What Is Herpes?

WHAT'S HERPES?

Dear Dr. Bibbi,

I am an ardent reader of your health column (You and your Health) in The Daily Sun. I have learnt a lot and shared with people their experiences and problems, but I have some pressing questions to ask and I know you are the right person to talk to.

1. WHAT IS HERPES SIMPLEX
2. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS?
3. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CURES AND DRUGS TO USE?thn
4. WHAT KIND OF TESTS IS REQUIRED

YNA, Port Harcourt.



Dear YNA,

1.Herpes Simplex is an STD. There are 4 major features. 2.a)Blisters will form on the genitals. They will go of their own accord-- whether you treat or not. b)They will recur -- in fact, keep recurring for life. c)They will burn, pepper, or itch the sufferer. d)Vaginal herpes can blinden a baby born the normal way; so a mother with herpes will need to be encouraged to do Caesarean Section. 3.There is no known cure-- only palliative treatment. 4.Tests to diagnose the disease are not practical--as in costs and availability; so doctor usually diagnoses from the clinical features alone. Herpes is a very common STD that sufferers just keep quiet about. Also, I imagine a lot of quacks will easily call it Staphylococcus. Though there are no cures, there are certain medications that if taken, will make the recurrences happen less frequently.Herpes is a virus.There are two types Herpes Hominis Type 1 and Herpes Hominis Type 2. Type 2 causes the STD. Type 1 causes the mild fever or cold blister around the mouth that we all know about and is harmless.

Cheers