Understanding Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

By Cristina Rosch

Aside from the exaggerations they usually get, many also mistake cold sores for genital herpes and vice versa. In fact, these are different ailments although they are both strands of the herpes virus. Those afflicted with either strain may think that paying the doctor a visit is not needed. However, absence of basic knowledge of both diseases can result into ineffective treatment. Worse, treating both as the same can result into consequences that are more adverse.

Oral herpes, which is more commonly called as cold sores, is disease brought about by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Because of its visible indications in the face, cold sores are also called as fever blisters by some people. This can be passed on to a partner if its virus carrier commits oral sex. Persons who have sex regularly are not the only ones that face the risk though. It is said that more than ninety percent of any countrys population have caught it at least once.

Cold sores can be transmitted easily and unknowingly since it does not have visible indications sometimes. The viral spread can be avoided or diminished if the infected person abstains from sexual activities for period of time or from non-sexual close contacts. Parents who have caught it may need to keep distance from their kids, especially the younger and frailer ones.

Herpes pro-genitalis or genital herpes, on the other hand, is one of the most prevalent of the sexually transmitted diseases. The virus HSV-2 or the herpes simplex virus 2 causes it. Indications of such disease include rashes, pain, itches and other similar sensations in the area near the genitalia. Anal, vaginal, and oral sex are the easiest means of transmitting among humans. Since the symptoms are sometimes unnoticeable, anyone can commit such sexual activities and spread the virus unknowingly.

The outbreak of genital herpes occurs if the bodys immune system is weak due to factors such as stress and over-fatigue. Taking urgent steps to boost ones immune system can greatly help to prevent it. A healthy diet habit complemented with vitamin intake and rest can enforce the bodys defenses. Once the outbreak occurs though, it is best to abstain from sexual encounters to limit the spread.

People have wrongly thought that only those who are very sexually liberated commonly suffer herpes. Certainly, though, herpes is not limited to the sexually active. Anyone can get it. It is just that right measures should be taken to avoid a rifer contagion. Isn't it good to know more about cold sore treatment ? - 17268

About the Author:

You can say goodbye to that nasty cold sores in the soonest time. There are various remedies both home-made and prescribed that you can find online, no matter what kind of cold sores virus are infecting you. You don't have to bear the embarrassment. Try and find out more about cold sore on a trustworthy site.