Raw Sex: Herpes-The Gift That Keeps On Giving

By Alicia: The Sexual Intellectual

Raw Sex
Session #3

On Episode #116 of The Franchise, the boys and I discussed Herpes in all it's forms.

When the word "Herpes" is  mentioned, the proceeding reaction is almost always the same...Ewwww! But little do you know, you and 90% of Americans age 50 or older, already carry the virus. 

It is so quick and easy to judge something we all fear, till someone presents the facts. No one wants to catch a virus that there is no cure for, but there is no need to make comments about those that are already infected. Having Herpes doesn't mean you are a dirty person, as it can be passed on by normal actions we all do on a daily basis and even to those using protection during sexual acts. Kissing your children, vaginal birth, sharing a drag of a cigarette, sharing recreational drugs,  sharing a drink or having protected sex are all acts most of us have participated in, without once thinking about contracting Herpes. 

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• The CDC lists Herpes as a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes virus. 
• This particular virus lives in the nervous system
• Herpes is not curable but treatable

FACT: No virus can be cured

There are two types of Herpes. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and HSV 2.

• HSV 1 lives in the nerves near the ear and usually effects the mouth causing cold sores on the exterior of the mouth and parts of the face.  (any sore on the interior of the mouth is NOT herpes.)
  
• HSV 2 lives in the nerves at the base of the spine and usually effects the genitals. 

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STATISTICS:

• The CDC lists that an estimated 776,000 Americans get new herpes infections annually. 
• About 1 in every 6 people aged 14-49 have HSV 2.
  
• About 50% of Americans teenage and younger already have the HSV 1 antibodies.
• About 80-90% of Americans carry the HSV 1 antibodies.

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RANDOM FACTS:

• It is easier for a male to infect a female, therefor more women carry the virus than men.
• Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms.
• Herpes and anal warts are NOT the same.
• Herpes can be transmitted without sores present, this is called "shedding."
• Chicken Pox is a form of Herpes
• Condoms do not guard against the transmission of Herpes. (but should still be used, as they guard against many other STD's, STI's and pregnancy)
• The virus can spread to the eye causing Ocular Herpes
• You can transmit HSV 1 in the genital area and HSV 2 in the mouth BUT having HSV 2 is less likely to occur.
• You can have HSV1 and 2 in the genital area but only if you contract HSV 1 first. If you have HSV 2 first, you are less likely to contract HSV 1.
• Genital herpes does increase the risk of HIV transmission.

If you think you may have been infected with the Herpes virus Or  have come into contact with someone who is infected, call your primary physician or OBGYN to get tested. 

So next time you encounter someone who has a cold sore on their mouth, or admits they have genital herpes. Don't crucify them. You don't know the circumstances for which they have contracted the disease and for all you know, you currently carry the antibodies as well. Ostracizing and embarrassing people, cause them to be shamed and hide secrets. Allowing them to tell the truth without shame or fear, gives you the control to still maintain a relationship with that person  if you so choose. If someone does admit that they have herpes or any other disease for that matter, applaud them for telling the truth and be appreciative that they felt you were worth their honesty.

If you are currently aware that you are infected with the herpes virus or any other sexually transmitted diseases, please inform your partners before subjecting them to the risk of contracting it, regardless of whether or not protection is being used. 

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As always, thanks so much for reading my blog. I hope you find the information useful. Your feedback and questions are always welcomed. 

Much Love,
Alicia

Raw Sex is currently a segment on The Franchise, Tuesdays at 9:30pm only on 990WBOB.com. Stay tuned as it will be moving to it's own time slot of Friday at 10pm starting in November.