Staying informed is staying safe from genital herpes

Sex education has always been a crucial part of the education system, especially for the safety of the adolescents from various sexually transmitted diseases. One such condition is genital herpes, which is one of the most common viral infections without a cure. Though its symptoms can be controlled and treated with proper medications.
What you don't know about herpes can hurt you
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes infection. The two members of herpes virus family are HSV-1 and HSV-2. Genital herpes is particularly caused by HSV-2, with symptoms around the genitals and the surrounding areas. An individual infected by the herpes virus can remain symptom-free for days, months or even years. This is because of the nature of the herpes virus that can remain dormant once it enters the body. HSV-1 can cause oral herpes, which is commonly known as cold sores. The primary infection with HSV-1 does not always show symptoms, but if it does, they can be very stressful.
In an inactive state, herpes simplex virus resides in the nerve cells and other tissues without causing any visible signs and symptoms. It has been found that certain triggers can stir the herpes virus and bring it back into its active state. As a result, there is an outbreak of herpes with painful symptoms. So a lack of visible signs or symptoms makes the infected people more vulnerable to transmit it unknowingly.
First outbreak of genital herpes
The first outbreak is usually the most severe as this is the first time the body is exposed to the herpes virus, and the immune is not yet capable of producing antibodies to fight illness. Firstly, it may start with mild fever, aches and pain. Then small groups of painful blisters appear around the genitalia and/or the anus. During an outbreak, the herpes virus basically multiplies to make the skin red and sensitive. The blisters burst and turn to sore ulcers. In women, blisters and ulcers may appear on the cervix. They can experience painful urination, unusual vaginal discharge, itching and tingling sensations.
Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes
After initial outbreak of herpes, the infected people may experience several episodes of symptoms from time to time. Though, these symptoms may not be as severe and painful, mainly because by this time the immune system takes up the charge to fight back the virus. Usually, the infected people may have seven to ten days of symptoms during a recurrent outbreak. The frequency of recurrent outbreak may also vary greatly from one person to another. Some people may have six or more recurrent outbreaks in a year, but for others it may be less frequent.
Antiviral treatment for herpes
Antiviral medications for herpes treatment are taken for controlling the symptoms of outbreak. Famvir is one such antiviral medication that can lessen the severity of recurrent outbreaks. For herpes cold sores treatment, a single dose of three 500mg Famvir tablets can be taken within one hour of visible signs and symptoms. If you are taking any other medication, please make it sure to tell your doctor before starting this antiviral medication. Famvir can effectively treat genital herpes symptoms, if taken as directed.