matcoach90 wrote:masonbailey wrote:Unfortunately herpes is very common among college wrestling programs...you are risking getting herpes every time you get on the mat. When you've been around the sport from the lowest to the highest levels, you learn that and do things to prevent it, but you can't prevent it 100% of the time.
I'll save my comments on the whole situation, but for some to be "scared" if their son comes into contact with it is just silly to me.
I too have been around the sport from the lowest to the highest levels, and I am very cognizant of the risks when it comes to communicable diseases... So is my son, yet we still participate and contribute to this great sport despite the risks. However, I see no reason to make light of someone's concerns in reference to a incurable condition that seems to be becoming more of an issue in recent years. Guess some of are just "silly" that way.
Just to try and slow the roll a little on HSV1 consideration - ("waist up" vs HSV2 waist down). Having been responsible for the control of blood borne and airborne pathogen PPE procedures/protocols, "transfer" training and other aspects to pathegons for a large health care facility I will try and shed some light on HSV1.
It might surprise people (or not) to know that the majority of the population are carriers in some form or fashion of HSV1. Cold sores, fever blisters, localized outbreaks sometimes caused from stress, all are linked to the HSV1. The majority of infections occur at a young age, even infancy or birth - A large % get it from a doting grandparent/parent/aunt/uncle etc. There was a good reason why kids don't like the doting parent grandparent
Transfer for HSV1 (how you get it) is almost always through direct (primary) contact - "Secondary" transfers are not likely - meaning the transfer isn't likely tot happen by you wrestling on the same mat right after someone with an outbreak did. Other skin outbreaks (bacterial) condition CAN be transferred via secondary contact so by all means keep those mats and equipment clean
It's a virus (viral) - and in many (if not most) it remains completely dormant their entire life and for others they may have an occasional outbreak. Everyone can have a different response to the virus as some seem to be more immune to it than others. Even those with high rates of outbreaks can and will lead a normal life. It's adaptive and can come and go over different times in someone's life, it can even switch gears from 1 to 2 in some rare cases....
Obviously, best practices and precautions should be taken when outbreaks are present, and this is for any type of outbreak. Avoiding direct contact to the outbreak area is always primary. Seeking medical attention when a serious outbreak occurs is the most important factor.
Misdiagnosis is fairly common on these types of outbreaks (viral versus bacterial) - there are so many different combinations of skin outbreaks, it is extremely difficult to know what the outbreak is just from observation. Even medical professionals will admit to this and usually they find out via trial by fire and see what medication works indicating what the outbreak was in fact by the response to the medication.
The commonality of all of these different scenarios is the protocol - When discovered, isolate from contact to others, disinfect/clean and seek medical evaluation asap. That is the easiest way to limit the affects.
There are many more dangerous versions of skin outbreaks that can be extremely dangerous if left untreated - not just in wrestling, but in the general population as well (we won't get into that)
The first line of defense is actually the coaching staff - Skin checks should be performed prior to each and every practice. When a skin issue is discovered, take care of it properly and do not pass it off. Coaches should understand the importance of this and take it very seriously. Coaches should also understand the importance of proper cleaning and disinfecting of their equipment. Probably more important is to understand the importance of keeping the practice area separate from the "street" area to limit that potential transfers that can occur. "Keep off the mats" - "wash your hands" and keep all wrestling equipment separate from the street (specially shoes). Reduce the daily exposure risks...
Best practices and common sense response should prevail to keep everyone safe while enjoying the sport.