1. What is herpes?
Herpes is the scientific name used for some 50 related viruses.
Herpes simplex is related to the viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis
(Epstein-Barr Virus) and for chicken pox and shingles (Varicella
Zoster virus).
Herpes Simplex Type
1
HSV Type 1 infections are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that
most often occur on the face. The number of blisters varies, from
one to a cluster. Before the blisters appear, the skin may itch
or become very sensitive. The blisters can break by themselves or
as a result of minor injury, allowing the fluid inside the blisters
to ooze and crust. Eventually, crusts fall off, leaving slightly
red healing skin.
There are two kinds of infections – primary
and recurrent. Although most people are infected with the virus,
only 10 percent will actually develop sores or cold blisters when
this infection occurs. The sores of a primary infection last from
seven to ten days and appear two to twenty days after contact with
an infected person. The sores from the primary infection heal completely
and rarely leave a scar. However, the virus that caused the infection
remains in the body. It moves to nerve cells where it remains in
a resting phase.
Many people will not have a recurrence. Others will
have a recurrence, either in the same location as the first infection
or in a nearby site. Recurrent infections tend to be milder than
primary infections and can be set off by a variety of factors including
fever, sun exposure and menstruation.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Type 2
Infection with herpes simplex virus Type 2 usually results in sores
on the buttocks, penis, vagina or cervix, two to twenty days after
contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse is the most
frequent means of getting the infection. Both primary and repeat
attacks can cause problems including a minor rash or itching, painful
sores, fever, aching muscles and a burning sensation during urination.
Pain or unusual tenderness of the skin may begin between one to
several days before both primary and recurrent infections may develop.
2. How are the HSV infections
diagnosed?
The appearance of HSV is often so typical that no further testing
is necessary to confirm an HSV infection. However, if the diagnosis
is uncertain as it may be in the genital or cervix areas, a specimen
may be taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Genital herpes
can be mistaken for other diseases.
3. How are herpes infections
treated?
Oral anti-viral medications, called acyclovir or famcyclovir have
been developed for primary or frequently recurrent infections. Low
doses of these medicines may be helpful in suppressing the number
of herpes attacks in people with frequent outbreaks.
4. How do you prevent
transmission?
Between 200,000 and 500,000 persons "catch" genital herpes
each year and the number of oral infections is many times higher.
If tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness –
signs of a recurrence – occur in an area of the body where
you had a herpes infection, then that area should be kept away from
other people. With mouth lesions, one should avoid kissing and sharing
cups or lip balms. For persons with genital herpes, this means avoiding
sexual relations, including oral/genital contact during the period
of symptoms or active lesions. Condoms may help prevent transmission
of genital herpes to your sexual partner.
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