The commonly-held myth that genital herpes and oral herpes symptoms in men are drastically different owes its genesis, at least in part, to the distinctly different way in which the HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) infections are viewed by society. Given the stigma associated with genital herpes vs. the relative acceptance of oral herpes, it may come as a surprise to learn that researchers have found the two viruses to be 98% identical. It may also come as a surprise to learn just how similar the experience of an outbreak is for men infected with the two different forms of the Herpes Simplex Virus.
First off, with regards to transmission, the HSV-1 virus is usually passed on through saliva (although the virus is usually picked up by the hands and then transmitted to the mouth and face) whereas HSV-2, as we all know, is generally transmitted via sexual intercourse. Despite these apparent differences, the manner in which the virus infects its new host is identical.
In either case, the herpes carrier must be in the process of replicating, or "shedding", the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus (this occurs during outbreaks) in order to be contagious. Additionally, the infected individual must make some type of physical contact (this can occur by leaving saliva or body fluids on a surface that is later touched by another person) in order to pass on the virus. In order to complete the transmission, the non-infected person must have scrapes, cuts or other openings in the skin through which the virus can enter the body.
During primary outbreaks, the initial herpes symptoms in men experienced by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 patients are identical. The first warning signs of an outbreak caused by either virus is sudden fatigue, flu-like symptoms and fever, as well as mysterious muscle aches. Additionally, the tingling, burning, and itching sensations that usually appear on the genitals and groin at the onset of a genital herpes outbreak, are often experienced on the lips and around the mouth by men infected with the HSV-1 virus.
Outbreaks caused by both viruses also go through the same stages. The eruption of sores and clusters of blisters occurs at roughly the same point in both infections (two to 12 days after the outbreak begins), and is followed several days later by the formation of ulcers as the blisters drain. The healing time is even similar between the two infections - usually lasting anywhere between 10-14 days.
Unfortunately, both versions of the Herpes Simplex Virus also share a commonality in that they are incurable. Given the numerous similarities between the two, however, this may actually improve the chances that researchers will one day discover a vaccine that makes HSV-1 and HSV-2 a thing of the past. After all, given the stunning similarities between the two viruses, doesn't it stand to reason that a medical breakthrough made in the treatment of one, should benefit the other as well?
First off, with regards to transmission, the HSV-1 virus is usually passed on through saliva (although the virus is usually picked up by the hands and then transmitted to the mouth and face) whereas HSV-2, as we all know, is generally transmitted via sexual intercourse. Despite these apparent differences, the manner in which the virus infects its new host is identical.
In either case, the herpes carrier must be in the process of replicating, or "shedding", the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus (this occurs during outbreaks) in order to be contagious. Additionally, the infected individual must make some type of physical contact (this can occur by leaving saliva or body fluids on a surface that is later touched by another person) in order to pass on the virus. In order to complete the transmission, the non-infected person must have scrapes, cuts or other openings in the skin through which the virus can enter the body.
During primary outbreaks, the initial herpes symptoms in men experienced by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 patients are identical. The first warning signs of an outbreak caused by either virus is sudden fatigue, flu-like symptoms and fever, as well as mysterious muscle aches. Additionally, the tingling, burning, and itching sensations that usually appear on the genitals and groin at the onset of a genital herpes outbreak, are often experienced on the lips and around the mouth by men infected with the HSV-1 virus.
Outbreaks caused by both viruses also go through the same stages. The eruption of sores and clusters of blisters occurs at roughly the same point in both infections (two to 12 days after the outbreak begins), and is followed several days later by the formation of ulcers as the blisters drain. The healing time is even similar between the two infections - usually lasting anywhere between 10-14 days.
Unfortunately, both versions of the Herpes Simplex Virus also share a commonality in that they are incurable. Given the numerous similarities between the two, however, this may actually improve the chances that researchers will one day discover a vaccine that makes HSV-1 and HSV-2 a thing of the past. After all, given the stunning similarities between the two viruses, doesn't it stand to reason that a medical breakthrough made in the treatment of one, should benefit the other as well?
About the Author:
Looking for more information on Herpes Symptoms in Men?, then visit www.herpessymptoms-inmen.com to find advice on Cold Sore Remedies and other herpes-related issues.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Check this link for other related articles:
My Random Articles
Yey Health