Symptons of Herpes: What to Look Out For

When looking out for symptons of herpes, most people often tend to panic.

And that's not unusual. With everything we read in textbooks, watch on TV, or search online about herpes... just the very thought of acquiring the infection can get downright scary.

Herpes Simplex is a common infection affecting millions of people all over the world. It is so highly contagious that even one encounter or exposure to the herpes virus can easily infect a person.

This is why most people who first experience signs and symptoms of herpes are in denial. They think they’ve been careful enough to avoid it. Or consider themselves "clean" after STD blood tests came back negative.

But the herpes virus does not discriminate. In fact, it can hit anyone when they least expect it. And false negatives do occur especially when the virus is at the earlier stages.

So it is time to search for answers.

Know your chances of getting herpes by learning about the symptons of herpes below.

What Causes Symptons of Herpes?

Symptons of Herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

There are two types of HSV: the predominant cause of cold sores or fever blisters (HSV-1), and the principal cause of genital herpes (HSV-2).

Cross-contamination can also happen, where HSV-1 can cause sores in the genitals in much the same way as HSV-2 can cause sores in the oral region.

Women who are with child can also pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. When this happens, a baby can have serious problems of the skin and internal organs, which often result to mortality.

This page on Pregnancy and Herpes has some valuable information about this concern.

Who Gets Herpes Symptons?

Herpes symptons are acquired by anyone who has been in contact with the herpes simplex virus. This can either be encountered through kissing, oral sex, vaginal, or anal sex.

The signs and symptons of herpes appear weeks later and can cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Herpes symptons start off as a tingling, itching, or burning sensation localized on a patch of skin. It then manifests into a flu-like fever, some swollen glands, and muscle aches.

After a few days, blisters start to appear and may be filled with pus. These red sores can get very painful and can last up to 2 weeks.

What Triggers Symptons of Herpes?

Once the herpes virus reaches your skin cells, it goes directly to hide in your nerve cells and stays dormant or “asleep” at the base of your spine. Some people never get to experience outbreaks while some people have very frequent and painful ones.

The usual triggers of symptons of herpes are:

Stress – Studies show that stress is the number 1 factor of “waking up” the herpes virus. It can be anything from a stressful relationship, stressful work, to a stressful environment. Take the time to slow down and unwind every once in awhile. Your body will thank you for it.
Inadequate sleep – Another factor that can trigger symptons of herpes is by not getting enough sleep. Make an effort to tuck into bed early at night to have time for your mind and body to relax after a busy day. Six to eight hours of sleep is a good amount.
Lack of exercise – Build a strong immune system by eating the right food complemented with exercise. Staying active and physically fit can do wonders for your body because the herpes virus will have no chance of causing outbreaks.

Herpes outbreaks can get really depressing. But taking an active part in taking care of your body will affect your overall health. Go to war with herpes! Don't allow this silly virus to win the battle.

How Can I Avoid Symptons of Herpes

Even without visible sores or signs of an outbreak, a person can still acquire the virus from a herpes positive partner. Doctors call this phenomenon “viral shedding” which can often be asymptomatic.

This is why the herpes virus gets passed around so easily: most people infected with herpes don’t know they have it because they never show any signs or symptons.

Here are some tips on how to avoid herpes symptons:

Remember to be thorough about your hygiene. Always wash your hands.
Do some simple home remedies or go the natural treatment for herpes route.
When being intimate with someone, always use caution and practice safe herpes sex. It is better than gambling by taking the risk of infecting one another.
Consider doubling up antiviral medication as well. It suppresses the virus and helps the sores to heal faster.
Bad habits such as alcohol binges and smoking should stop altogether.

Avoid harmful herpes triggers and you will see a dramatic decrease in severity and frequency of outbreaks in the future. So be good to your body. You only have one.

What Do I Do Next?

If you’re still unsure whether or not you (or your partner) may be experiencing some herpes symptons, best is to visit your doctor or healthcare specialist and have a herpes blood test.

After all, they are the experts in the field and can give you a thorough examination. They can accurately diagnose what you’re experiencing and can prescribe you with the right amount of medication for your medical history and body weight.

It is important to be honest with your partner as well if you’re feeling these symptons of herpes. I have written a page on How To Tell Someone About Herpes.

It contains advice on how I went about giving my first "Talk" and what I learned from it. Honesty is so, so important in a relationship... especially when things get serious and being intimate is in the horizon.

Herpes is not life-threatening. But it can definitely be life-changing.

So hang in there and don't give up. Keep your chin up high. You are worth more than a silly virus.

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