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Herpes simplex viruses come in several types, one of which is sexually transmitted. Herpes simplex is a contagious virus that is easily passed among friends, family members and in dating relationships. Talk to your teen about this topic as early as possible, and if you're uncomfortable, consider talking to her pediatrician for advice as well.
Types of Herpes Simplex
According to KidsHealth, herpes simplex virus has two main types: herpes type 1 and type 2. Herpes simplex type 1 is the most common kind, causing cold sores on the mouth or face, also sometimes referred to as fever blisters. Herpes simplex type 2 commonly causes genital herpes. These two strains are similar and are both considered herpes simplex. It's also possible to get genital herpes from the herpes 1 type if there is oral genital contact before or during an outbreak.
How Common is the Virus?
Herpes simplex is common, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As many as 20 percent of sexually active adults have herpes simplex type 2, and almost everyone is infected with herpes simplex type 1, most commonly during childhood. Once infected, herpes stays in your system, although what that means varies from person to person. Some people have cold sore or genital herpes outbreaks frequently, while others go a decade or longer without a hint of a sore.
Symptoms
Generally, before a herpes outbreak, the area where the sore will appear will become itchy, sore, tingly or painful for a day or two. When this happens, the virus is contagious even though the sore has not appeared yet, and it's important that teens understand this to avoid passing or catching the virus, if not already infected. The outbreak itself is one blister or a cluster of blisters that might be itchy or painful and can ooze pus or fluid.
How Herpes Simplex Is Spread
Explain to your teen that herpes simplex can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Kissing an infected person, sharing eating utensils, touching the affected area, or just holding hands after the infected person has been touching their sores can all spread the virus. Once someone has the herpes simplex virus in their body, many different factors can trigger an outbreak. Stress, sun exposure, being sick and menstrual periods can all be triggers for an outbreak.
Treatment
If your teen is suffering from a herpes simplex outbreak, comfort her by telling her that this problem is more than likely just uncomfortable and unpleasant, not dangerous. If she's very uncomfortable, take her to her doctor and ask whether it's OK to give her over-the-counter pain relievers or numbing gel for the affected area. In some cases, a doctor will also prescribe antiviral medications to battle a bad outbreak, according to HealthyChildren.org.
Types of Herpes SimplexAccording to KidsHealth, herpes simplex virus has two main types: herpes type 1 and type 2. Herpes simplex type 1 is the most common kind, causing cold sores on the mouth or face, also sometimes referred to as fever blisters. Herpes simplex type 2 commonly causes genital herpes. These two strains are similar and are both considered herpes simplex. It's also possible to get genital herpes from the herpes 1 type if there is oral genital contact before or during an outbreak.
How Common is the Virus?
Herpes simplex is common, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As many as 20 percent of sexually active adults have herpes simplex type 2, and almost everyone is infected with herpes simplex type 1, most commonly during childhood. Once infected, herpes stays in your system, although what that means varies from person to person. Some people have cold sore or genital herpes outbreaks frequently, while others go a decade or longer without a hint of a sore.
Symptoms
Generally, before a herpes outbreak, the area where the sore will appear will become itchy, sore, tingly or painful for a day or two. When this happens, the virus is contagious even though the sore has not appeared yet, and it's important that teens understand this to avoid passing or catching the virus, if not already infected. The outbreak itself is one blister or a cluster of blisters that might be itchy or painful and can ooze pus or fluid.
How Herpes Simplex Is Spread
Explain to your teen that herpes simplex can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Kissing an infected person, sharing eating utensils, touching the affected area, or just holding hands after the infected person has been touching their sores can all spread the virus. Once someone has the herpes simplex virus in their body, many different factors can trigger an outbreak. Stress, sun exposure, being sick and menstrual periods can all be triggers for an outbreak.
Treatment
If your teen is suffering from a herpes simplex outbreak, comfort her by telling her that this problem is more than likely just uncomfortable and unpleasant, not dangerous. If she's very uncomfortable, take her to her doctor and ask whether it's OK to give her over-the-counter pain relievers or numbing gel for the affected area. In some cases, a doctor will also prescribe antiviral medications to battle a bad outbreak, according to HealthyChildren.org.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
