What causes herpes, and how can you treat it? - Christine Johnston (Level 1)

Long ago, a Roman leader named Tiberius stopped people from kissing at public events. He did this to stop a sickness from spreading. Today, we believe this sickness was herpes. Herpes is a virus that is very common. More than half of all people have it, but most do not know because they feel fine. There are two main types of this virus. The first type usually affects the mouth and causes cold sores. The second type usually affects the body below the waist. The virus enters the body through small cuts in the skin. It can cause painful blisters, but sometimes it causes no pain at all. This virus is very clever. It hides deep inside the body's nerves. Because it hides, the body's defense system cannot destroy it. Sometimes, when a person is stressed or sick, the virus wakes up and causes sores again. Currently, there is no cure. However, doctors have medicine that can help stop the pain and lower the risk of giving the virus to others.