This write-up on herpes, it’s spread both in Nigeria and globally happens to be something I decided to discuss owing to it’s prevalence. It’s spreading, has no cure and yet has not been given adequate attention.
If there was a time in human-kinds history to avoid hooking up with random sexual partners from dating apps, kissing just anyone, having extra-marital affairs or go down/head up in unverified spots, it’s now – Temple Obike
2022 and Now;
There has been a significant increase in the number of men (and women) patronizing escort sites or having multiple sexual partners. This has by far worsened the spread of this silent yet deadly infection. Infact, asides from HIV/AIDS, the discovery of Herpes has been the second STI that has necessitated many clients opting in for health therapy.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
The appearance of blisters is known as an outbreak. On average, a first outbreak will appear 4 days after contracting the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it can take as little as 2 days, or as much as 12 days or more, to appear.
General symptoms for men include blisters on the:
– penis
– scrotum
– buttocks (near or around the anus)
General symptoms for women include blisters around or near the:
– vagina
– anus
– buttocks
General symptoms for anyone include the following:
-Blisters may appear in the mouth and on the lips, face, and anywhere else that came into contact with areas of infection.
-The area that has contracted the condition often starts to itch, or tingle, before blisters actually appear.
-The blisters may become ulcerated (open sores) and ooze fluid.
– A crust may appear over the sores within a week of the outbreak.
-The lymph glands may become swollen. Lymph glands fight infection and inflammation in the body.
-The viral infection may cause headaches, body aches, and fever.
The Facts
Research has shown that 1 in every 4 individuals has HSV-1 or HSV-2 contacted through exchange of bodily fluids, unprotected sex, kissing or skin to skin contact. This simply means that it’s a 7 out of 10 chance at infection.
* 1 married individual having an affair with 1 person has a 2 out of 4 chance of contracting HSV 1 or 2
* 1 single individual sexually active with 1 person has a 2 out of 4 chance of contracting HSV 1 or 2
* 1 married individual having an affair with 1 person with multiple sexual partners has a 3 out of 4 chance contracting HSV 1 or 2
* 1 single individual sexually active with multiple sexual partners if fully exposed to contracting HSV 1 or 2.
On a closing note, I see the impact this has on families daily. It’s effect on the state of mental health and intimacy in marriages or between couples.
Hook-ups, multiple sex partners, affairs etc are all contributing negatively to the spread of this infection. A more disciplined approach to life and living could become the first real solution to curbing this silent problem.
