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Type 1 and Type 2 are are the two types of herpes virus.

Commonly a related symptom of a bad cold or flu, Type 1 takes advantage of the body's lowered resistance to virus bugs, and acts as the culprit behind accompanying painful fever blisters or cold sores.

The more serious Type 2 herpes virus can only be transmitted during sexual contact and typically infects the genitals and surrounding areas. Once infected, the body plays host to the virus throughout a patient's lifetime, although flare-up of symptoms (including pain, itching and sores) can be easily controlled with medications.

Sexually active teens are most at risk of developing the chronic condition, with young women more apt to be infected than young men. The good news is that over the past decade, heightened awareness of STDs in general has resulted in the number of cases of genital herpes steadily dropping worldwide. The bad news is that genital herpes is still common, and in the U.S. infects as many as one in six teens and adults.

Currently, there is no known cure for herpes, but prescription drugs can help healing and lessen the pain of herpes in a majority of cases. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is commonly used in either pill or as a topical cream. Famciclover (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are two other medications prescribed for initial symptoms and for prevention of chronic symptoms which can typically reoccur every 5 or 6 years.

Along with physical symptoms, the pain of embarassment and emotional distress can also be successfully managed by open communication with your partner, along with steps to manage the disease with advice from your doctor.

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more about risk factors, prevention & symptoms, plus more on common herpes tests and how to prepare for them, drugs that help manage the disease, and alternative herbal treatments & related scientific research that hold out promise for someday combating genital herpes before it happens ...

Genital Herpes - Basic fact sheets covering risks, symptoms, treatment options, related complications, and tips on prevention with links to further information.

Herpes : What it Is and How to Deal With It - Informative guide detailing how herpes is transmitted, information on the various stages of the disease, overview of drugs used to treat it, plus advice on coping and dealing with painful symptoms.

Learn About Herpes - Questions and Answers - Good general overview, with major focus on how herpes enters the body and why it can reoccur at any time throughout a patients lifetime once infected plus more on signs & symptoms, tips on reducing risk, and facts on herpes & pregnancy.

Genital Herpes - Extensive guide to the disease with facts on transmission, advice on when to seek treatment, a discussion on testing for herpes, treatment options and medications, plus more on follow-up care & recurrences, and related links to more information.

Herpes Tests - Information on what to expect & how to prepare for diagnostic testing of the disease including facts & advice on viral cultures, viral antigen, PCR, and antibody tests.

Discussion of Herpes Natural Cures and Remedies, Not Proven - Informaton on herbal remedies that show promising results in clinical studies including discussions on the common herb "Prunella vulgaris" and lemon balm, with related links.

Cure Research for Genital Herpes - Overview of current research on vaccines and topical creams with links to more on herpes statistics, news, suggested reading.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.