Herpes:
While "genital herpes" can cause symptoms in a variety of sites below the waist, the term is used to denote all HSV infection that is latent in the sacral ganglion, at the base of the spine. An estimated 40 million Americans have genital herpes, with 500,000 new cases each year. Approximately two-thirds of people who are infected do not know they have genital herpes, either because they have no symptoms or because their symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed. Symptoms of the first infection usually appear one to 26 days after exposure and last two to three weeks. Symptoms in the genital area include an itching or burning sensation, discharge and blisters or painful open sores. They are sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands and fever. After the first infection, the virus can reactivate and cause new outbreaks of sores. The frequency and severity of recurrences vary from person to person.
|
