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How many times in your life can you have herpes outbreaks? Are you prepared?
Herpes virus infection is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and is usually divided into two main types: oral herpes and genital herpes. These infections can cause different types of symptoms on the skin and mucous membranes, including blisters, ulcers, and even more serious health problems. According to expert analysis, the number of herpes outbreaks in a lifetime is affected by many factors and is difficult to accurately calculate, but some people may experience several to dozens of outbreaks in their lifetime.
Herpes often cycles between repeated outbreaks and periods without symptoms, and the infection can come back for several reasons.
Oral herpes mainly affects the lips or face. It often appears in the form of small blisters and is often called "cold sores" or "heat sores." Genital herpes usually involves the genitals or surrounding areas and may be accompanied by tingling or radiating pain. These symptoms are particularly noticeable during the initial infection, and subsequent episodes are usually relatively less severe.
After first being infected, the virus enters nerve cells along sensory nerves and remains latent throughout life, meaning that individuals can still spread the virus even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Studies show that herpes outbreaks may occur again due to factors such as stress, weakened immunity, or sun exposure.
Studies indicate that mental stress and changes in the immune system may significantly increase the frequency of herpes attacks compared with other cases.
For the diagnosis of these infections, doctors usually rely on the symptoms displayed and can confirm the diagnosis by viral culture and detection of viral DNA in the blisters. Blood tests can also confirm previous infections but may be negative for new infections.
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent herpes infection, and once infected, there is no cure. Nonetheless, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or valacyclovir can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of an outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 60% to 95% of adults worldwide are infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, and infection rates for both increase with age.
“The prevalence of herpes infection makes it an important global health challenge.”
For those infected, avoiding unprotected sexual contact between couples or partners is the best way to reduce transmission. Using condoms can effectively reduce the risk of infection, even if it does not completely eliminate the risk. Studies show that asymptomatic carriers can still spread the virus without showing obvious symptoms.
In the case of pregnant women, if the mother is infected with herpes shortly before delivery, the risk of infecting the baby increases significantly. Successful preventive measures are to allow the mother to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and avoid infection routes. In this case, the choice of delivery method will also affect the risk of infection to the fetus.
Research shows that about 30% to 60% of mothers infected near delivery may pass the virus to their newborns, and the risk of transmission is significantly reduced if the mother is a previous carrier.
It is extremely important for everyone with herpes infection to understand their condition, maintain healthy habits, and seek medical help. As with every outbreak, early antiviral treatment can effectively reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the outbreak.
Research points out that many people do not know whether they are infected with herpes, and this situation may further expand the contagiousness of herpes. So, can we find more effective ways to increase public awareness and prevention of herpes?
