Is herpes considered an illness?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).
What kind of condition is herpes?
Overview. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.
Can herpes cause other health problems?
Although herpes infections generally don't cause serious medical problems alone, they can cause complications. Genital herpes can increase your chances of becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Is herpes still considered an STD?
Both genital herpes and oral herpes are considered STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), because both are passed from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Is herpes still contagious after 10 years?
Rates of genital HSV-2 shedding decrease the longer a patient has had the disease, US investigators report in the January 15th edition of the Journal of Infectious Diseases. However patients who had been infected with genital herpes for ten or more years were still shedding the virus on 17% of days.
Can herpes go away?
Herpes has no cure. But antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks during the time you take the medicine. Also, daily suppressive therapy (for example, daily use of antiviral medicine) for herpes can lower your chance of spreading the infection to your partner.
Does herpes shorten your lifespan?
Becoming infected with the herpes virus seriously complicates your social, emotional and sexual life, but it is not otherwise a terribly dangerous condition to have. Having genital herpes does make it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, the condition is not disabling, and does not reduce lifespan.
Can herpes weaken immune system?
In this way, herpesviruses can seem like life-long parasites, ensuring their own survival at the cost of their host's future health. In extreme cases, latent viruses can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn can cause autoimmune diseases, or some types of cancer.
What can untreated herpes lead to?
What happens if herpes is not treated? Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can. Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.
Do I have to disclose HSV-1?
No, it is not illegal to not tell someone you have herpes. However, if you are in an intimate relationship with someone, it is best to let your partner know that you have an STD. This will allow you both to take precautions to minimize the spread of the STD.
Is herpes always contagious?
Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).
What triggers herpes outbreak?
Triggers for recurrence — Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue can trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks. In women, menstrual periods may trigger an outbreak. When did I become infected? — The first time a person has noticeable signs or symptoms of herpes may not be the initial episode.