A: One can get genital herpes by having sexual contact (including oral sex) with others who do not know they are infected or who are having outbreaks of herpes without any noticeable sores. This is because small amounts of the virus may be found in fluids from the mouth, penis, or vagina without any pain or discomfort. Usually, genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV). There are two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-2 from vaginal intercourse. Occasional cases of HSV-1 can be transmitted through oral sex. As the virus does not live outside the body for long, you cannot contract genital herpes from an object, such as a toilet seat. When a person becomes infected with genital herpes for the first time, the symptoms will appear within 2 to 10 days, and last for 2 to 4 weeks. Diagnosis is by visual examination of the sores if the outbreak is typical. Culture of the fluid from the blisters may be helpful. Blood tests can also detect HSV-1 and HSV2 infection although results are not always definite. Unfortunately, there is no cure for genital herpes, but the doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help control and clear up the painful sores. Antiviral drugs can help the sores to heal faster and suppress repeated outbreaks. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first. It is usually less severe and shorter than the first attack. Although the virus can stay indefinitely in the body, the number of outbreaks tends to go down over a period of years. There are a few steps you can take to help healing and avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body or to other people 1)Keep the infected areas clean and dry 2) Avoid touching the sores 3) Wash your hands should you contact the sores 4) Remember that condoms do not offer complete protection.

Play Safe!