STD TALK: HERPES

NEVER TRUST A COLDSORE! Or HSV1 if you will. This is the first strain and let's be honest, so many people have the virus it's just counted as normal and something you get when you have a cold. There are plenty of reasons why coldsores are scary though and a lot of people are reckless about them. 

HSV1 INFECTION ON LIPS:

                          

Number one, and I must stress this, never EVER give oral sex to someone when you have a coldsore because the chances of them getting the second strain, HSV2, is very high if not inevitable. In fact, these days the most reported way of getting HSV2, or genital herpes, is through mouth to genital contact. Scary thought isn't it? Even when you don't have an open sore you should stay clear of the nether regions as you can STILL pass it on even if there is no visible coldsore. 

Number two, don't kiss someone when you have a coldsore, especially if you've craftily covered it up with make up to fool them when you're out in a club to get the shift! It's not fair to give someone else HSV1 when it could've been avoided.

HSV2 is a much more inconvenient version of the above; if you think you've got it bad with blistery cold sores that are unsightly, embarrassing and really sore, think again! HSV2 infects the genitals and the area around the genitals, it is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact and some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. All forms of sex, oral or otherwise, should be avoided in times of a breakout and you should be careful to wash your hands after touching the sore, but try and avoid it, herpes is easily killed with soap and water! Just keep your hands to yourself and let it run its course, it's not a spot so don't start squeezing the crap out of it because you'll just make it worse! 

OH! Bad news, herpes can also be transmitted to places like your nostrils and your eyes so in case the last sentence didn't hit home, hopefully this one will! 

                     GENITAL HERPES IN WOMEN:                     

            

GENITAL HERPES IN MEN:

Just to finish up, be very careful when having sex with someone who has herpes, if you choose to, and always wear protection. CONDOMS CONDOMS CONDOMS! They are the only barrier method that offers ANY protection from STDs. Once you have herpes, you have it for life! However, it's not the end of the world or the end of your sex life, there's medication you can take to lessen outbreaks and the length of them and you can still have sex but you should tell your partner beforehand and make sure you use a condom.