Bangalore 
GENITAL HERPES
Genital herpes is a viral Sexually Transmitted Disease caused by Herpes Simplex Virus- Type 1 and 2.
Mainly producing sores or blisters on the infected area, this disease is common among sexually active people.
Predominance:
-Equally prevalent in both men and women
-More common among age groups of 14-50 yrs.
-It usually affects sexually active people.
Spreads through:
-Direct contact with the infected fluids (saliva, semen, vaginal discharges)
-Oral/anal/unprotected sex with an infected individual
-Mother to a baby through pregnancy or nursing
-Skin contact with the infected person.
Symptoms:
-A virus can stay latent for years after infection without producing any symptoms.
-The dormant virus can become active easily producing symptomatic outbreaks.
In men and women:
– Painful blisters or sores on the affected area usually the penis or vagina
– Pain during urination
– Itching, redness or tingling on genitals
– Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, backache
– Swollen lymph nodes
In babies:
– Ulcers on the face, genitals or the entire body
– Complications may lead to blindness, damage to the brain or even death
Prevention:
– No sex is the best way to avoid the passing of the infection.
– Using condoms does not offer 100% protection as the virus may pass on from the nerve endings on the skin.
– Avoid kissing if sores present in the mouth
– In case of sharing sex toys, wash them properly and cover them with a condom before use.
Diagnosis:
By a blood test
Treatment:
No permanent cure but medications can control the troubling symptoms.
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