tend to set off outbreaks for you.