The herpes virus is usually transmitted when there is skin contact. It is not like flu where the transmission is through the air, the spread of herpes is through direct contact. For instance if you have a sore courtesy of a cold and you kiss an infected person, the herpes virus will transfer to you. In the same case, sexual or anal intercourse with an infected person is the most rapid means of herpes transmission. Similarly, having oral sex with an infected partner inflicts you with genital herpes.
Herpes transmission is mostly through skin eruptions such as sores, wound, pimples and such. Patients often notice a tingling sensation on the skin around the genitals, itching or any other uncomfortable sensation prior to seeing any other indication of herpes infection. The symptoms of herpes are medically referred to as known as prodromal symptoms. This is because they only occur as a warning that the herpes virus is within the body. Once the virus is contacted, these indicative symptoms appear. The sores and inflammations are just indicative of the initial stages of infection. After some time they heal completely and the skin seems normal, once more.
Most times, herpes is transmitted without any physical symptom whatsoever. In some special cases, there are individuals who knowingly spread the virus when there are no symptoms or signs present. It is what is known as ‘asymptomatic transmission’ of the herpes virus. Findings in recent research studies have suggested that a high percentage of individuals spread the virus unknowingly, since there is symptom. The symptoms of herpes at this juncture are so mild that the individuals suffering from the virus hardly recognize them.
For individuals who have realized that they have the virus, an asymptomatic herpes transmission is usually unlikely. One deterrent of further is the presence of lesions around the genitals. So many infected married couples have been involved in sexual intercourse devoid of any visible symptoms of herpes. Others just avoid sexual intercourse once the symptoms are clear. For others, the usage of condoms is what they resort to or any other protection in between outbreaks so that they can avoid asymptomatic shedding.
A complication of herpes transmission is in spreading through touch. If a person touches herpes sores and touches any other part of the body or another person, the virus prospers. This is the kind of herpes symptoms that get the eyes, fingers as well as other areas of the body infected accidentally. It is also rather simple to prevent yourself from the transmission. The best way is to make sure you have avoided touching the genitals in times of an outbreak. In case you touch the sores, use soap and water to kill the virus since it hardly survives when in contact with water and soap.
It is also important to remember that you can also transmit herpes to a baby through the birth canal, and you need to make sure you have talked to your doctor prior to getting pregnant. This is to avoid spreading the virus to a newborn whose ability to fight the virus is minimal.
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