The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2.
Herpes is a family of viruses that causes various types of infections, one of which is genital herpes. In the United States, one-half million new cases of genital herpes are reported every year. Oral herpes, which causes cold sores of the mouth or lips, is caused by a different type of herpes virus (HSV type 1) and is not sexually transmitted.
Many people with herpes have no symptoms and do not know they are infected. A genital herpes infection in the active state is characterized by genital lesions (sores or blisters), discharge, pain, and itching; painful urination; swollen glands in the groin; fever; and fatigue. After this symptomatic episode, the virus becomes dormant, sometimes for years, until some type of stress precipitates another attack.
Genital herpes can be spread only when it is in the active state. HSV type 2 is usually transmitted through sexual contact, although the virus can live for a time on objects such as towels and toilet seats. Strict personal hygiene during an active episode can prevent spread of the virus. There should be no sexual activity until all sores are completely healed (one to four weeks), and a person infected with genital herpes should always use a condom and spermicides.
There is no cure for genital herpes. A medication called acyclovir may be prescribed to accelerate healing during an initial attack. Warm baths, ointments, and pain medication can help alleviate symptoms during an attack, but the virus itself does not disappear when symptoms subside.
Daugirdas, John T., M.D. STD, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Including HIV/AIDS. Hinsdale, IL: Medtext, 1992.
National Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline
Telephone: (800) 227-8922
(Free information and clinic referrals)