Here's Everything You Need To Know About Herpes, Because Hollywood Doesn't Always Get It Right - Elite Daily

Here's Everything You Need To Know About Herpes, Because Hollywood Doesn't Always Get It Right - Elite Daily
Gov. Baker signs bill to fund healthcare, abortion clinics in Massachusetts - WWLP.com
Governor Little Signs Legislation Allowing Needle Exchanges In Idaho - Boise State Public Radio
Here's Everything You Need To Know About HPV, Because It's More Common Than You'd Think - Elite Daily

Posted: 01 Apr 2019 09:04 AM PDT

While you may be well aware of herpes' existence, odds are, you don't actually know enough about it. At one point or another, you've likely seen a fictional character in a TV show find out they have it, heard a friend complain about a cold sore, or perhaps even questioned whether you yourself had it. But what is herpes? What can you to reduce your risk of getting it? How do you get it? And if you do get it, what can you do about it?

These are all good questions to ask yourself — especially considering how common this STD is. In fact, more than one out of every six Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 years old has genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And according to Dr. Hunter Handsfield, professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD, more than 50 percent of American adults have oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters). Dr. Handsfield defines herpes as a recurrent skin condition that's caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is typically responsible for oral herpes causes, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is typically responsible for genital herpes cases. Confusingly enough, though, it's possible to get either strain in either place.

One of the reasons it's so common is that it can be spread not only during vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex, but also from skin-to-skin contact — such as a hand job. That said, rest assured that you can't get herpes from holding hands, hugging, sneezing, or coughing, according to Planned Parenthood.

VegterFoto/Stocksy

Both oral and genital herpes types can cause itchy or painful blisters and sores on your genitals, butt, anus, and inner thighs, among other parts of your body. The CDC notes that some cases of genital herpes are cause by the HSV-1 virus. This is because oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread to the genitals via oral sex.

When these blisters pop up, it's called an "outbreak" — the first of these typically happens between two and 20 days after you're infected, and lasts about two to four weeks, according to Planned Parenthood. The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) reports that for people with genital HSV-2, the average number of outbreaks is about four to five per year. People with genital HSV-1 experience less than one outbreak per year, on average. Herpes is especially contagious when sores are open, but it can still get passed to a partner when there are no sores whatsoever. When you're first infected with the HSV-2, you may experience flu-like symptoms, like muscle aches, headache, swollen glands, and fever, and chills. Another relatively common symptom of genital herpes is the sensation of burning when you pee. Dr. Peter Leone, adjunct professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of North Carolina, tells Elite Daily that HSV-2 has a higher rate of those aforementioned recurrent outbreaks than HSV-1.

Still, it's worth noting that it's not always obvious that you have herpes. Dr. Handsfield notes that many people are completely unaware they have been infected because their symptoms are super mild. Or, they may assume their sores are something else, like a blemish or an ingrown hair. Even if you don't have symptoms, you can still transmit herpes to someone else.

Unfortunately, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an OB/GYN at Yale-New Haven Hospital and clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine, tells Elite Daily that there is no cure for herpes, and that it's common to experience repeat outbreaks — particularly in that first year after you got it.

"Those painful blisters will clear up," she explains. "Unfortunately, the virus travels up nerve roots, where it can just 'hang out' — and then travel down the nerve root. In other words, you can join a convent and never have sex again, but you can still have an outbreak from the virus living in these nerve roots."

Boris Jovanovic/Stocksy

If you feel a tingling feeling, itching, or burning on or around your genitals, those are all potential warning signs that an outbreak is coming, according to Planned Parenthood. Once you feel those warning signs, Planned Parenthood advises abstaining from any form of sexual contact — even with a condom — and then waiting to resume any intimate activities until about a week after the sores heal. The ASHA reports that recurrent outbreaks may cause similar symptoms as the first episode, including blister-like lesions and painful sores. These lesions will often look like an ingrown hair, a pimple, razor burn, hemorrhoids, or an insect bite. Over time, these lesions crust over and ultimately scab.

But here's the good news: Recurrent outbreaks tend to be less severe, less frequent, and last for about half the time of the first episode (about two to 12 days). The ASHA notes that herpes triggers can vary from person to person, but many people are able to identify specific factors that seem to reactivate the virus, such as lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, or friction on the skin around the genitals.

Whether or not you notice any new sores or blisters, the only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to get checked out by your doctor, or at a community health clinic or local Planned Parenthood. If you do have sores or blisters, your healthcare provider can take a sample of fluid from the sores and conduct a test for traces of the virus. If you don't have these symptoms, the only way to find out if you have herpes is via a blood test. Remember: STD testing is something you may have to ask for since it's not generally included in a regular checkup. Also, note that many doctors do not test for herpes unless you specifically ask them to. This is why it's super important to be open and honest with your doctor about your sexual health — fill them in if you've had any new partners since your last STD testing, or are experiencing any new symptoms you're concerned about. Remember: They're there to help you, not to contribute to any shame you may have or make you feel judged about your sex life and your choices.

While there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to ease your symptoms, according to Dr. Minkin.

"The bad news is that it can come back," she explains. "The good news is that we do have very effective medicine to treat it. If someone has herpes, we can have them take a low dose of the anti-herpes medicine every day, and prevent another outbreak."

Nasos Zovoilis/Stocksy

Herpes medicine can not only reduce the duration and frequency of outbreaks but can also reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners. According to Dr. Leone, the most commonly prescribed herpes medications include valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and acyclovir (Zovirax). Not everyone decides to pursue treatment for herpes. If your outbreaks aren't bothering you or you have other reasoning for not getting treatment, you may continue getting outbreaks, or they may stop on their own after a while. Rest assured, however, that it likely won't get any worse if you don't take medication.

Whether or not you decide to get treatment, Planned Parenthood reports that other strategies can help you alleviate any pain or discomfort during an outbreak, such as taking a pain reliever and putting an ice pack on the sores. If you have genital herpes, Planned Parenthood recommends keeping that area as dry as possible since moisture can prevent sores from drying up and healing. And if you have oral herpes, you should wear SPF on your lips or stay out of the sun as much as possible, since sunburns can trigger flare-ups.

Your doctor can work with you to figure out the best herpes treatment plan for you, based on your symptoms, medical history, and current lifestyle. But regardless of whether you receive treatment or not, it's important to take certain measures for the sake of your health and your partner's. Dr. Leone advises filling your sexual partners in on the fact that you've been diagnosed with herpes. While it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, it's crucial that you're transparent about this fact so that you and your partner can both practice safe sex. The important thing to remember, according to Dr. Handsfield, is that herpes is both treatable and preventable.

"Probably the main misconception that contributes to the stigma around herpes is the mistaken belief that nothing can be done, when in fact, effective treatment can reduce both outbreak frequency and transmission risk," he says.

Dr. Handsfield notes that there are several days throughout the year when herpes can still be contagious in the absence of symptoms. That's why both he and Dr. Leone advise avoiding sexual contact while you're experiencing an outbreak, and always using condoms when you're not having an outbreak. Remember, however, that while condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spreading herpes, it doesn't eliminate the risk entirely, because it can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes may be annoying and incurable, but here's the thing: it won't get worse over time, and it won't cause other serious health problems such as cancer or infertility like other STDs can (looking at you, chlamydia and HPV). The only thing to be aware of, really, is that having genital herpes can make it easier to transmit as well as get HIV, according to Dr. Handsfield. If you're worried about contracting herpes, remember to use condoms, have open and honest conversations with your partners about their sexual health, keep an eye out for any symptoms, and get tested regularly. And if you're feeling embarrassed or distressed about having herpes, keep in mind these things: it's super common, it's not dangerous, and it's definitely treatable. Some people stop experiencing outbreaks altogether, and guess what? Those who don't are still totally capable of having healthy, fulfilling sex lives. All it takes is a little bit of awareness around the symptoms, an understanding of your triggers, some extra precautions in between outbreaks, and of course, open communication with your partner.

Gov. Baker signs bill to fund healthcare, abortion clinics in Massachusetts - WWLP.com

Posted: 01 Apr 2019 04:44 PM PDT

BOSTON (WWLP) - As the federal government prepares to cut funding for health care clinics that provide abortions, the state is stepping in to protect the reproductive rights of all Massachusetts residents.

In just one month, the Trump Administration plans to cut Title 10 funding for clinics that provide or refer patients for abortions.

Governor Baker signed House Bill 36-38 into law Monday, in which the state agrees to spend $8 million to cover whatever federal funding is lost if the Trump Administration's new rule, goes into effect.

"These cuts would have impacted both men and women and impact services beyond just abortion, such as STD testing, family care, and family planning," Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) said.

Massachusetts clinics received about $6 million in Title 10 funding in 2017, though it is not clear how much of that went toward centers where abortions are provided or referred.

Today, more than 80,000 Massachusetts residents receive services from healthcare clinics, and most of those patients earn less than $30,000 a year.

Gov. Baker thanked members of the legislature for working on a bipartisan level to ensure families stay healthy across the Commonwealth.

The change is set to begin in May unless a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 21 states including Massachusetts' is successful.

Governor Little Signs Legislation Allowing Needle Exchanges In Idaho - Boise State Public Radio

Posted: 01 Apr 2019 01:51 PM PDT

In an effort to keep their food local, some city-dwellers have taken to raising chickens in their backyards. As urban farming remains trendy, an unintended consequence of keeping chickens as pets is a rise in salmonella cases. It's led to an outbreak of the illness that's impacting Idaho and the nation.

Click 'play' to hear the audio version of this story.

Here's Everything You Need To Know About HPV, Because It's More Common Than You'd Think - Elite Daily

Posted: 01 Apr 2019 09:20 AM PDT

All it took was one panicked text from my BFF to make me realize how little I knew about STDs and STIs. I was on the Amtrak train, blissfully zoning out to a bluesy Spotify playlist when an alarming message popped up on my phone screen: "OMG. I have HPV." I immediately began Googling anything and everything about it: What is HPV? Can HPV be treated? Does HPV cause cancer? The truth was, I didn't know what to say at first. How can you be helpful or reassuring when the embarrassing truth is that you don't know anything about what they're dealing with? Since then, I've made it my mission to learn a lot about HPV — and as they say — knowledge is power.

According to the American Sexual Health Association, 14 million new infections occur every year in America and an estimated 80 percent of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Given how common it is, it's definitely an STI worth knowing more about. So, what is it? HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection that can be spread via vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or intimate skin-to-skin contact. That last part is super important to note — so keep in mind that you can still get HPV from someone without ever having sex with them. In fact, Dr. Howard LeWine, Chief Medical Editor of Harvard Health Publishing, reports that you can get HPV from open mouth kissing. According to Planned Parenthood, there are 40 types of human papillomavirus that can spread through sexual contact. These are the types that can infect your genital area as well as your mouth and throat. There are many more types of HPV that are not sexually transmitted — such as common plantar warts on the feet.

How do you know if you have HPV? Unfortunately, the majority of people who have HPV don't experience any symptoms, which is why it can easily go undetected for some time. Planned Parenthood reports that sometimes, people with HPV may get genital warts, which can be treated and even removed quite easily. The good news is, those warts don't cause cancer, so if you do get them, that means you have what's considered the "low-risk" type of HPV. According to Cleveland Clinic, these warts — which may be pinkish or red in color — can be very small, and often appear in groups of three or four. They often resemble tiny cauliflower, and while they may cause some itching or bleeding, typically aren't painful. If you observe warts like these, it's important to get checked out by your doctor, who can then diagnose HPV if that's the cause. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases notes that these warts can also simply go away on their own without treatment, but still, just because they've disappeared doesn't mean the virus has been completely cleared up.

Here's the thing, though. According to Dr. Hunter Handsfield, Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD, there can be a long delay in symptoms showing up after you're initially exposed to HPV. In fact, the "incubation period" can last as long as a couple of months to a year or more, which means you can have it for a while without even knowing. Also, "high-risk" HPV is typically asymptomatic (meaning you won't see any signs of the infection). According to Planned Parenthood, 13 types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, and one type can also lead to cancer of the vagina, vulva, throat, penis, and anus. Two types — HPV16 and HPV18 — are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers. The National Cancer Institute reports that high-risk HPVs cause 3 percent of all cancers in women, and 2 percent of all cancers in men within the U.S.

To be clear, just because you have high-risk HPV doesn't mean you will definitely get cancer. However, it's crucial to catch the HPV as early on as possible, because the sooner it's identified, the sooner it can be treated before leading to more serious health issues, like infertility.

TJ Macke/Stocksy

If you're a woman, you may find out that you have HPV during your pap test. That's because the pap smear can reveal abnormalities on your cervix — and those can be a sign of HPV. Your doctor can also administer a specific test for high-risk types of HPV. This involves collecting a small number of cervical cells and sending them to a lab to test them for abnormalities. Your doctor can perform this HPV test at the same time as your pap or separately. Unfortunately, there is now way to test for high-risk HPV in the vulva, throat, penis, or anus yet.

It usually takes years for cancer to develop as a result of HPV, which is why getting regular pap tests (about every three years, depending on your age) is crucial. As the American Sexual Health Association reports, cervical cancer is entirely preventable — the key is to detect those abnormal cell changes as early as possible. For men, there's no test specifically designed to detect HPV, so it's usually identified through a visual inspection for warts or signs of cancer. However, most men with HPV have no symptoms or health problems as a result of the infection.

There is no known cure for HPV, but here's the good news: The majority of people who get it are able to recover with no persisting health problems as a result of the virus, according to Planned Parenthood. Better yet, there is a way to prevent HPV entirely: getting the vaccine. Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9 can all protect you from two high-risk strains that are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancers, as well as other cancers, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Additionally, Gardasil prevents two other strains of HPV that are to blame for a whopping 90 percent of genital warts. And Gardasil 9 protects you from all four of those aforementioned strains, along with five other cancer-causing strains. Previously, Gardasil 9 was only approved for men and women at the age of 26 or younger. However, the FDA recently approved the vaccine to include men and women ages 27 to 45. You can get vaccinated by primary care doctor, OB/GYN, or at your local Planned Parenthood health center.

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN, tells Elite Daily that the best way to prevent an infection is by using condoms during sex. Remember, however, that HPV can be transmitted simply through skin-to-skin contact. (In fact, you can still get HPV by touching someone's genital region, if you never have sex.) So while condoms can significantly decrease your risk of getting it, you're not 100 percent protected.

Mauro Grigollo/Stocksy

"It is not uncommon to have a genital wart outside of the area covered by a condom — and that area can spread the virus," Dr. Minkin explains.

Undoubtedly, one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of finding out you have an STI or STD is figuring out how to tell your partner. So, how do you know when it's necessary to alert them you have it?

"Most experts would recommend informing partners of currently active, untreated infections (such as overt warts, a newly abnormal pap smear)," Dr. Handsfield tells Elite Daily. "But only current partners, not past ones — and even current partners need not be informed once the warts or abnormal pap smear are gone. Also, many informed partners will choose to continue sex — the issue isn't necessarily that sex be avoided, but that partners be aware of the issue so they can knowledgeably participate in decisions to proceed or not."

Finding out you have HPV — or even just having a sneaking suspicion that you might — can be anxiety-inducing. But one of the most important things to keep in mind is that most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. Also, remember that even if you use a condom, it's still possible to get HPV, as it can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. Luckily, most infections will clear up naturally, and most of them do not lead to cancer. The best way to protect yourself from HPV is to get the vaccine. Also, be on the lookout for warts, and be diligent about getting regular pap tests. While using condoms may not completely eliminate the risk of HPV, it can certainly help a great deal — and the more you can do to protect yourself, the better.

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