It can be difficult for people to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This makes sense because these infections are often acquired during someone’s most intimate moments. Nobody wants to talk about unfortunate complications that might have developed during sexual activity. Because of this, there is a tremendous stigma that has developed surrounding STIs. Many people think that these infections are going to impact someone for the rest of his or her life. This is the thought process surrounding Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

Herpes Simplex Virus is one of the most common STIs that someone might sustain. There are two separate types of Herpes Simplex Virus that someone might acquire. There are significant differences between the two.

The first type is called Herpes Simplex Virus 1. This is the oral type of HSV. These typically lead to the development of coldsores. They tend to occur around the mouth. This type of Herpes Simplex Virus can be transmitted by making contact with oral lesions or saliva.

The second type is called Herpes Simplex Virus 2. This is the genital type of this disease. This type of HSV leads to the development of genital warts in and around the anal and genital area. This type of Herpes Simplex Virus is almost exclusively acquired through sexual contact.

Receiving a diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus can be unnerving for someone. There are a few reasons why people assume this type of disease is bad.

Confusion with Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

First, people often confuse Herpes Simplex Virus with other type of STIs. There are a few other common STIs that people might confuse for Herpes Simplex Virus. Some of these include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, syphilis, and even HIV. All of these diseases can lead to dangerous complication if left untreated. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be painful. Syphilis can lead to neurological consequences. HPV can lead to certain types of cancer. HIV can lead to the development of AIDS, which destroys the body’s immune system.

Because many people are unfamiliar with Herpes Simplex Virus, they might confuse this virus for one of the other STIs above. Fortunately, Herpes Simplex Virus is not nearly as bad as one of the other diseases listed above. 

Visually Striking Lesions

Another possible reason why people think Herpes Simplex Virus is “bad” is because of the appearance of the lesions. If someone develops cold sores around their mouth, or if they develop warts in and around their genital or anal region, these lesions can be stigmatizing. Lesions around the mouth immediately draw someone’s eyes. The appearance of warts in and around the anal region can be unnerving. At the same time, these lesions are treatable and the stigma surrounding the disease is unfair. Herpes Simplex Virus is one of the most common STIs and people should know that this virus, while not curable, is certainly treatable.

Herpes Simplex Virus is Treatable

People should know that the vast majority of people have been infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 at some point in their life. Close to 20 percent of people have been diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus 2. When someone contracts this virus, it will enter a dormant state and outbreaks may happen from time to time. If an outbreak takes place, it is important for people to receive treatment as quickly as possible. Treatment with a medication called Valtrex can lessen both the frequency and duration of outbreaks. This is where it is important to seek medical care as quickly as possible.

HerpAlert Provides Rapid Medical Care for Herpes Simplex Virus

When someone is trying to make an appointment with a doctor regarding a possible outbreak of Herpes Simplex Virus, they might find it takes days or even weeks to see a trained medical professional. This is where HerpAlert can be helpful. This is a network that provides individuals with access to Telehealth medical providers who can expedite the diagnosis and treatment process. With access to a board-certified physician who understands the sensitive nature of this diagnosis and treatment process, individuals can have their worries eased and receive appropriate treatment in a short amount of time. Break the stigma surrounding Herpes Simplex Virus, including HSV1 and HSV2, and rely on HerpAlert for help with this sensitive situation. Countless people have already trusted HerpAlert for their Herpes Simplex Virus treatment already.