Herpes 2, also known as HSV-2, is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital outbreaks. It is not curable, but medications can manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. Regular screenings for STIs are recommended, as many carriers are asymptomatic.
Herpes 2 is a member of the herpes virus family that is usually linked to the incidence of genital herpes. It is also known as herpes simplex virus type two or HSV-2. About 20% of the population at any given time may be carriers of herpes 2, with many carriers remaining asymptomatic. The frequency of asymptomatic infections is one reason why regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a great idea, to ensure that any infections are caught before people have a chance to spread them to their partners.
The other form of HSV is herpes 1. Herpes 1 is usually associated with oral herpes, although it can also infect the genitals, while herpes 2 is linked with genital outbreaks. In fact, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are genetically very similar, with HSV-2 tending to carry more social stigma because people specifically view it as an STI. Both infections tend to be mild in nature, with asymptomatic infection being very common, and for this reason it is sometimes difficult to determine the source of the infection, as it can be diagnosed weeks, months or years after infectious contact.
People can get herpes 2 through intimate contact with infected individuals, or through their mothers, in the case of neonatal HSV-2. In many people, the virus causes no symptoms. Other people experience distinctive lesions that burst along the genitals in the form of fluid-filled blisters that eventually burst and crust over. People may experience recurring outbreaks or random outbreaks that occur infrequently, with stress being a contributing factor to the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Herpes 2 is not curable. However, it can be managed with medications designed to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and to make outbreaks shorter and less painful. These drugs can also reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission, which will help people avoid spreading the virus to uninfected partners. Doctors can provide a prescription for such drugs after evaluating the patient’s condition and conducting tests to confirm that the patient has HSV-2.
People with the disease should avoid intimate contact with uninfected partners when experiencing outbreaks. When no sores are present, a protective barrier can be used to reduce the risk of virus transmission, and the use of medications to manage the infection is highly recommended. Also, people should not assume they are herpes-free if they have never had any sores or outbreaks, due to the huge percentage of patients who have infections without developing herpes sores.
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