STD HERPES : THE VIRUS OUTBREAKS
Herpes symptoms from the recurrent outbreaks are usually much less severe than those from the initial infection. Thus, for the person who is subject to a very severe first outbreak, there is some consolation in knowing that this will most likely be the worst outbreak ever to occur. As the body becomes adjusted to the virus and begins to build up some immunity, the episodic outbreaks become milder in most people.
If a person has symptoms that persist continuously for months or years, then a cause for the symptoms other than herpes should be considered. In addition, when someone has been diagnosed with herpes, he or she may assume that any genital symptom is caused by this virus and therefore may not seek medical attention for other problems. People with herpes should be aware that such assumptions can lead to problems and should seek medical attention whenever they experience new or unusual symptoms. Men tend to experience recurrences of herpes more frequently than women. In addition, the longer a first infection with herpes lasts, the more likely a person is to have frequent recurrences. If a first outbreak with HSV-2 lasts more than thirty-five days, a person can expect an average of eight outbreaks a year. A person whose first outbreak of HSV-2 lasts less than thirty-five days can expect about four outbreaks a year. Most people with genital HSV-1 experience only one outbreak a year.
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