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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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| Random Useful Tip: |
Pork fat Applying pork fat usually helps stop nose bleeds caused by blood not clotting. |
| Random Drug Info: |
Ribavirin Ribavirin (also sold under the brand names of Copegus or Rebetol) is an anti-viral drug which, in its tablet form, is used in treatment of Hepatitis C in combination with interferon therapy. A possible serious side-effect of using Ribavirin is anemia. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not take Ribavirin and should postpone pregnancy for 6 months after ending treatment. |
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