Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Herpes )

Herpes can take two forms: fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes, or HSV-type 1), or those appearing in the genital area (genital herpes, or HSV-type 2). Both forms are spread from skin-to-skin contact, either to the mouth or genital area. Often, people who have herpes don't have symptoms, but others have outbreaks of blisters or ulcers. Herpes infection is life-long, but outbreaks can be suppressed with medication.
Herpes is contagious just before an outbreak of blisters, when the skin may itch or tingle. The disease is most contagious when the sores are open and least contagious when the skin is normal. Outbreaks last about two weeks, but afterwards, the virus remains in the body. It can become active and cause an outbreak again at any time. Some people never experience more than one outbreak while others have frequent outbreaks.
Although no cure exists for herpes, over the course of a few years, outbreaks tend to become less frequent, usually ending almost entirely within five or six years.
Transmission of herpes from mother to baby during delivery can have grave consequences. However, infection is less likely to occur during a herpes recurrence than an initial episode.
Prevention: Frequently, people experience warning signs before an outbreak, when herpes is most contagious. These include a tingling, burning or itching sensation. That's a signal to avoid sexual contact of any kind until the outbreak is over and all signs of sores and scabs have disappeared. Between outbreaks, condoms can help reduce the spread of herpes between asymptomatic people.
How you get herpes: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person who may or may not exhibit symptoms, including kissing or any form of sexual contact.
Symptoms: Blisters or open sores ;Pain;Itching,Flu-like symptoms during first episodes.
Diagnosis: Fluid is taken from sores and tested in the laboratory
Treatment:Cannot be cured; symptoms may be suppressed or relieved with medication