Herpes Simplex is a very common virus. There are two main types:

• Herpes Simplex 1: Causes Oral Herpes -
  cold sores
• Herpes Simplex 2: Causes Genital Herpes

This article talks about how widespread the Herpes virus is throughout the world and covers basic precaution and prevention techniques.

Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

It is estimated that 50-80 % of the world's population have Herpes Simplex 1 but many people don't even know they have it. It
is possible to carry the latent virus for years before you experience
an outbreak of Oral Herpes. You may experience outbreaks in a range
of once in a lifetime to several every month.

How Common are Cold Sores?

Oral Herpes has nothing to do with having a cold, as the layman's
term cold sore may indicate. But there are many similarities between
having a common cold and having a cold sore:

• It is very easy to catch
• You can get it again and again
• It is very common
• It is fairly harmless

The symptoms of Oral Herpes are a rash that turns into blisters
which turn into a dry scab over the course of a week or so. It may itch or
feel irritated around the affected area.

Catching & Passing on Oral Herpes

You usually catch Herpes Simplex 1 from close physical contact
with a person who has an outbreak, usually through kissing.
So it should
be easy to avoid, but don't be fooled! The symptoms are not always
recognized and it is also contagious just before the outbreak. The
virus also has regular viral shedding periods which is when the
virus reproduces itself and this has
no visible symptoms but is nonetheless contagious.

Even if you have never had an outbreak but caught
the virus you will have viral shedding periods and risk
spreading the condition. Also, even an innocent 'dry' kiss may
spread it. Giving oral sex when you have the virus may
cause Genital Herpes in your partner also.

Prevention is Better than Cure

If you suspect you have Oral herpes the best thing you can do
is see a doctor for further advice. You will be told to use
antiviral treatment available without a prescription from
pharmacies which come in the form of creams containing Acyclovir or penciclovir">Penciclovir. The
most common brands are Vectavir and Zovirax. These creams
will reduce risk of spreading as well as reduce severity,
frequency and duration of outbreaks although they can't cure
Oral Herpes altogether.

The creams work best if applied just before the outbreak
is visible. You will feel an irritation or tingling around the
affected area.

Obviously you should take precautions not to spread the
virus. When you have an outbreak you should:

• Avoid kissing
• Giving oral sex
• Avoid touching the affected area
• Wash your hands regularly
• Use antiviral creams

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is not quite as common.
It is estimated that 1 in 5
adults have Genital Herpes. It is possible to carry the latent virus,
Herpes Simplex 2, for years with no outbreak and symptoms are often
mis-diagnosed or not diagnosed at all. The symptoms do not only appear
on the genitals but anywhere between the knees and waist and they
may be so mild that the sufferer doesn't bother getting it diagnosed.
The symptoms are a rash that turn into blisters that turn into a dry
scab, much the same as Oral Herpes.

Genital Herpes is mainly contagious from sexual activity

This means
not only traditional intercourse, any contact between the affected
area and your partner is a potential risk. Receiving oral sex
may result in your partner contracting Oral Herpes.

Prevention & Treatment of Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes can't be cured but can and should be treated with
very good results. Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral
agent in
tablet form. This will be either Acyclovir, Famciclovir or Valacyclovir
and there are many brands available. The antiviral agent will reduce the
risk of spreading as well as keep the severity, duration and frequency of outbreaks
at a minimum.

When you have an outbreak you should

• Avoid sexual activity
• Avoid touching the infected area
• Wash your hands regularly
• Take antiviral treatment

Because Herpes Simplex is so easy to catch and is often mis-diagnosed
or never diagnosed, it remains a very common virus. Luckily, it is fairly
harmless and generally doesn't have any complications. You should
only experience the above described symptoms and you can take steps
to keep outbreaks to a minimum.

To keep outbreaks of Oral or Genital Herpes at a minimum you should
adopt a healthy lifestyle as a low immune defense system appears to be a major
trigger of outbreaks. Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising
will keep your immune defense system boosted.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Is there a cure for Herpes Simplex?
• How to prevent passing Herpes Simplex to others
• Should you see a Doctor for Herpes Simplex?
• Preventing outbreaks of Herpes Simplex

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