Herpes is a Relationship Killer: How to Avoid It?
Many people are embarrassed to talk about herpes. However, it is fairly common and it is estimated one in six adults have this condition. If you have recently been diagnosed with this condition, you may have many questions. Getting answers to these questions will help you to better understand it. Here are four frequently asked questions about herpes.
What Does Herpes Look Like?
There are two different types of herpes. HSV-1 is a virus that occurs about the waist. Typically this presents as cold sores on or around the lips. HSV-2 is a virus that occurs below the waist. This is typically referred to as genital herpes. With both types, you may get blisters on the skin. These blisters or sores can be painful and itchy. However, not everyone infected gets blisters and the longer you have had the condition, the less often you get outbreaks.
How Do People Get Herpes?
Herpes is spread when the skin comes in contact with a herpes blister or sore. If you kiss someone who has an active outbreak on their lips, you can get the virus. If you have love-making with someone who has an active genital outbreak, it can spread to your genitals.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Know If You Have Genital Herpes
How Does Herpes Affect a Relationship?
Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to herpes. Many people may want to avoid someone with herpes for fear of catching this condition. As such, it can greatly affect the relationship if one person has herpes and the other does not.
The best way to prevent herpes from negatively affecting your relationships is to be open and honest about it with any potential partners. Do not try to hide the fact that you have the condition. Let them know right off the bat that you have it, but also let them know that it is managed and you can help prevent it from being spread to them. Your partner should appreciate your honesty and openness. But be aware, they may have questions and may seek to get answers on their own.
RELATED ARTICLE: The Surprising Way Herpes Virus Changes Your Brain
How Do You Get Rid of Herpes?
Once you have herpes, you will live with the virus forever. There is no way to rid it from your body. However, there are many ways to suppress the virus and prevent, or at the very least minimize, the number of outbreaks you experience. It is believed diet plays a huge role in suppressing the virus. Cutting out alcohol, minimizing your sugar intake, sticking to a vegan diet, and eating food rich in the amino acid lysine can all reduce symptoms. It is also suspected that stress can lead to outbreaks, so minimizing your stress can help you naturally prevent outbreaks.
Once you have the herpes virus, you will have to live with it for the rest of your life. You may wonder how this will affect your life and relationships in the future. Fortunately, it is a fairly common virus that can be managed. This should help you have a healthy life and a healthy relationship.
