Identifying the Stages of Herpes

Long term results of certain viruses can lead to devitalizing physical and emotional conditions if left untreated.  This progression is one reason that it is so necessary to be absolutely privy to the different stages of herpes and when they happen.  In order to stop your future health from being compromised, it is in everybody’s best interest to learn how herpes can affect you.

Herpes is a virus; in fact, many viruses.  The types that affect the human population include :

• Herpes Simplex, types one and 2
• Varicella-zoster pathogen
• Epstein Barr
• Human cytomegalovirus

There are numerous other types that have an effect on livestock and wildlife without presenting any danger to humans. 

All the viruses follow a sequence as they take hold within the body.  The exact symptoms experienced might be subtly different from individual to individual, but the stages of herpes do follow a general pattern.  The 1st indication that you have got a herpes virus is redness of a selected area that can also be scratchy and tender to the touch.  There could be a degree of swelling to the areas affected, too.  Frequently these early signs, which generally happen within 2 to twelve days of exposure to the pathogen, go largely unrecognized by the individual as many insect bites could produce the same symptoms. 

The following stage customarily does attract some attention.  The same went red area could start to exhibit little, fluid filled blisters that will cause agony.  As the blisters continue to fill with the clear fluid, they will eventually break open ; leaving behind an ulcerous area.  A scab will form over the wound ; an unsightly yet necessary step to the process of recovery.  The scabbing process could take longer when the lesion appears in damp areas.  In this complete process, the individual is infectious and ready to spread the herpes virus.  It is not until the chancre completely heals and the scab falls off on its own the contagious period ends.  From blister to healing, this stage takes approximately 7-10 days. 

Some of the herpes viruses can spread to different areas of the body, causing similar eruptions.  It’s important to be vigilant in recognizing the stages of herpes during the time your body is under attack to avoid spreading the virus to others through touch. 

Treating the virus as early in the stages as possible is imperative to decrease the number of virus that will remain dormant in your system.  Recognizing the different stages of herpes can limit your own outbreaks as well as limiting exposing others to the virus.