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GENITAL HERPES |
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Also Known as Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The name of the virus is Herpes virus hominis. The virus can be found anywhere on the body, but is usually found in the genital area.
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How You Catch It:
- Passed by direct contact with infectious blisters or sores usually found on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
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When Symptoms Show:
- Incubation period can last from a few days to 3 weeks.
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Signs of Infection:
- Formation of painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth that break,
crust over, and heal in 2 - 4 weeks. Females may have sores on the cervix without pain.
Sores may reappear through life, although they heal faster and occur less frequently with time.
Factors like stress, fatigue, and other illnesses may trigger recurrence of sores in some people.
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Problems:
- Women with HSV may have a greater risk of developing cancer of the cervix (these women
should get a Pap test every year). Herpes can be fatal to infants who acquire the disease,
with many other infants suffering permanent brain damage. The baby can be protected by
Caesarean delivery, especially if the mother has an active case at the time of delivery.
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Tests:
- Visual examination, Pap smear, microscopic slide examination of fluid from sore, tissue culture.
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Treatment:
- No medicine can cure herpes at the present time; medications are sometimes given to relieve
pain, to shorten the time of sores, or to prevent bacterial infections at the open sores.
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Other:
- An estimated seven million people are affected by new or recurrent episodes of genital
herpes annually. Infected people should avoid intimate contact with others when blisters or
sores are present. The American Social Health Association has developed a service for persons
with herpes infections, called the Herpes Resource Center. It provides self-help support groups
and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, write to: Herpes Resource Center, Box 1000,
Palo Alto, California 94302.
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For more information:
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