How Long Do Herpes Outbreaks Last?

What is Herpes?

Herpes is considered one of the most contagious infections known today. This condition is brought about by the type of infection or virus of the same name, HSV or herpes simplex virus. It has different strains which can cause major health complications. If there is no medical care administered, the condition will eventually become worse and other severe health concerns will emerge.

What are the warnings, sign, and symptoms of this infection?

The primary symptoms that you will acquire in having this infection are as follows:

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Swelling lymph nodes
• Appearance of painful mouth or cold sores
• Development of annoying fever blisters

These are considered the most common to those who are initially infected. However, not all individuals experience these symptoms. Some are asymptomatic, from which it becomes difficult for them to know their status. This explains the necessity to go check with your healthcare professional. By undergoing different tests and medical examinations, you will know your condition.

Herpes Outbreak

Initial outbreaks can happen when HSV initially infects its host. This is where the symptoms appear, and some of them are considered hostile. It will take one to three weeks for the symptoms to remain inside its host. This includes both oral and genital/sexual herpes.

When the needed medical care is administered, the hostile infection initially stops its functions within the body. It goes dormant but still stays inside its host. That is why outbreaks occur because the viruses are reactivated by certain health factors. What are these factors? Consider the following:

• Fever and chills
• A general feeling of discomfort
• After a surgery
• A weakened immune system

If one of these factors happens, there is a high possibility that the infection can happen again, or in other words, the outbreak can develop at once. That is why staying healthy can help in preventing the infection can happen again.

During the outbreaks, the symptoms also follow different stages as soon as they appear on the body surface. One of these is the formation of sores. Consider the following:

• Development of early signs of infection
• Formation of sores or blisters
• Sores or blisters are begging to crack and bleed
• Healing time

During the first stage, the infection is high. It will take a few weeks before the sores or blisters begin to heal on their own. However, to ensure that recovery is speedy, using antiviral drugs is highly recommended.

There are different types of antiviral drugs used in treating the said medical condition. Some of these drugs include aciclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. The treatment involving herpes can be in a tablet or ointment form. Individuals can use either of the two, whatever is comfortable for them.

Note that even though medical therapy is already administered, HSV will not just vanish. To prevent outbreaks from happening, always keep yourself healthy and functioning. This way, you will not have to suffer the hostile effects and impact of the said medical condition.