Herpes
Q: I’m interested in the topic of herpes. I used to think of it as something permanent and irreparable, but as I understand it, treatments have come a long way in the last 20 or more years since I learned about STIs in school. Is this something that we have a way of getting rid of today?
A: There are 2 types of herpes, Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is known as the oral herpes which causes the common cold sore. HSV-2 shows up as sores on the genitals and anus. Both can be transmitted via sexual activity. For example, if you have HSV-1 and an active cold sore and you put your mouth on a your partner’s genitals, then you can transmit the oral kind to the genitals. HSV-2 is sexually transmitted via skin to skin contact and genital fluids from infected person. Unfortunately, you can have the virus and show no symptoms. You are most likely to transmit to a partner if they have an active sore on their genitals. However, it can still be transmitted even if the infected person is asymptomatic. If you are having an outbreak then seeing a doctor and getting anti viral medication is recommended. Sadly, there is no cure for herpes, only management of symptoms/outbreaks. Medication will not only help manage the symptoms, but will also reduce the risk of transmission. Interestingly, many people who have the virus in their system never exhibit symptoms. Statistically, oral herpes is very common with 67% of the population under 50 having it, whereas HSV-2 is found in about 13% of the population (age 15-49) according the World Health Organization. For more information, visit the following site: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm