The most common manifestation associated with the herpes virus is the development of herpes bumps in the infected area. Many negative thoughts and feelings develop in conjunction with the idea that they, or someone they know, may be infected with the herpes virus.
The idea that herpes lesions will essentially destroy a person's future is untrue. People with any factual knowledge of the condition can safely say that although it is an inconvenience, the effects of herpes are essentially minimal, and most people are able to successfully continue on with their lives, even during outbreaks.
The earliest warning signs of having contracted the herpes virus are the development of herpes bumps on the infected area. These small red bumps usually develop approximately two weeks after a person first comes in contact with the infected area of another person. These primary symptoms soon develop into herpes lesions. The lesions generally ulcerate and scab over. The entire healing process, from the first indication of an outbreak until the final scab completely heals, lasts approximately four weeks.
There are two separate strains of herpes viruses - herpes simplex virus one or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus two, or HSV-2. For the most part, when herpes bumps develop on or in a person's mouth area, it is the HSV-1 virus showing itself. The oral form of the condition is usually contracted at a very young age, and over 80% of the American population has the virus in their systems. Most people don't take this form of the virus very seriously, and medical treatment is rarely sought. In the event that a herpes lesion or "cold sore" develops, treatment usually doesn't go much past a heavy application of lip balm or other form of over the counter ointment.
When the penis, vagina, or anal area is affected by the herpes bumps, it is usually the HSV-2 strain of the virus that has been contracted. This form of the condition usually is, and should be, taken very seriously. Medical treatment usually consists of taking a combination of doctor prescribed medications on a daily basis, and both prescribed and over the counter ointments during outbreaks. Recently, a steady climb in the use of natural treatment methods has developed as a means of avoiding the introduction of chemically manufactured drugs into the bodies of today's health conscious society.
A common misconception of the virus is that if there are no visible herpes bumps or lesions, transmission can not take place. The opposite is actually true. People who carry the virus are capable of transmitting the virus even when there are no symptoms visible during a process called viral shedding. Viral shedding can occur when there are herpes lesions present, just before a breakout occurs, during the healing process, or sporadically between outbreaks when no signs are present to the carrier or other people.
The herpes virus is not curable, though it is very treatable. The most important way for a person to manage their condition is through knowledge. Once the actuality of the virus is realized, most people understand that living with herpes will have very few negative affects on their life and future.
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