5 Things You Need to Know About Living With Herpes

1. You May Not Know You Have Herpes

The herpes simplex virus is a common sexually transmitted disease. Many people who live with genital or oral herpes should treat any symptoms of an outbreak quickly. Most people who have the herpes virus don't always have obvious signs of outbreaks. If you do show signs of an outbreak, you should shower at least once a day or maybe more. Wash the outbreak area with warm, soapy water, and wash it last so you don't spread the virus. Always wear clean clothes and change your underwear often during an outbreak. Wash your clothing with hot water during an outbreak. When the blisters pop, clean them with warm, soapy water to help kill the virus. Keep the area dry and wear loose, cotton clothing to help promote airflow.

2. Go Ahead and Touch That Toilet Seat

Others can't catch the herpes virus from a toilet seat or by touching clothing or sheets. The herpes virus survives only seconds outside the body. A person can catch the virus when it enters the body through broken skin. If you know you or your partner has herpes, you should avoid rough sex that might cause abrasions where the virus could sneak in.

3. Treat Your Herpes

Most people who have genital or oral herpes control their outbreaks by using antiviral medications. By using the antiviral medicine, it may also decrease the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others. Those who are in an intimate relationship should consider using medication regularly to protect their partner. There are over-the-counter and natural treatments available too. Several herbal remedies prove to help support the immune system, which may alleviate the herpes symptoms. Red marine algae, olive leave extract, vitamin C, Echinacea and garlic are a few natural remedies.

4. Protect Your Partner

Although a man or woman may not have signs of the herpes virus, it may still be a threat to a partner. It is important to tell your partner that you have the virus. If a partner performs oral sex on someone who has genital herpes, it is likely that virus will transmit to the mouth. A condom or dental dam can help reduce the threat of transmitting the virus.

5. Get Some Rest

Outbreaks of the herpes virus seem to get fewer as your stress levels decrease. Fatigue and stress are common links to herpes outbreaks. Try to get plenty of rest, eat a healthful diet and decrease stress by getting plenty of exercise and eliminating as much excess stress in your life as possible.