My doctor says that 90% of people who have had sex have some form of herpes. Is !
Question: That really sounds like an inflated statistic to me, but I'd like to know if it's reliable or not. Has anyone else heard this number? Do you know of a source to cite it?
Answers: That really sounds like an inflated statistic to me, but I'd like to know if it's reliable or not. Has anyone else heard this number? Do you know of a source to cite it?
yup i just recently looked it up. i do not know the cite but i made a copy. here it is. Sorry so long.
Herpes
Basics
Herpes is a common viral disease characterized by painful blisters of the mouth or genitals. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes painful blisters, usually affecting the mouth or genital area. The anal region, eyes, and fingers are involved in some people. Herpes is a lifelong disease with no cure, but most infected people have long periods without symptoms, interrupted by only occasional outbreaks. While it is a minor, annoying problem for most people, it can be a serious disease for newborns, pregnant women, and those with immune disorders.
Severe and even fatal forms of herpes, with generalized disease and nervous system involvement, can develop in newborns or in those with immune deficiencies (such as those with AIDS or certain cancers). In rare instances, women who acquire genital herpes for the first time in late pregnancy may have a severe disease course. Antiviral medications are available that can moderate symptoms and reduce the death rate in these most serious cases.
Causes
Herpes is caused by either of two viruses that are transmitted by direct contact. Once established, the virus remains dormant in the body, and activates during times of stress. Herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-type 2 (HSV-2). Either virus can cause blisters in the mouth or genital region, but HSV-2 typically affects the genitals, whereas HSV-1 most commonly affects the mouth.
HSV enters the body through a mucous membrane or a small opening in the skin as a result of direct contact (i.e., through touching, kissing, and vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity). Although the virus is most contagious through direct contact with herpes sores, it can also be transmitted through saliva, or through skin contact with people who have no visible sores or other symptoms.
After the primary infection, the herpes virus travels along the nerves and becomes dormant within nerve cells. The virus is reactivated during times of stress, and travels back out through the same pathway, causing characteristic recurring crops of blisters.
Symptoms
Oftentimes people do not know they have a herpes infection. Herpes is usually a mild infection. Some people are unaware of any symptoms, and others may mistake minor symptoms for an insect bite or rash.
The primary episode of either genital or oral herpes often causes painful blisters and flulike symptoms [Table 1]. Symptoms of an initial herpes outbreak generally occur within two weeks after infection, and are usually more severe than subsequent recurrences. One or two crops of blisters may develop, sometimes accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in the case of oral herpes, sores within the throat or mouth. A first outbreak of genital herpes may also involve symptoms of meningitis (headache, fever, and light avoidance) lasting for up to one week.
Genital herpes is characterized by periodic outbreaks of painful genital blisters [Figure 1]. Blisters are often preceded by a painful or tingling sensation, which is known as the prodrome (or prodromal period). Within days, clusters of blisters appear, typically on the penis or vulva, but they can also occur elsewhere, such as on the thighs or around the anus. If the blisters develop within the urethra, you will experience difficult or painful urination. Women may also develop hidden sores within the vagina or on the cervix, and only notice vaginal discharge. Herpes blisters may join together, and usually develop into open, crusty lesions that are extremely painful and last from one to three weeks.
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Figure 1. Female (A) and Male (B) Genital Herpes Lesions
Genital herpes blisters appear as clusters, typically on the penis or vulva, but they can also occur elsewhere, such as on the thighs or around the anus. Herpes blisters may join together, and usually develop into painful, open, crusty lesions that last from one to three weeks.
Four or five outbreaks typically occur in the first year after infection. With time, frequency and severity usually diminish, and the outbreaks may stop completely. Women usually have more severe symptoms than men do.
Oral herpes involves occasional eruptions of