For most people the word "herpes" evokes an image of genital herpes, the incurable virus that is transmitted through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. But herpes is actually a family of viruses that is extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions that affect the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the entire body.

Some estimates suggest that the greatest number of 1 to May 6 people exercise some form of the herpes virus in their body, whether active or inactive.

The forms of herpes viruses including herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores), herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), viruses d 'Epstein-Barr (mononucleosis) and herpes zoster (shingles). All these conditions are caused by viruses in the herpes family.

Two similar conditions, Herpes Gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes type blisters on the skin, but which are not related to or caused by one of several herpes viruses.

Many diseases that are caused by the herpes virus May are very different from each other, but they all share some common traits:

They are usually highly contagious.

The virus can survive in latent for long periods of time after initial infection.

They are not curable. (However, there are effective treatments that can make the virus dormant, even in genital herpes) According to estimates, nearly 30 million Americans are infected with herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and despite numerous studies over the years, there has been little success in developing a cure or effective vaccine.

Most herpes virus in the family did not recur after the first outbreak, such as chickenpox, for example. But all herpes viruses when they are not active, which remain dormant in your body, hidden in nerve tissue and avoid detection by the immune system.

He was not sure exactly how and why a latent herpes virus outbreak in a sudden active infection, but it is known that some stresses the immune system appear to bear on an outbreak. These May stresses that lead to outbreaks of disease, injury, emotional stress, poor diet, over exposure to sunlight, and even the rules.

An immune system appears to reduce the recurrence of outbreaks, although outbreaks continue May to life. Studies show that chickenpox and shingles have a recurrence of nearly zero while HSV-1 has a recurrence rate of 14 per cent and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.

It is HSV-2 that most commonly causes genital infections, and HSV-1 that most cases of infection causes lips, but the two viruses can be transmitted from one place to another.

Studies have also shown that herpes lesions can also provide input for other infections. Women who have herpes virus May have an increased risk of cancer of the cervix and it is important that women who took the herpes to have a smear cervical test (test Pap) every one or two years.

Whether you have been diagnosed with some form of herpes or not, practicing common sense prevention can go a long way in the fight against the spread of herpes. For example, avoid kissing people who currently have wounds on their lips or mouth. Always practice safe sex in monogamous relationships and avoid sexual contact with a partner who presents symptoms of an outbreak of active genital herpes until symptoms have disappeared. While most but not all, male genital herpes outbreaks are easily detected, female genital herpes outbreaks may go completely unnoticed many times. In fact, many women with genital herpes do not realize they have contracted the virus until they have passed to a partner.

The use of a condom May or May not prevent the spread of herpes virus one partner to another, if one partner has a home asset or not; Thus, while the use of condoms May be better than no protection at all, you must be aware that even condoms are not 100% effective in protecting against transmission of the herpes virus.

If you have a history of herpes, avoid overtired or allow yourself to work. When you're tired, your immune system can not work together, you May and be more vulnerable to a recurrence of herpes.

If you suspect you may have some form of the herpes virus or if you have a partner who has herpes, please see your health care provider for diagnosis and medical advisor.