by Robert Collins
Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgender people face a unique and varied set of challenges in regards to healthcare. Issues ranging from HIV, risk of stroke, cancer risk, access to healthcare, substance abuse and addiction, STDs, depression, and other mental health issues are major factors in our community.
Each month I will report on one of these issues and answer health related questions from time to time. I will offer interviews to local Physicians and other healthcare providers. Offer solutions for accessing care and meeting the Challenges of caring for ourselves.
This month: Herpes Simplex.
Herpes Simplex is a viral infection caused by one of 2 viruses. Herpes Simplex type 1 and Herpes Simplex type 2. Herpes simplex type 1 is usually referred to as Oral Herpes and Infection is usually located near the mouth lips and nose. Herpes Simplex type 2 is usually Referred to as Genital Herpes and infection is usually located on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
Herpes Simplex Type One is very common and causes painful blistering sores near the mouth often referred to as “Cold Sores” or “Fever Blisters” . Infection can present itself at any time and is usually short in duration about a week to 10 days. Considered harmless to your overall health it is more of an inconvenience than a major health threat.
The most common mode of transmission is from mother to child during childbirth although it can be transmitted by kissing a person with an active open sore and occasionally from seemingly healthy skin as well. Many Over-the-counter treatment options are effective and inexpensive. Ask your Pharmacist.
Herpes Simplex type 2 is a little different. Genital Herpes is spread through contact with an open lesion or occasionally from skin contact from apparently healthy skin. An infected person does not have to have open sores to infect another person.
Lesions appear first as small, white painful blisters with red areas surrounding them and soon progress to seeping clear fluids and then scab over to dark red rough patches. Transmission risk is greatest during the seeping stage although it can occur at any time even when no lesion is present.
Currently 1 in every 6 people in the U.S. Between 14 and 49 years old are currently infected with numbers rising steadily.
How to avoid infection?
The only 100% effective way to avoid Herpes risk it to not have Vaginal, Oral or Anal sexual contact with anyone. So lets talk about the real world. The trick to this is Risk Reduction.
Risk is reduced when you have a long term monogamous relationship where both partners maintain exclusivity and are not already infected.
Condom/Barrier use reduces but DOES NOT ELIMINATE risk.
How will I know I am infected?
Infection has mild to no symptoms in most cases with lesions presenting themselves sometimes on the Genitals, Rectum or Mouth. Infection may occasionally be accompanied by flu like symptoms, fever, swelling of glands and body ache.
If infection and outbreak occur, repeated outbreaks in the first year are common but usually diminish in frequency over time. The infection usually stays in your body for the rest of your life.
The honest truth about Herpes is it is often undetected as a person can have been infected and never have an outbreak and still pass the infection along through seemingly healthy skin. The only sure way to know if you are infected is a blood antibody test specific to Herpes Simplex Type 2. See your physician or a local STD clinic to be sure.
Is there a cure?
No. There is no cure currently available although there are promising treatments the reduce frequency, severity and duration of outbreaks, and reduce the risk of infecting others.
Regular doses of drugs like Zovirax, Valtrex, and other anti-viral medications all have been shown to shorten outbreaks reduce frequency and reduce the risk of transmission to others. If you have an outbreak keep the lesion clean and dry, do not touch it. Refrain from sexual contact and apply topical ointments from your physician. You can transfer the infection to other parts of your body like your eyes or face so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly every time you touch the infected area.
Herpes Affects people of all sexual orientations, lifestyles, Socio-economic backgrounds races and ages.
The Bottom line is if you are sexually active you are at risk. Knowing your partners history is essential. Even then there is risk.
About the Author:
Robert Collins former Public Health Educator and HIV outreach worker. Age: 50, Meridian ID.
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