It is difficult to prevent spreading of the Herpes Simplex virus.
It is estimated that 50-80% of the world's population have a Herpes
virus and many don't even know it. This article will provide some tips and precautionary advice to help you reduce the risk to friends and family.

Herpes Simplex 1 usually causes Oral Herpes also known as cold sores whereas Herpes Simplex 2 usually causes
Genital Herpes.
Both types have been known to cause each others symptoms.

Once you have caught a Herpes virus it's for life. That also
means that you risk passing it to others for the rest of your life.
Luckily, the virus is latent most of the time. Outbreaks can
have intervals of months or years or never happen at all.

The symptoms
of an outbreak are a rash which will turn into blisters that
will then turn into a dry scab. The symptoms are usually visible for
less than a week and in this period the virus is very
contagious, mainly via skin contact from the affected
area, but unfortunately the virus is also contagious just
before the symptoms are visible and also in the period when
the virus reproduces itself without symptoms, the viral shedding period.

Precautions to Minimize the Spread of Herpes Simplex

To reduce the risk of passing on Herpes Simplex you should avoid skin contact
from the affected area when there is an outbreak or if you can
feel an outbreak coming on (you may feel tingling or irritation).

You won't be able to tell when the virus reproduces itself and
is also contagious however, so general precautions should always be taken.
Sexual activity should be avoided when you have
outbreaks, especially if you have Genital Herpes. Note that
oral sex may spread Herpes Simplex on the mouth area to the
genitals and vice versa.

Keeping good hygiene is also a good way to reduce the spread of
Herpes Simplex:

• Wash you hands regularly
• Do not share drinks, food or towels
• Staying healthy will minimize outbreak as these are often
  triggered by low immune defense system.

Treatment Options for Herpes Simplex

Herpes is not curable but you can treat it with very good results.
You should use an antiviral treatment which as well as reducing the severity
and duration of the outbreak will also lower the risk of spreading.

For Oral Herpes you may use the creams Zovirax and
Vectavir which are available over the counter in pharmacies.

For
Genital Herpes you may take tablets containing either Acyclovir,
Famciclovir or Valacyclovir, available with a prescription from your
doctor.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR for more advice.

Related Links

• Is there a cure for Herpes Simplex?
• Avoiding outbreaks of Herpes Simplex
• The Herpes treatment page

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