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Alternative names for herpes virus are fever blisters, cold sores, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Once a person is infected with herpes it is life-long but latency will set up. Meaning after the primary outbreak of symptoms, secondary outbreaks will reoccur but are much milder than the primary outbreak. The virus is usually found in the lesions or papules on the skin but it can also be present in bodily fluids like vaginal secretions and saliva.
The two types of herpes virus can be spread through contact. Generally, HSV-1 can be spread through mouth to mouth contact e.g. the use of utensils contaminated with saliva; the infectious virus transferred on the hands can enter the body through the eyes or open wounds and of course through kissing and oral sex. Poor hygiene is usually the precipitating factor of herpes in children.
Since HSV-2 affects the genital area, the virus is spread sexually. It is commonly found in the rectum, anus, genital area and upper alimentary tract. Pregnant mothers who are infected with herpes virus can infect their infant through birth. But if the infection is severe, the infant in the uterus can be infected. Due to the fact that the infant’s immune system is not that developed, the infection would often lead to infant death.
Basically, anyone can be infected with herpes and the severity of the infection depends on the type of exposure. So it is very important to maintain proper hygiene at all times to at least help in preventing the spread of the disease.
Tags: genital herpes, genital herpes std, Herpes, herpes virus
