5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Herpes

Herpes virus has long been hidden in the mystery of fear. Whether they are genital herpes or just cold sores, just the idea of it can send people running to the opposite direction. Unfortunately, while it is important to take precautionary measures to keep ourselves safe from the virus, there are a lot of misconceptions about it.

Here are some of the most important facts about herpes virus you ought to know before jumping to conclusion.

1. Pretty much majority of people have it
According to researches, one in every six people have genital herpes. Moreover, the World Health Organization has conducted a study that concludes 67% of people all over the world have HSV-1 strain of herpes virus, which refers to both oral and genital infections.

2. But a large number of them do not have any idea
In many cases, if not most, people with herpes do not know they have it, because the infection may not show symptoms. Psychotherapists even encountered many cases of couples breaking apart because the other one thought that their partner cheated on them and have gotten them herpes. But the reality is that, in many cases, infected individuals do not know that they have the virus.

3. It’s possible not to have any symptom
As mentioned, some cases of herpes infection don’t show symptoms. This is especially true to people with strong immune system. In reality, our body’s immune system has the ability to fight foreign elements like virus. However, the virus may awaken and show symptoms if you have:
• Fever
• Just gotten a surgery
• Any illness that weakens your immune system
• Too much stress
When symptoms are triggered, you may experience painful outbreaks.

4. You can pass it on even without outbreak
Not having an outbreak does not mean you are clear of the virus; it can remain dormant in the body. And since the virus never leaves the body, it can spread through sexual encounter—not through blood or saliva. Unfortunately, some people accidentally pass the virus on their partner, but this doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your dating life. You can still leave a healthy and fulfilling life by taking the following by heart:

• be fully informed of the virus
• be honest with your partner
• finding a trusting partner
• practicing safe sex and using condom all the time
• keeping your body healthy.

5. It’s really not that bad
It’s just all in the mind. Whether it’s genital herpes or cold sores, all symptoms are manageable. While there is no cure (yet), outbreaks can be managed and greatly reduced. You can even go for years without symptoms at all.
Before you run out to your health clinic, remember: there’s no need to panic. The rise of anti-herpes virus medication over the last decades means that this virus can be managed effectively. It is just the stigma that’s making it severe than the virus itself.