Herpes 2 Pictures - 43 Photos & Images

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is one of the two types of herpes viruses; it may also be called HSV-2. This virus is the cause of genital herpes wherein the infected person develops sores around his genitals or the skin surrounding his rectum or anal area. HSV-2 sores may also be seen in other areas of the body but are commonly found in the parts of the body that are below the waist or the trunk.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is only spread through sexual contact with someone who is infected by the virus. It is not spread by kissing, using eating utensils and by touching a person with genital herpes. This infection on the other hand may be spread even when there are no lesions or sores present. Here are more herpes simplex virus type 2 and genital herpes facts that you may find important:
As mentioned, genital herpes may only be spread through sexual contact however, pregnant women who are infected may pass the virus to her baby as she gives birth/
HSV-2 does not actually leave the body after you are treated and have fully recovered from the infection. The virus attaches itself to a nerve and stays dormant until the person becomes vulnerable to it. Reinfection may happen when a person becomes ill with even very mild illnesses like the flu, after being fatigued, after becoming emotionally distressed, when the immune system is suppressed due to viral infections like AIDS, when a person experiences trauma where the nerve is located, menstruation and after undergoing chemotherapy.
HSV-2 is believed to be very painful and affects only people who have very active sex lives but on the contrary there is a large percentage of Americans that have HSV-2 and these people come from different socio economic groups, races and ethnic groups.
About 22% of adults in the US with HSV-2 infection, two-thirds of this number does not know that they are infected.
Some people who have HSV-2 do not have symptoms while some may describe the infection as very painful. The initial or the first outbreak is said to be the most painful and succeeding ones are very mild.

Genital herpes have classic symptoms however; you need to consult your doctor to accurately determine the infection.
Flu-like symptoms are the most common symptoms that appear even before the person has lesions. The infected person feels feverish, weak and may even have colds, cough or a mild to moderate fever.
The appearance of sores which look like blisters on the genital area or along the skin surrounding the rectum confirms herpes simplex virus type 2 infections. Blisters may develop and may join together to form a large sore. There is pain, itching and terrible discomfort over the affected areas where the blisters are found. Sores may also appear around the mouth area.
Secretions or yellowish discharge from the vagina or the penis may be seen in some infected patients along with the appearance of genital sores.
Aside from physical symptoms a person infected with HSV-2 may feel anxious, stressed and depressed since there is social stigma among people with this condition. Passing this infection to their partners is one of the most stressing feeling among infected people according to a recent study and people are more concerned about their partner or their spouse’s well-being than their own.

There are no confirmatory lab tests or diagnostic examinations that will help diagnose herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. A simple consultation to your doctor will be enough to confirm that you are infected. Close monitoring of symptoms as well as recommending the practice of safe sexual contact is the most common treatments for genital herpes. Your partner or spouse must also be screened to confirm if he is infected.