subject: Take a Herpes Test Today And Save Grief Tomorrow [print this page] Take a Herpes Test Today And Save Grief Tomorrow
Herpes is a scourge. This is the truth. Although the physical problems brought on by the disease are numerous, there is also the hard reality of the psychological toll. Suffering from emotional issues brought on by being infected with the herpes virus is almost guaranteed. There is a stigma attached to this illness that cuts a wide swath through our society. From feelings of diminished self worth to believing that God is punishing them, a sufferer's problems run the gamut. There are realities of this disease that need to be clarified for better or worse, and that all begins with taking a test and knowing your status.
The Startling Facts
There are eight different Herpes viruses that include everything from Epstein-Barr syndrome to shingles. When most people speak of herpes they are referring to one of two types. The first is HSV1 (cold sores around the mouth) and HSV2 (better known as genital herpes and includes cold sores in and around the privates). A simple test can establish what type of herpes you have.
Genital herpes is very common in America. According to statistics from the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention the rate of infection nationwide is 16% (approximately one in six people) with women having a higher rate of infection than men. For women the rate of infection is approximately one in five, in men it is one in nine.
Although it is easiest to acquire the infection from a partner who is suffering from an outbreak of blisters, transmission from one partner to another with no symptoms present is also possible. This is another reason that taking a herpes test and knowing your status is so important: it is possible to be spreading the disease without even knowing that you are infected.
Although an initial outbreak of blisters and symptoms is not guaranteed, if it happens it will generally be two weeks after infection. This initial outbreak can be severe and can take between four to six weeks to heal. Sometimes these outbreaks are partnered with flu-like symptoms, swollen glands and fever. Others infected with herpes suffer such mild symptoms that the blisters may be mistaken for a rash. Only a test will arm you with the knowledge necessary to garner the proper care.
Complications of infection can be recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters and can cause severe problems for those with suppressed immune systems. The presence of herpes can lead to fatal infections in infants if passed on from the mother. A cesarean section will be performed if a woman shows signs of an outbreak during her delivery. As mentioned earlier, there are also the profound psychological effects of herpes on both men and women. These may last for years and often affects a person's emotional make up in a variety of ways.
Unfortunately there is no cure for the disease, herpes is a life-long affliction. Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your life can help manage stress levels. It is reported that high stress levels can be an aggravating trigger that will bring on an outbreak. Being proactive and taking a herpes test is the first thing you can do to find out where you stand.
