Info about Herpes
Herpes
This is one of the most dreaded diseases in the country, lVs extremely pervasive. Millions of people are infected, and there is no cure. It spreads easily. Because it is a sexually transmitted disease, the emotional and stigmatic impact is a terrible burden for anyone to bear.
• Causes
Herpes is caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex. There are two types of this virus: Type 1 and Type 2. Traditionally, Type 1 Herpes Simplex virus has caused oral Herpes, which is the common wcold sore that develops on the lips or face. Type 2 Herpes Simplex virus has traditionally caused genital infections. However, either type of virus can occur anywhere on the body. These viruses are passed by direct skin to skin contact. This includes kissing, sexual intercourse, and other close physical contact between two people. In a small percentage of people with Herpes infections, the virus may be present in body fluids and transmission may be possible without open sores present. The incubation period, that is, the time it takes for symptoms to develop, is usually about one week, but may be longer. Many people can acquire a Herpes infection and not have any signs or symptoms of the disease until months or years later.
The first time a person is infected with Herpes they may develop symptoms of fatigue, headache, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Groups of small blisters then appear on the skin at the site of infection. After a day or two, the blisters open up. leaving a sore which is usually painful, It the mouth is affected, these sores can appear inside the mouth or on the lips. Oral Herpes can also be accompanied by a severe sore throat. In Genital Herpes, the sores appear on the vulva or vagina In women, or on the penis or scrotum in men. Painful urination occurs frequently with Genital Herpes, especially in women. Eventually the sores dry up, crust over, and disappear. The duration of symptoms may be from a few days to several weeks.
Following this primary infection, the virus travels along nerves within the body to a location near the spinal cord, where it goes into a dormant phase. From time to time, the virus can be reactivated and return to the skin to cause recurrent sores. Subsequent outbreaks of Herpes are usually milder and shorter than the initial episode. While sores are present on the skin, a person Is contagious, and can transmit the infection to others as described previously.
The frequency of recurrent Herpes outbreaks varies from person to person. The process that triggers a recurrence of symptoms is not completely understood, but is believed to be under the control of the immune system. For some people, recurrence is associated with physical and emotional stress they experience, while others cannot relate their outbreak to any particular event.
Type 2 infections tend to result in more frequent recurrence than Type 1 infections. The natural course of Herpes is for recurrence to become less frequent and less severe over time. Herpes is usually diagnosed by its typical appearance. Specific tests are available to confirm the infection. See an experienced health care professional if you have symptoms which seem to indicate Herpes. While symptoms are present the sores should be kept clean and dry. Aspirin or ibuprofen may be taken to help with the inflammation and pain associated with Herpes. There is no treatment that will cure the infection or eliminate the virus from the body.
An antiviral drug called acyclovir can reduce the severity, duration and frequency of outbreaks.
• Not Life Threatening
For many people having Herpes is a nuisance but it is usually not a serious health problem. There are some situations however, where Herpes can be potentially serious. A women who is infected with the Herpes virus for the first time while she is pregnant can pass on the infection to the unborn child.
This may result in damage or death to the fetus. A woman who has had Genital Herpes in the past can have a successful pregnancy. She should tell her doctor that she has had Herpes, so she can be closely monitored as she nears term. If a Herpes outbreak develops at the time of labor, a cesarean section can be done to prevent the baby from becoming infected.
A Herpes infection in the eye can cause serious and permanent eye damage. The symptoms usually develop as redness, pain and a sandy feeling in one or both eyes. It a person suspects that their eyes are infected with Herpes, they should seek medical attention immediately.
To prevent the transmission of Herpes infections, persons who are having an outbreak of Herpes should be careful about physical contact with other people. If you have Oral Herpes, do not kiss anyone or have oral-genital sexual contact while the sores are present. If you have Genital Herpes, do not have sexual intercourse or engage in other sexual activities where someone may come into contact with the Herpes sores. If you are uncertain if the sores are present, use condoms during any sexual activity. Used consistently, condoms are an excellent way to protect against acquiring Herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.