t is always a good idea to know the stages of herpes transmission as it can help you to understand how this virus is spread. There are 80% of those who are infected with this virus that don’t even know they carry the disease. This is why it is so important to educate yourself in order to help prevent the spread of this virus.

These stages pertain to both HSV-1 which is referred to as cold sores that appear around the mouth and eyes (ocular herpes) and HSV-2 which generally affects the genital area. The viruses can be carried in bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, fluid in the female genital tract or in fluid from the herpes sore. Usually within three days to two weeks after first contact of the virus the infection enters the body. The direct contact of a blister or sore during an outbreak is when there is the highest risk to spread the infection.

Prodrome Stage: This stage is the very beginning of the virus. It includes the burning, itching, tingling feeling you experience at the onset of an outbreak. You may also experience flu-like symptoms that include fever and body aches.

Infection Stage: Red bumps will begin to appear followed by the formation of blisters. This can either be one blister or many. These blisters then break open to expose an ulcer like wound which will then scab over. After the scab falls off this means the infection is over.

Latent Stage: The virus will begin to replicate when it comes into contact with the mucosal surfaces or skin wounds. It then transports itself within nerve cells to their roots where it remains in its latent stage, meaning inactive, for a period of time. During this stage of herpes, the virus is not transmissible.

Shedding Stage: The herpes virus does not stay latent and at some point it will begin to replicate again without causing symptoms which is called shedding. During this stage is when the virus is the most transmissible through bodily fluids and can infect other people. This is the most dangerous stage of all as this is when the virus is undetectable with the high risk of spreading. This stage of herpes accounts for about a third of all HSV-2 infections.

The benefits of knowing the stages of herpes can help in preventing the transmission of the virus. It is very difficult during the latent stage to prevent spreading this disease but there are ways to reduce the risk through medications. Reducing the risk of transmission during an outbreak is a little easier as there are precautions that can be taken. It is known that these two viruses can be spread from one part of the body to the other. Take extreme caution by washing your hands with warm water and soap after touching the infected area and avoid facial and sexual contact with both of these viruses.

Learning these stages along with the signs and symptoms of herpes is extremely important in controlling this disease. There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but topical and antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners. Learn the two most important steps you can take towards fighting herpes.

By Deanne McGrew

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

Herpes is one of the many sexually transmitted diseases afflicting both men and women. Herpes can either be Herpes Simplex or Genital Herpes Simplex. Herpes Simplex is also known as the common cold or fever blister. It is caused by Herpes Simplex virus type 1. This illness occurs when type 1 virus enters the tissue of the susceptible person; then, later manifestations are caused by the reactivation of the virus which remained latent in the person’s tissues since the time it first entered.

Herpes Simplex may be localized or generalized. If localized, the first sign of herpes may appear on the mouth and gums, on the tissue of one eye (even involving the cornea); it may even appear on the genitals, or at the site of some skin injury as small blisters. If the signs appear in the mouth, the first sign of herpes is known as cold sores, while in other areas, it is known as blisters.

The disease may produce no symptoms and may pass unnoticed. Antibodies are produced; however, it only occurs during the first infection because the subsequent manifestations of the disease are different from those of the first one.

Once the person is infected with herpes, the person is going to go through a series of stages as the disease progresses. First if the Primary stage which begins as early as two days after the person has been infected or as long as 8 days after the infection. It is during this stage that the cold sores and blisters appear. The next state is the Latency stage where the cold sores and blisters disappear as if herpes is gone. On the contrary, the virus has already packed its bags and begins to travel from the skin going to the nerves located near the spine to rest waiting for the opportune time. It is at this time when a person must be careful because complications brought by cuts, wounds and other illness can reawaken the virus. After the Latency stage, Shedding stage follows then the Recurrence. Shedding stage is the time when the virus is reawakened and distributed to other parts of the body after it has multiplied in the nerves; and Recurrence is when herpes occurs shortly after the first herpes attack where the first signs of herpes – cold sores and blisters – still appear.

Unfortunately, herpes is not a curable disease. However, there are many treatments and medications available to remedy the pain and discomfort brought about by the first sign of herpes. These include vaccines, and antiviral pills and medications to help speed up the healing process. However, if these are not easily available, a person with herpes can either take aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen as pain relievers. A cloth immersed in lukewarm water and placed over the sore or the blister and taking lukewarm baths help soother the pain. The most important of all is to keep the infected area clean and dry. For those afflicted with genital herpes, they should stop wearing tight fitting clothes and nylon underwear.

If you think you are manifesting the first signs of herpes, the best way to know if you are afflicted with the disease is to get tested for it.

Scared you have contracted the First Sign of Herpes?  We can help you identify if you have contracted herpes and then guide you through EXACTLY what you need to do next.  Come get your FREE REPORT on checking for and fixing any potential STD problem at http://www.STDChecker.com

By Kelly Purden

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.