How Herpes Might Affect Your Vision And Everything You Need To Know About The Virus
Melanie “Mel B” Brown is setting the record straight after an alleged close source to the Spice Girls member claimed “herpes in her eye" caused her temporary blindness adding, "this has happened before."
Last Friday, the 43-year-old singer reportedly headed to the hospital after she lost sight in her right eye. According to Mel, she was diagnosed with Iritis and Uveitis, a form of eye inflammation.
On Tuesday, with her vision restored, Mel B hopped on Instagram to recap the terrifying moment that left her temporarily blind last week.
"Thank you so much for all the lovely support and messages I’ve had about my eye. Just so you know the real truth," Mel captioned a selfie of herself wearing eye bandage.
"I had an awful experience last week when I went blind in my right eye and my left eye went blurry. Even though the stupid press said I’m ok and this has happened to me many times before, just to be clear I was NOT ok and this has NEVER EVER happened to me before, so who [ever] is selling this story 'a close reliable source' is full of BS and needs to get there silly facts right big time."
She continued to detail the horrifying ordeal.
"I was actually in a lot of pain and very very scared but thanks to the incredible eye specialists in A&E at London’s Moorfields Hospital and after at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital I was diagnosed by [an] eye specialist with severe IRITIS in my right eye and UVEITIS in my left eye. I’m taking multiple prescription heavy duty eye drops and other medication the Dr gave me that I have to take every day to keep the inflammation under control. Also I’m being so well looked after by Team Spice special thanks to our paramedics too!! I'm still dealing with it and will be [for] the next 3/4 months to fully get it under control but I’m no longer worried that my condition will get worse."
Thankfully, Mel, known for her “Scary Spice” persona, is back on track to participate in the kickoff of the Spice Girls reunion tour in Dublin.
While herpes may not be the case for this scary experience, it's no secret that herpes has a major effect in the Black community. Even in the celebrity world!
If you remember, back in 2017, fans were shook as R&B singer Usher's $20 million herpes lawsuit played out publicly. According to TMZ, the long legal battle was later dismissed.
In light of this truth, we've decided to share with you everything you need to know about herpes and how it's affecting the Black community.
What is herpes?
"Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes)."
-Via WebMD
What are the differences between the two?
Herpes Type 1/ HSV-1
"Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2."
Herpes Type 2/ HSV-2
"In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist."
-Via WebMD
According to the CDC, genital herpes is common in the United States. More than one out of every six people ages 14-49 have herpes.
-Via CDC.gov
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How do you get infected by herpes?
Herpes Type 1/ HSV-1
"Herpes simplex type 1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils."
Herpes Type 2/ HSV-2
"In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present.
"Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor, as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth."
-Via WebMD
You can't get herpes from:
"Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you can’t get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats."
What Are the most common Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?
"Symptoms of herpes simplex virus typically appear as a blister or as multiple blisters on or around affected areas -- usually the mouth, genitals, or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender sores."
-Via WebMD
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Is there a cure for Herpes?
"There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once a person has the virus, it remains in the body. The virus lies inactive in the nerve cells until something triggers it to become active again."
-Via WebMD
How do you prevent herpes?
"The suggestions for preventing genital herpes are the same as those for preventing other sexually transmitted infections: Abstain from sexual activity or limit sexual contact to only one person who is infection-free.
"Short of that, you can use, or have your partner use, a latex condom during every sexual contact. [Also,] avoid intercourse if either partner has an outbreak of herpes in the genital area or anywhere else."
-Via MayoClinic
