How Long Does Herpes Last

How long does herpes last?

Prior to knowing how long does herpes last? It is important that we know more about Herpes; its causes; Symptoms; and Cures. Herpes is contagious viral infection that is mostly transmitted through physical touch, intercourse, sharing the same utensils for eating or drinking with the infected person. This infection is usually known as Herpes virus. Two kinds of herpes viruses are; Type 1 herpes and HSV-1. In the case of the latter the symptoms are appearance of cold abscess or blood blister on all sides of the oral cavity, on the lips or inside the mouth. Sometimes it can also cause swollen gums.

The fact that makes it less lethal is that people do not die of herpes yet it never goes away and lasts for a life time. Herpes affects the immune system making it weak and making the person more vulnerable to diseases and germs. The symptoms of the Herpes virus are visible on the mouth as well as the genitals in most cases for no matter how long does herpes last.

When it initially breaks out it forms a knot of vesicles in red on the skin. There may be around 6-10 blisters in case of men and usually more in the case of women. These blisters are painful and contain contagious virus. The common symptoms of the infected person after the first infection are: high fever; body ache; headache; swollen lymph nodes and weariness.

Concerning how long does herpes last, coming in contact with the herpes virus and getting infected by it causes patients to be sick for 2 to 3 weeks. After getting infected by the virus it takes around 4 to 7 days for the patient to show the initial symptoms of infection. While the pain in the skin can last up to 6 weeks sometimes. The signs that the sickness is wearing out is when the blisters start to dry and crust out. After the crust is removed the blister mark does not remain contagious.

Needless to ask how long does herpes last? After the initial breakout of the herpes, the virus can recur on an average of four times annually which may last from one to two weeks time. As the time go the outbreaks decreases getting lesser every year as long as the herpes lasts for.

Regarding getting herpes diagnosed it is required that it is confirmed what kind of herpes virus the person is infected with. Herpes can be diagnosed faster while the infection is still present, so needless to say that one should not wait for the blisters to dry out and must consult a general practitioner. The common do it yourself remedies for herpes recurrences are: taking bath in light salted water; applying petroleum jelly and ice-packs on the sores for soothing; taking mild painkillers such as paracetamol; wearing loose fitting clothes; washing hands and using disinfectants; and avoiding any kind of sexual activity until the infection does not wear off as long does herpes last.