Yes. both Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 usually attack the mouth and genital
area, but can in principle attack other parts of the body although
it is not very common.

Herpes Zoster, the cause of chickenpox in
children and shingles in adults does not affect a specific part of the body
and can easily be caught through the humidity in the air.

The Active Herpes Simplex virus only needs to be
in contact with an open cut (also those invisible to the eye) or a
mucus membrane to spread.

Herpes Simplex can be Spread to Other Parts of Your Own Body as well as Others

It can be spread to your eyes by touching first the
affected area, typically your mouth or genitals, and then your
eyes. Also, if you have Oral Herpes, you risk causing Genital
Herpes in your partner if you give oral sex and if you have
Genital Herpes and receive oral sex, you risk causing Oral
Herpes in your partner.

Precautions and Treatment Options for Herpes Simplex

You should avoid physical contact from the affected area when
you have an outbreak of Herpes Simplex. The outbreak of Herpes
Simplex 1, Oral Herpes, also known as cold sores, is a rash that
turns into blisters which then turn into a dry scab. It is mostly
contagious in this outbreak period, but also just before and in
the viral shedding period which is when the virus reproduces itself.
The outbreak comes back
with a frequency widely varied from person to person in a range of once or twice in
a lifetime to several times a month.

Oral Herpes

Oral Herpes can not be cured but can be treated with good results.
The treatment is an antiviral agent, Acyclovir or Penciclovir, in a
cream available over the counter from the pharmacy. The cream will reduce
the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.

When you have an outbreak you should avoid kissing, oral sex
and other types of skin contact from your mouth area. Use the
antiviral cream, do not touch the affected area and wash your hands
regularly.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is mostly contagious via sexual activity involving
the genitals, including oral sex. The outbreak is a rash that turns
into blisters which then turn into a dry scab. Like Oral Herpes, it is
mostly contagious in the outbreak period, but also just before and in
the viral shedding period. The outbreak comes back with a frequency widely varied person to person in a range of once or twice
in a lifetime to several times a month.

Genital Herpes can not be cured but the symptoms can be treated
with good results. The treatment is an antiviral agent taken in tablet form,
either Famciclovir, Acyclovir or Valacyclovir available on
prescription from your doctor. The tablet will reduce
the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks and for
some people it may even eliminate future outbreaks.

When you have an outbreak of Genital Herpes, you should avoid
sexual activity involving your genitals. Do not touch the affected
area, wash your hands and take the antiviral tablets as directed by your doctor.

Once you have contracted a Herpes virus, it stays in your
body for life. It is a fairly harmless virus but even though
it is latent for most of the time and outbreaks can be kept at a
minimum with antiviral treatment, you still risk passing it on.
Be sensible. SEE A DOCTOR for diagnosis and advice.

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