Encouraging Facts About Herpes

 If you’re sexually active, it’s important to learn about and take care of your sexual health, which includes vigilantly protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as herpes. 

When it comes to STDs, the more you know the better. That way you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to detect an STD and take the proper next steps such as getting screened and receiving effective treatment.

A lot of negative connotations and misinformation typically surround STDs like herpes, which can make it difficult to want to get tested, go through the necessary treatments, and divulge your diagnosis to sexual partners. However, having an STD is a common experience, and developing one isn’t the end of the world as long as you treat it properly.

At San Feliz Urgent Care in Glendale, California, our urgent care team is passionate about providing factual information about STDs and the necessary screenings to keep you safe and healthy. In this month’s blog, we share some encouraging facts about living with this health condition.  

Understanding herpes

Herpes is an infection caused by two different strains of the herpes virus: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Both viruses spread through skin-to-skin contact in infected areas and are most easily spread through sex or kissing. 

Herpes causes painful blisters to develop around the affected area such as your genitals, anus, or mouth. 

When you develop herpes around your mouth, it’s called oral herpes, sometimes also referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Herpes that develops around your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus is known as genital herpes.

 In some cases, genital herpes is mild and develops in places you can’t see, which is why it’s common for people to have genital herpes and not realize it. 

Positive facts about herpes

If you suspect you have herpes or discover your current or previous sexual partner has herpes, seek testing and treatment. If you test positive, know that a herpes diagnosis isn’t serious or life-threatening. 

Other encouraging facts about herpes include: 

Herpes is very common 

Although you may feel embarrassed about having herpes, you’re certainly not the only one who has it. It’s actually an incredibly common condition, and studies estimate that over 50% of Americans have oral herpes and almost 20% have genital herpes. 

You won’t always have symptoms

There’s currently no cure for herpes, so the thought of having painful blisters for life might feel terrifying. However, as long as you treat it, the herpes virus will go dormant, meaning you can go for long periods of time with no symptoms. 

It’s an easily managed condition

A very effective treatment for herpes is prescription antiviral medications. Typically, you only need to take these when you have a herpes breakout, which can be triggered by fevers, stress, or hormone changes. 

You may need to take herpes medications long-term if you have a suppressed immune system, multiple sexual partners, or frequent and severe outbreaks. 

For expert STD testing and treatment, turn to our San Feliz Urgent Care team. Schedule an appointment by calling or using our online booking feature today.