Herpes is a common disease and it spreads quite easily. One reason for this is that a lot of people fail to realize that they have an infection. Moreover, the use of usual safe sex practices does not prevent the virus from spreading completely. Mentioned below are a few things that you must be aware of to protect yourself from herpes.
Be Careful When There Are Visible Outbreaks
All sexual contact and activities must be avoided in the case of visible outbreaks. This is because the risk of transmitting herpes is highest when there is an outbreak. Symptoms of the herpes virus vary from person to person, and they aren’t always too noticeable; however, ulcers and reddish sores on the genital areas are the biggest clues. Similarly, pain or itching around the groin is also an indication of an occurring outbreak. A fever sore or blister along the mouth can also be the signal of a less dangerous kind of herpes which can spread through contact.
Get Yourself Tested
Consider getting yourself tested for herpes to make sure you are completely safe. While many people don’t recommend widespread screening for herpes, experts suggest that people who are concerned about becoming a victim of the disease should get it tested. Despite there being no troubling symptoms, being aware of the fact that you have the virus can help you to take precautions. Once you are aware of the fact, then you can also make sure that you don’t spread it to others. Getting a blood test will tell you if you have any of the two types of the herpes virus. Genital flare-ups are caused because of herpes-2, and it is linked with more severe symptoms as compared to herpes-1.
Be Well-Informed About How It’s Spread
Keep in mind that herpes can be spread not only through intercourse and oral sex, but also through skin-to-skin contact where the herpes virus sheds including the anal region, inner thigh, and the genital areas.
Know That Herpes Isn’t Inevitable
If you have herpes, then this doesn’t mean that you will end up infecting your long-term partner. Taking safety measures, taking medicines, and avoiding contact during outbreaks can reduce transmission risk quite significantly. It is true that if one person in a relationship has herpes, the relationship can be strained. However, it is important to know that herpes isn’t a lethal disease. Moreover, all the painful flare-ups go away with time, even if they aren’t treated.
Other Things to Note
Discuss with your doctor and ask him or her to prescribe you daily herpes medicines that can lower the chances of the transmission of the disease. Make sure you keep your hands away from the herpes sores. Touching them will only spread the infection to other body parts as well as other people. If you do touch a sore, you must wash your hands with water and soap immediately.
