Might you be an innocent STI carrier?

Grammy award winner Usher wants herpes lawsuits tossed out, because the woman suing him has no proof he gave her anything! This being one of the most talked about herpes cases recently, it becomes clear that even celebrities cannot escape the herpes virus and in some cases, up to 3 A list celebrities have contracted the virus from the same person.

Medical research has revealed that an estimated 70 percent of adults are positive to the Herpes Simplex Virus which causes Herpes and its symptoms can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly the genitals and the mouth. Fortunately, they may never experience an outbreak because the virus has different infection stages, HSV 1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1) and HSV 2 (Herpes Simplex Virus 2, which is more severe).

HSV-1: Also known as oral herpes, can cause cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. HSV-2: Is generally responsible for genital herpes outbreaks.

What causes Herpes Simplex?

Well, this is one of those contagious viruses that can be passed from person to person through direct contact. In some cases, children will often contract the virus from an infected adult then carry the virus for the rest of their lives.

Transmissions for HSV1 include:

eating from the same utensils sharing lip balm kissing

Transmissions for HSV 2

having multiple sex partners having sex at a younger age being female having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) having a weakened immune system

Additionally, if a woman is having an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of childbirth, it can expose the baby to both types of HSV, and may put them at risk for serious complications.

Identifying the virus

This type of virus is generally diagnosed through a physical exam during which your doctor may check your body for sores and ask you about some of your symptoms.

The doctor may also request HSV testing. This is known as a herpes culture. It will confirm the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. During this test, your doctor will take a swab sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a laboratory for testing.

Blood tests looking for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also help diagnose these infections. This is especially helpful when there are no sores present.

Treatment and cure

There is currently no cure for this virus, but treatment often focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks.

Some medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. One of these anti-herpes medicines can be taken daily, and makes it less likely that you will pass the infection on to your sex partner(s).