can herpes be life threatening and what is the worst scenario?
440001
you are right your sister has a type of herpes virus called HSV1. it is very common to the point of 80% of the population carrying the virus. it manifests itself as cold sores or little vesicles (fluid filled sacs) that pop and become the sores. this is not the same virus that casues genital herpes (HSV2 is the virus) but they are related. \n\nboth diseases are infectious (can be spread) but must be passed by physical contact. \n\n\nthe virus lays dormant in nerves and during times of stress or anything else that weakens the body's defenses they multiply and manifest on the skin as sores.\n\nworst case senarios only occur in people who have comprimsed immune systems, like HIV or people on chemo then the infection can spread to the brain and casue more serious problems, but this is rare and your immune system has to be very weakened.\n\ntreatment is symptomatic with medicine called acyclovir (valtrex) and this can shorten the amount of days that the pustules appear but nothing can clear the infection where it lays dormant in the nerves.
352671
as a person with herpes (unfortunately) i should know that it is possible to have it and yor g/f cannot. you could have had it for a period of time until something triggered it. Stress, anxiety, a cold anything. the best thing to do is when you have an outbreak DO NOT HAVE SEX. this will decrease the chance of her catching it. granted it is not easy to tell someone that you have that but if the person cares abotu you they will understand. go onto websites to give yourself better knowledge about it. hey if you have any questions feel free to ask them. dont be afraid to ask, that is the only way to find things out!! it isnt that much easier for a woman to see than a man. it all depends on how u handle certain situations. my stress may cause me to outbreak more than your or vice versa. \n\nloveless816@yahoo.com if you need to ask anything.\n\n\nP.S. it can lay dormant in ANYONE, not just women
27981
no. however a "fever blister" or cold sore is generally speaking most likely herpes type 1. "Genital Herpes" aka herpes type 2 however can look like just a fever blister. what I mean by this is that other than the genitals you can get herpes blisters on your fingers (usually around the cuticle area) and on you lips,inside your mouth and in some particularly painful cases on your eye lids. so by Herpes symptoms what exactly do you mean? Fever, chills, more blisters?  A blood test for herpes only shows for whether you have been exposed to the virus, NOT if you have been infected with it. The difference is that if you are exposed to a virus you blood builds up antibodies to that virus which means next time you are exposed you can fight back! When you are infected the virus "wins" and you get sick. The only definative test there is currently (at least to my knowlege) is a culture of the blister before it dries up. I know this sounds gross and it is... but if you don't find out if you have herpes, well you could go for 30 years and not know you have it and then when you are married and pregnant suddenly your husband gets an outbreak. Oh yeah did I mention that you don't have to have an outbreak to transmit herpes type 2. Now, not only do you have a significant other to worry about but did you know that if you have an outbreak during certain parts of your pregnancy your baby could die. or it might just be brain damaged. Point being just get that blister checked out ok? Trust me... The reason I know this stuff is because I waited too long to find out. I've never had a real outbreak but I have had a blood test which says I have at least been exposed to both types... so just TRUST ME You'll be glad to have a REAL answer either way
568752
Yes, there isn't any. Herpes is caused by a virus. Actually, there is little cure for viruses nowadays. The only thing that you can generally do in the case of a viral infection is strengthen the immune system and hope it fights it off. Not with Herpes, the immune system can't win against it. Thus you only get to treat the symptoms. Once you're infected, it stays with you for life. So don't get infected.
1177543
Who knows what all you might have caught?  Herpes could be the LEAST of your worries, you little fool!  What happens in Vegas may not necessarily stay in Vegas...especially if you brought home an STD!!!
90869
You could still catch it possibly. Most def if she has an outbreak. I think it depends on where the outbreaks occur. But to be extra safe, talk with a REAL nurse or doctor.\n\nThere should be a hotline that you could call as well. Search for it on the net.
12678
Do not become orally intimate with someone's nether regions, (just in case you were thinking of doing that) with a cold sore. I was just at the doctor for the cold sores that I get on my lip and they informed me that yes in fact you can spread the virus that way. Don't obsess, stress can make them worse and cause them to come out more frequently. If you get them on a semi regular basis, go to a clinic or your regular doctor, they have an anti-viral pill that will help you greatly. Abreva and such only dry out the blisters, so does ear wax believe it or not. Most adults have the herpe virus in their system, but a smaller percentage have symptoms. Ice also breaks the virus down quicker once you have the blisters, and aspirin will reduce pain and take the swelling down. Don't ever break the blisters they are freakishly contagious. Other than that, relax, they're a pain in the ass, but unless you have a problem with your immune system, you'll live.
750644
Valtrate is the medicine that is prescribed this helps if used in small dose daily keep outbreaks at bay.\nWhen outbreak occurs via weeping blisters then Valtrate is doubled  this shortens length and severity of outbreak.\nThey are after all only small cold sores in clusters, so other than the psychological trauma of knowing that anytime you are rundown  or traumatised in any way outbreaks  do often occur.\nYou can pass on the virus even when not active by shedding miniscule particles.\nCondoms are mandantory to restrict infection during sexual contact  but still not foolproof.\nIt can't be stressed enough to abstain from sexual contact whilst suffering outbreak as most infectious during this time.\nIf your partner is fully aware of this and thinks enough of you then it shouldn't be an issue.\nHonesty is the only policy as whilst 1 in 5 Americans carry disease some do not even know they carry it.\nIt might seem a stigma to carry but as said that it can be managed, life is still the same,it's not a death sentence...
367423
You have to be very careful. There is prescribed medication that he can take to (Famvir or Valtrex) decrease occurences of the herpes virus. You should never have sex with him during the viral shedding stage or if he has a visible outbreak. To protect yourself you can also use female condoms. They cover the lips of the vagina. Remember, you will be taking a chance everytime when you start having sex with him. It seems like u do care about him. Let him know that this bothers you. If you're not comfortable with the fact that he has herpes and may spread it to you then the best thing for you to do is leave him. Hope you make the best decision for yourself and your health.
808952
Genital herpes can be prevented and can be treated.  It cannot be cured.  Prevention is always the best policy..use protection! thats what it is there for.
1038868
Unfortunately, the herpes virus lives in the skin at all times.  The chances of contracting the virus increases if sores are present, but there is still a chance when there are no sores.  \n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/hw/skin_and_beauty/hw31979.asp
13914
You can't treat herpes. You can only treat it's outbreaks.\n\nHerpes plays a neurological hide-and-seek with every drug we throw at it -- and always wins. "The virus travels the nerve pathways and nests at the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine," says Dr. Whitley.\n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/76/90090.htm
170803
I'm not a doctor or anything but people do get the herpes virus or a form of it on their lips. It's not from sex, it's sort of like catching a cold. Just go to a doctor and he'll make you feel much better, I'm sure it isnt anything too bad.
956045
Talking to someone with herpes WILL NOT pass it on to you... but if the individual has the cold, or something like that, you'll catch cold...  \nIf you're talking with this individual as your having, or just had sex... well, now you'll have to go see the doctor...
208291
I would keep seeing a person with herpes as long as they were honest with me from the beginning.  It's frustrating, of course, and it wouldn't be my first choice, but if I really liked the person then it wouldn't matter.  It would affect when we could have sex, but if the relationship is built on something more important than sex, then that would still be okay with me.  If they did not tell me about it and I found out later, I would not stay with them.
210154
No, that is why it's so important to wear protection, no matter what 'they say...'\nSorry to hear of your bad encounter. Talk with your doctor about how to deal with any outbreaks.
506297
Well...\n\nIt's actually not that difficult. It's a risk that you'll need to take but by being extra careful there's a good chance he will not get it from you.\n\n1. Try to be as aware as possible regarding your body. Check the areas that you usually get the sores often. You'll have to use the frequency that you get them as a guide for this. Some people don't have outbreaks for months while others it's more like a weekly thing.\n\n2. Get a prescription drug like Valtrex. Drugs can diminish the number of outbreaks you have so the window of opportunity is larger.\n\n3. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching your genitals/bottom, etc.\n\n4. Use separate washcloths and towels. Never let him use the same towel that you do. It's very rare but an active sore can transmit the virus by way of towels, and similar.\n\nAlso, please ignore the foolish/stupid/mean answers on this page. Herpes is not the plague, it's actually VERY COMMON, especially in the United States. Artificial insemination is a great answer, except that it is very expensive and mostly unnecessary.\n\nAnd... for the people that misunderstood your question and thought you were referring to giving birth... there is absolutely no need to have a C section unless your OBGYN recommends it based on your history.