is related to the virus that causes cold sores on the mouth. Once infected a person stays infected for life... He or she may have repeated attacks of Genital Ulcers.

Herpes can cause blister like sores in the genital area. After the first exposure to the virus the person may have a "flu-like'' feeling with joint pain, headache, fever and a tired feeling followed by the eruption of the painful blisters. These sores break, form scabs and heal within two to three weeks. Unfortunately even after the sores have healed and gone, the virus remains in your system. When the sores do come back however, they usually heal faster and are less painful.

A common concern is "who gave me this? Did my partner have sex with someone else?'' It is important to remind the person of the often a symptomatic nature of herpes infections and the fact that a current outbreak may represent the reactivation of infection that was acquired months or even years previously.

Very rarely infected people without sores may pass it on. People with sores are not only at risk of passing it to others but also risk infecting other places on their own body, so it is important to teach people to wash and dry hands well after touching herpes sores.

The treatment for herpes is basically to make the sores heal faster and the person more comfortable. At this time there is nothing that can be given to make the virus go away, however, there are medications which are sometimes used to speed healing or reduce the number of breaks. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease most commonly acquired between the ages of 18 and 25. Many people who have had to deal with this diagnosis fear rejection by their sexual partner. It takes great courage but is a mark of respect to openly discuss problems like this before sexual relationships. Acceptance of the situation by your partner will help to build trust and reduce stress.

If you are pregnant, tell your doctor that you have had herpes. The virus can spread to the baby and your doctor needs to take special care at the time of delivery.

Remember -- most stories about herpes are exaggerated. The virus is a nuisance but only life-threatening to infants. The virus stays in the body, herpes sores can come back. Some ways to help yourself is eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, exercise and reduce stress. Use condoms to lower the chance of infections in the future. If you are worried or have more questions call the Communicable Disease Clinic at the Department of Health.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL ISSUES HTH