This article provides essential information about herpes, including symptoms, associated risks, and effective prevention measures. Understanding these aspects can help manage and reduce the risk of infection, especially among pregnant women and sexually active individuals.

Herpes Awareness: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips

Important Risks to Know

Coinfection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can weaken immunity, causing more frequent and intense outbreaks of oral and genital herpes.

Such infections may elevate the risk of serious health problems like AIDS and other related diseases.

Potential dangers include meningitis, which affects the brain and spinal cord, and encephalitis, leading to brain inflammation, with symptoms like urinary issues and constipation.

Herpes can manifest as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, often more severe than genital or eye herpes. If untreated, eye infections may cause blindness and ongoing discomfort.

In newborns, herpes can result in serious conditions like brain damage, blindness, or even death.

Genital herpes may cause urinary problems, such as urethral inflammation, which could obstruct urination and require medical procedures like catheterization.

Prevention Strategies for Herpes

Avoid contact with active sores to prevent spreading. Touching blisters can transfer the virus unknowingly to other body parts.

Take antiviral medications promptly at the first signs of outbreaks to curb transmission and frequency.

Always keep antiviral drugs accessible for emergencies.

If pregnant and prone to herpes outbreaks, notify your healthcare provider immediately, especially if symptoms occur during pregnancy, to manage potential risks.

Practice safe sex. Be honest with your partner about STIs and limit sexual partners to reduce infection risk.

Use latex condoms consistently during sexual activity, regardless of gender, and avoid oral sex if sores are present.