Herpes Symptoms & Diagnosis Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTJkhnxBArI

What is herpes?

Herpes is one of the most common infections in the United States.  There are two types of herpes:  type 1 or oral herpes, which is not a sexually transmitted disease, and type 2 or genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted disease.

How is herpes transmitted?

Herpes Type 1 and Type 2 are both transmitted from skin to skin contact.

How can one test for herpes?

Herpes can be tested by:

• Culture of the lesion or
• A blood-based laboratory test.

How is herpes treated?

There is no cure for herpes but there are medications to heal the lesion and stop the pain.

What are the health complications of herpes?

When herpes is untreated it usually goes away on its own but it can return.  If a herpes outbreak does return it usually causes lots of pain.

When is someone with herpes infectious?

It’s important to know that if you have oral herpes, or Type 1 herpes, then you should not participate in oral sex when you have an outbreak and use latex condoms.

However, someone with herpes simplex virus type 2, genital herpes, may always be infectious.  It is important for these people to always use protection when they have sex to minimize transmission.  If there is an active genital lesion then they should not have sex at all.

Who should be tested for herpes?

A person who has a genital ulcer should get a herpes test.

How Do I Treat & Prevent Herpes - Herpes Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3YMPzB06DY

How is herpes treated?

There is no cure for herpes but there are medications to heal the lesions and ease the pain.

What are the health complications of herpes?

When herpes is untreated it usually goes away on its own but it can return.  If a herpes outbreak does return it usually causes lots of pain.

When is someone with herpes infectious?

It’s important to know that if you have oral herpes, or herpes simplex type 1, then you should not participate in oral sex when you  have an outbreak or cold sore.

However, someone with herpes simplex type 2, genital herpes, may always be infectious.  It is important for these people to always use protection when they have sex to minimize transmission.  If there is an active genital lesion then they should not have sex at all.

Who should be tested for herpes?

A person who has a genital ulcer should have a herpes test.

How Do I Treat & Prevent HIV - HIV Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28x665VK9FU

Who should be tested for HIV?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all sexually active adults receive an HIV test annually. Those persons who should be tested for HIV include those who are having unprotected sex or engage in high risk behavior should be tested more frequently.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It can be passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or through sharing needles.

How is HIV tested?

HIV is tested conclusively with a laboratory-based blood test.

How is HIV treated?

Currently there is no vaccine or cure for the HIV virus but there are medications that patients can take.  These include a combination of antiretroviral drugs that makeup a cocktail that the patients can take.  Patients can do well with these medications and live longer with a productive lifestyle

How can you prevent HIV?

You can prevent transmission of HIV by not participating in risky behaviors by using condoms when you have sex and by not sharing needles.