Herpes is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of several distinct disorders based on the site of infection.
Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores or fever blisters, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Genital herpes, known simply as herpes, is the second most common form of herpes. Herpes affects millions of people across the world, while millions remain undiagnosed. Find out the truth behind all the myths around Herpes. There are 11 myths and facts listed below.
Myth 1: Herpes is extremely contagious and signs show immediately
Fact: A person can be infected by the herpes virus and may still be in the dark about it for months. While it can be highly active on the skin’s surface without any external signs, it’s not possible to say if it can be contagious or not.
Myth2: It's only possible for anyone with the herpes virus to spread it during an outbreak
Fact: The herpes virus is very active at all times and it can be spread when there is no outbreak. At times, partners may show no signs of the virus, and still people who sleep with them can get infected without their knowledge. This proves that outbreak or no outbreak, the possibility of getting infected from partners suffering from the virus is indeed high. Take precautions always, Use condoms and practice safe sex. It always pays to be safe, than to do something on an impulse and regret later.
Myth 3: Condoms act as a protection cover against the spread of herpes
Fact: Condoms are not a sure fire protection for herpes infections. They act only as partial protectors. While condoms can help reduce risks due to transmitting of genital herpes, they are not hundred percent fool proof. Condoms are prone to wear and tear and at times, many men have found to their utter dismay that their condoms have a hole in them after they have performed the act. This means, the possibility of contacting the herpes viruses remains high and risky.
Myth 4: Other than abstinence from sex during outbreaks, and use of condoms there are no other ways to reduce risks that spread herpes
Fact: There are many antiviral medications or injections like famciclovir, valaciclovir and Acyclovir that can suppress all asymptomatic and symptomatic viral shed of virus. Clinical tests have shown that these drugs have a profound effect on asymptomatic HSV herpes virus shedding by nearly 80 to 90%.
Myth 5: HSV-1 is never dangerous; it’s a mild infection that’s troublesome at times
Fact: HSV-1 is a mild infection especially when it infects body parts like face, genitals or lips. However, sometimes it infects the eyes by recurring unexpectedly. This condition is known as ocular herpes and can be termed as a serious infection leading to blindness. In some rare cases, it can spread to the brain leading to herpes encephalitis leading to death. HSV-1 is a very serious and dangerous infection that can cause death. Herpes Whitlow is a herpes infection which occurs on fingers, while ‘wrestler’s herpes’ or herpes gladiatorum occurs on the face or chest.
Myth 6: People who are sexually active are infected by HSV-2, a dangerous and painful infection
Fact: HSV-2 is a mild infection and is not dangerous. Many people, who are infected by it, remain oblivious to its infection. HSV-2 never causes any complications nor does it spread to other body parts. This is rare. However, it can occur in newborns as neonatal herpes.
Myth 7: People who lead a promiscuous get genital herpes
Fact: This is an entirely wrong notion. People of any race, age or gender can get affected. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. The number of sexual partners one indulges in sex with is not the reason why it can be contacted. Genital herpes unlike other forms of STDs can remain dormant for years and even till one dies and can infect others at any other time.
Myth 8: There is no treatment for Herpes. It cannot be treated. Itches, burns of sores remain for ever
Fact: Herpes is a manageable disease, though it cannot be cured in entirety. There are anti viral vaccines which can prevent herpes from spreading and recurrent outbreaks. Outbreaks can occur without any symptoms. At times, you may experience a few outbreaks or no outbreaks at all.
Myth 9: Transmission of genital herpes happens when you do have sex with a partner who has herpes sores
Fact: Genital herpes occurs mostly when vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex happens. It’s also likely to occur when the herpes sores are not present. So, don’t be fooled if blisters or sores are absent in your partners and you still end up getting infected.
Myth 10: Oral sex is absolutely safe
Fact: Many people are under the wrong notion that only penetrative sex like vaginal and anal sex can lead to infection. Oral sex is equally dangerous and is certainly not part of safe sex. The cold sores cannot be transmitted during oral sex and can lead to herpes infection.
Myth 11: Inanimate objects like toilet seats can transmit herpes infections
Fact: Toilet seats can in no way transmit the herpes virus as herpes virus dries completely when exposed to air and is very fragile. It’s the buttocks that are placed on toilet seats and herpes virus cannot penetrate the thick skin found in buttocks.
The myths surrounding herpes do the rounds continuously and it’s sensible to know the facts than to be foolishly carried away by mere myths. Be informed!
