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Main > Specialty Areas > Venereology and STDs >
What is Herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection. The word herpes comes from a Greek word "herpein" which means "to crawl." That basically describes the condition: it begins with one single vesicle and then "crawls" or spreads around the body, creating more. In the past, people considered genital herpes to be the punishment for promiscuous behavior.
Genital herpes is caused by two distinct, but similar types of virus. Herpes simplex or HSV-1, which is mostly responsible for the cold sores, generally does not cause genital herpes, but can migrate from affected areas to other mucosal surfaces upon contact. Generally, Type 1 virus (or HSV-1) causes only about 10% of genital herpes. By far, the most common perpetrator is the Type 2 (or HSV-2), which causes 90% of genital herpes.
Genital intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or any direct contact with infected areas that involves transfer of bodily fluids can easily lead to infection. It is even possible (although, extremely not probable) to catch it from a dirty toilet seat. And even from an infected partner who is showing no symptoms.
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Epinephrine shot If you are known to have a severe anaphylactic reaction, carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot with you at all times. Pay attention to expiration date and replace it regularly: upon expiration, it loses its effectiveness. |
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Levothyroxine Levothyroxine is a pure synthetic form of T4 hormone that is made in a laboratory to be an exact replacement for the T4 that the human thyroid gland normally secretes. It comes in multiple strengths, which means that an appropriate dosage can almost always be found for each patient. |
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