Generally, it is the herpes simplex virus type 2 that causes genital herpes, although there are also some cases that are reportedly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. In the United States alone, an overwhelming 45million people are infected with the herpes virus and this includes children as young as 12 years of age.
Sexual intercourse is the method of transmission for genital herpes. A person experiencing a herpes outbreak who has sexual contact with an uninfected person can instantly pass the herpes virus to this person.
A person may only realize the presence of herpes infection as blisters and sores start to become visible in the genital area. A lot of them however, may never show any symptoms for several years, even after having direct contact with an infected person.
The appearance of blisters and open sores signal a herpes outbreak, which is the time that makes a person contagious and at high risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners. Not everyone who has herpes will be experience outbreaks regularly. There are some lucky individuals who never experience such outbreaks, but it does not mean that they are not considered carriers of the virus. Even without visible blisters, a person can still potentially infect their partner who may never know they have a partner who is infected with herpes.
Sexually active people need to know how easy it is to acquire genital herpes, yet very difficult to identify a partner who may be infected with the virus. Although abstinence from sex is best way to protect oneself, it is also recommended that these people stick it out with one partner. Having more than one partner puts you at risk of being contaminated with any type of sexually transmitted disease, including being infected with the herpes virus.
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