What Are The Stages Of Herpes?

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

Herpes is a virus; actually, many viruses.  The types that impact on the human population include :

• Herpes Simplex, types 1 and two
• Varicella-zoster virus
• Epstein Barr
• Human cytomegalovirus

There are many other types that may affect stock and wildlife without presenting any danger to humans. 

All of the viruses follow a sequence as they take hold in the body.  The exact symptoms experienced may be slightly different from person to person, but the stages of herpes do follow a general pattern.  The first indication that you’ve a herpes virus is redness of a selected area that can also be scratchy and tender to touch.  There could be a degree of swelling to the areas affected, also.  Often , these early signs, which typically happen within two to 12 days of exposure to the virus, go mostly unrecognized by the individual as many insect bites could produce the same symptoms. 

The subsequent stage generally does attract some attention.  The same became red area could start to exhibit small, fluid filled blisters that can cause discomfort.  As the blisters continue to fill with the clear liquid, they will eventually break open ; leaving behind an ulcerous area.  A scab will form over the wound ; an unpleasant yet obligatory step to the healing process.  The scabbing process could take longer when the sore appears in damp areas.  In this complete process, the individual is catching and able to spread the herpes virus.  It isn’t until the chancre completely heals and the scab falls off on its own that 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 spotting the stages of herpes in the time your body is under attack to avoid spreading the virus to others thru touch. 

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

The information contained in this article is provided for your general information only. This should not be considered as medical advice. Under no circumstances does this article recommend any particular treatment for specific individuals and in all cases we recommend that you consult your physician or local treatment center before pursuing any course of treatment.