Ancient Times (circa 400 BCE and onward)

HSV-1 is commonly known as cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are contagious and usually transmitted through kissing. More than half of the U.S. population is infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected with HSV-1 during childhood from a non-sexual kiss from a relative or friend who has kissed them during an active outbreak of oral HSV-1. You need only come into contact with a cold sore once to contract HSV-1.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 or HSV-2 is commonly known as genital herpes. Initial genital herpes symptoms can cause genital aches, pain, burning, tingling, sciatica (ache down one leg), and flu-like symptoms. 

Canker sores aren't related to the Herpes Simplex Virus. Still, like herpes, they are ulcers (one or more) that appear on the inner cheek, gums, tongue, or inside the lips.

Each year, at least 1 million people in the United States experience a Shingles outbreak. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which is also responsible for causing Chickenpox. 

Opening a book or a website and, without warning, seeing gruesome photographs of what a herpes outbreak looks like can be extremely upsetting, so you'll see no shocking photos of herpes here.

The types of Herpes are..." Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6 (variants A and B), human herpesvirus 7, and Kaposi's sarcoma virus or human herpesvirus 8. A simian virus, called the B virus, occasionally infects humans (NCBI)."

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is highly contagious, but it is not transmitted through the air like cold and flu viruses. You could be in a room full of people with active herpes outbreaks and walk right through without a hitch.

Viral shedding is a term used to describe the process by which the virus travels up the nerves to the skin, just before causing blisters to erupt. Shedding is also referred to as the prodromal phase. This prodromal phase (viral shedding) can occur without showing signs of an active outbreak, a condition known as asymptomatic shedding.

Unless you are a medical student or a serious geek, the data you encounter while researching how herpes hides from the immune system will probably make your brain spin and put your emotional nerves on edge. The following is just one example.

Herpes is diagnosed by examining visible sores or taking a sample for laboratory testing. Blood tests can detect antibodies toward HSV-1 or HSV-2, even between outbreaks.

Medical doctors often treat herpes with antiviral drugs and steroids. While antiviral prescription drugs should be reserved for acute infections, they are available and prescribed by medical doctors to just about anyone who wants to try them. Antiviral prescription drugs are believed to lower the ability of the virus to multiply in your body, thereby reducing your symptoms, but there can be terrible side effects. 

When diagnosed with herpes, there are certain things your doctor, clinic, or lab may never tell you about the Herpes Simplex Virus, which aren't necessarily secrets or a result of negligence or an uncaring attitude. They are things that, more or less, go unsaid.

Pruritus is all-over itching that can drive one insane relatively quickly. What does Pruritus feel like? Pruritus might feel like tiny, invisible bugs biting you simultaneously or spider webs dragging across your skin, making you itch just enough to scratch or rub your skin. Only nothing is there.

By definition, depression means to "sadden, make less active, and lower in value". Depression is defined as a hollow or low place, a lowly spirit, and less activity (not as busy). 

When you live with herpes, it's essential to understand that "everyday" stress isn't an HSV trigger. There's no need to worry that you will never be able to have a single emotion without breaking out in a rash of blisters, even though it may seem that way at times.

Becoming pregnant can be a significant concern for a woman living with herpes because it's possible to transmit herpes to the newborn infant, causing neonatal herpes. Here's what you need to know.

Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, and when you live with herpes, an anal rash or a rash inside your gluteal crack can be unnerving.

Has your bottom, thigh, or leg ever started hurting before, during, or after a genital herpes outbreak? Leg pain is more common than you think when living with genital herpes (HSV-2). Other sensations include numbness, tingling, skin sensitivity, overall leg weakness, and shooting pains. For example, if you have sensitive skin, sitting on a cold toilet seat can cause discomfort in your thighs. These sensations are similar to those caused by sciatica and can spread as far as your feet. It's caused by irritated nerves that have become sensitized as the herpes virus travels through your nerve ganglia. When these symptoms persist, the condition is called Postherpetic Neuralgia and is considered a complication of a Herpes Simplex Virus infection.

There can be many complications from the Herpes Simplex Virus, including everything from feeling more emotional during an outbreak to experiencing severe symptoms, even death. Complications include the following symptoms and conditions.

The social stigma surrounding HSV is alive and well. No other virus is treated with as much prejudice as the herpes virus, so it can be intimidating to tell someone you coexist with herpes. 

When you and your partner have both contracted the Herpes Simplex Virus, it may seem as though you won't have to worry about passing it on to each other. Sorry. From a psychological and emotional perspective, you may find comfort in knowing that your stories are shared and that you are loved, regardless. However, there is still much to consider.

First, The History of the Condom

Most of us love and treasure our pets as friends and family members. For some of us, they ARE our family. The last thing we'd ever want to do is pass on the herpes virus to them. But is this even possible? Can pets contract HSV?

Current research does not show that HSV-2 directly causes Cancer. Certain other viruses, such as HPV, are clearly linked to Cancer risk, but HSV-1 and HSV-2 aren't strongly established in that role. That said, long-term immune suppression can influence both viral activity and Cancer vulnerability.

Contrary to what you may hear, the Herpes Simplex Virus doesn't "get better" as you age. In most cases, herpes outbreaks become more frequent and severe. Why? Because as you age, your immune system doesn't function as well. This can pose problems in your middle years and worsen as you get older.