A Guide to Herpes: Recognizing and Treating It
Overview of Herpes
When we hear a diagnosis of herpes, the natural reaction may be to steer clear. While there are types of herpes that can be more dangerous and contagious than others, there is an over-exaggeration and negative stigma that can make people afraid to seek medical help.
We can work on destigmatizing the ailment by understanding the various types and symptoms and then seeking professional help, which may include an online prescription for Valtrex, a well-known medication for herpes.
Signs, Symptoms and Types of Herpes
Signs and Symptoms
When it comes to herpes, the most commonly associated signs and symptoms include:
- Sores that appear in the affected areas (lips, genitals, thighs, etc.)
- Painful when urinating
- Abnormal discharge
- Sensitive and tenderness
With herpes, the outbreak typically happens in phases. The phases of herpes which an individual can experience are primary, latent, and shedding. There is a stage of recurrences, which occurs after the initial infection disappears but reoccurs.
The primary stage happens anywhere between two to eight days after the initial infection. This stage is often paired with blisters which can be quite painful and, when they burst, release either a cloudy or clear fluid. When this happens, it results in open sores, resulting in more spreading and scarring if the sores get infected. At this stage, infection occurs when the sores or blisters fluids go in contact with another person who may either have a cut or bodily fluid.
Once the blisters subside, which can take up to a week to do, then is the latent stage. There are no new blisters in this stage, and the individual, depending on the severity of the disease, may not be showing physical signs or symptoms. Still, their body may be fighting the virus internally.
From latent to shedding, anyone experiencing herpes is now possibly experiencing fatigue, discomfort in urinating, loss of appetite, and headaches. These are just some symptoms that someone with diagnosable herpes may experience. With shedding, there is danger as it makes the person with the virus highly contagious, despite possibly feeling or thinking they are not. They could spread the virus through bodily fluids, such as saliva, semen, and vaginal discharge.
In the latent stage, to avoid the possible spreading of the virus, it is crucial to seek medical support and treatment. Whether that means that you have to get a prescription for Valtrex or other herpes medication, being proactive in your treatment can prevent, if not minimize, spreading. At this stage, the blister or sores may begin to subside and may not be noticeable, which can help those who may feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
Unfortunately, when it comes to herpes, once you have had this viral infection, you are more prone and susceptible to getting it again. Anything from stress, cold, or insufficient sleep can trigger the herpes virus to flame up. Another thing that can be done is to be aware of your triggers – for example, if you easily stress, consider taking proactive measures to minimize any stressors in your life. Your medical professional can provide valuable information and guidance when it comes to helpful tips and ways to be proactive.
Types of Herpes
There are a total of eight types of different herpes; some are more serious than others. HHV-8 is one of the most recently diagnosed forms of herpes. It has been found in patients who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer and develop due to lesions because of cancer. Upon the discovery of HHV-8, nearly 35% of AIDS patients have HHV-8.
HSV 1 and HSV 2 are the most commonly experienced forms of herpes. They can infect anyone between 14 years to 49 years of age and are also spread through direct or bodily fluid contact. The dangerous part about these two forms of herpes is that not all individuals showcase symptoms or signs of a positive diagnosis.
Despite it being known as herpes, they are often known by other names such as cold sores, the kissing virus, and STI. While these are more mainstream terminology, these perceptions of the virus are often misconstrued and misunderstood at the end of the day.
Diagnosis and Testing for Herpes
The diagnosing of herpes can be, at times, quite invasive, especially if one has genital herpes.
When it comes to testing for herpes, the individual may find themselves having to get bloodwork. The bloodwork can come from a needle, or if there are sores that have opened, they may also swab those for testing.
As well as checking the blood work, the medical professional may send a requisition for HSV testing; this is done so that the labs and the tests that are conducted know to look for possible precursors of the herpes virus. Like the doctor swabbing for open sores, they may swab in and around areas where herpes may be located; for example, if you are experiencing herpes sores in your genitals, the doctor may swab and send them to the labs for testing.
The thought of herpes can be very daunting for an individual. There is a lot of shame and embarrassment that could come from it; however, it is imperative that you think you may be infected with herpes and seek professional medical help. This is most notably true if you believe that your partner or the person you are seeing may be carrying the herpes virus.
Treatment, Medications and Care for Herpes
Depending on the type and severity of the diagnosis, herpes can be treated by an online prescription for Valtrex or through maintenance of the sores and your overall wellbeing.
The two most common medically recommended prescriptions are Valtrex and Zovirax. These are prescribed by a medical professional after proper diagnosis and evaluation.
Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, the individual may find themselves taking a particular medication daily; however, the good news is that many of the herpes medications on the market have little to no side effects on the patients taking them.
On top of medication, there are things that those living with herpes can do to help maintain a healthy and normal lifestyle.
If the person with herpes experiences discomfort, they can take Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin. This over-the-counter medication can help in those instances where the pain comes suddenly or unexpectedly.
Taking lukewarm baths or using a lukewarm cloth on the affected areas can also help with the pain. When applying moisture to the site, it must be thoroughly dried when you remove the damp cloth. Not drying the area could lead to more spread or infection.
On a more day-to-day basis, depending on where the sores or blisters may be, consider wearing loose-fitting and breathable clothing, such as cotton. This is because it can prevent any irritation or agitation of the area, which is essential if you want to control or prevent any future flareups.
Living with and Managing Herpes
When it comes to herpes, there are proactive and preventative measures that you can put for yourself and your partner. One thing that both individuals could do is use protection during intercourse but also to be aware of one’s previous health history. This means that if you have previously had herpes, be open and transparent with your partner.
Keep in mind not sharing that you may be a carrier of the herpes virus can be dangerous for your partner and prevent any spread.
If you have been diagnosed with herpes and currently living with the virus, make sure to get an online prescription for Valtrex or Zovirax. These are two highly popular and well-recognized forms of medical treatment that can help people living with herpes.
However, the most important thing is that living a normal, healthy life with herpes is possible at the end of the day. There are millions of people living with herpes; therefore, you should not feel alone or ashamed.
Many people who live with herpes get a prescription for Valtrex, are open about their medical history with their partner or partners and get routine checkups. Don’t let the fear or a highly common and treatable virus stop you from living.
Routine and Regular Checkups
The unfortunate reality of a herpes diagnosis is that you become more susceptible to having it again down the road once you have had the virus. There are, of course, things that can be done to prevent it from happening, but also, there are things that can be undertaken to be proactive in your health.
Once you have recovered fully and your doctor has made the necessary recommendations or prescriptions make sure to have routine and regular checkups with your doctor. This is important, especially if you start to notice blisters or other abnormalities in and around your body. Be aware of your body; check for possible sores and blisters, especially new ones, and you aren’t aware of their origins.
Remember, the moment you notice something abnormal or off, don’t take a chance; it’s better to know ahead of time so that you can get an online prescription for Valtrex or Zovirax to help.
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