According to WHO (World Health Organization) percentage of herpes is quite high globally. Estimated two-thirds of the population under 50 is infected with herpes. In other words around 417 million people aged 15-49 worldwide have facial or genitals herpes which gives around 11 % of global population. According WHO sources, places with the biggest percentage and like hood of getting STDs are: Africa, Eastern Mediterranean area and America.
·How to become pregnant if couple has herpes?
Herpes are speeded mostly by unsafe sex that’s why it’s highly recommended to use condoms every time you have sex. However there are some cases where couple, both woman and man suffer from herpes but they desire to have a baby together. Couples have option to have done serological tests that will determine whether or not both partners have asymptomatic infection. However if couple decide to get pregnant, they might consider virus transmission as well.
·Is herpes infection related to HIV?
Herpes and HIV are caused by different viruses. However, patients infected with these viruses are more likely to transmit either disease to their sexual partners. Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have higher HIV viral loads.
·Can herpes drugs be used safely during pregnancy?
According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) who conducted a study of over 800 pregnant woman and their infants claimed that herpes medications might be used safely and has no bigger side effects.
·Can herpes be transmitted to other parts of my body?
If you have genital herpes or facial ones you cannot transmit the infection to another part of your body. The body produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from being infected.
·How can I reduce my risk of getting herpes?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However most of people sooner or later become sexual active. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is “clear” and using latex condoms will low the risk of STDs into minimum.
·Can herpes be cured?
There is no cure for herpes. However, there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. If you keep taking medicines regularly your outbreaks will become less and less active.
·What happens if I don't get treated?
Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores which might be not comfortable at all. It can also damage immune systems if you don’t get treated properly. What’s more having un treated herpes make it easier to causes AIDS which can kill you.
·Can genital herpes spread by a public toilet seat?
It's very rare, if not impossible, to get genital herpes any other way than by sexual contact. Having genital herpes by using a public toilet is a myth.
·Can I get herpes by sharing a towel?
There is no strong evidence that herpes can be transmitted in this manner but we do recommend having separately towels because is simple hygiene.
·Can my children catch herpes from me?
Parents do not need to worry about passing on genital herpes to their children in the course of daily life. If you are pregnant and found out you’re having herpes that’s a different issue. In such case you need to see a doctor and get treatment as soon as possible.
·Can I donate blood if I have herpes?
Yes. The virus is not found in blood. It’s safe to give blood.
·Is it more likely to have cervical cancer if I have herpes?
There is no higher risk of cervical cancer if you have genital herpes.
·Is it safe to have unprotected sex when there are no symptoms or outbreak?
There is no safe time to have unprotected sex if you have herpes. Please remember to use latex condoms all the time and inform your partner about STDs you are having.
·At what point and when in my relationship should I tell my partner that I have herpes?
This is a personal decision however the sooner you tell partner the better. It’s a good idea to discuss about this before any sexual intercourse.
·Connection between herpes and breastfeeding.
Mothers who have sores on their breasts should be evaluated for treatment by a doctor immediately. If a herpes sore appears on the mother’s breast she should cover it. If it is on the nipple she should stop breastfeeding until the sore is healed.
·Is it safe for vaginal birth while having herpes?
In young babies (around a month or less) herpes can have fatal consequences. This is why mothers with active genital lesions don't deliver vaginally.