Herpes Simplex: An Overview
Health & Fitness → Cancer / Illness
- Author John Mark Lewis
- Published July 9, 2011
- Word count 598
Statistics show that approximately one in every five people, that is about 45 million people, above the age of 12 have herpes. And this is in the United States of America alone. Herpes Simplex or simply Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Two types of Herpes Simplex Viruses exist; Type - 1 (HSV1) and type - 2 (HSV2). Type one causes what is called Oral Herpes, which manifests in the form of cold sores or fever blisters; it is the most common of this infection. Type 2 causes Genital Herpes, more widely known as just Herpes, which is the second most common form of this infection. Apart from these two the herpes simplex virus also causes herpes whitlow, ocular herpes, Mollaret's meningitis, herpes gladiatorum, cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, neo natal herpes and Bell's Palsy.
Types and Incidence of the Infection:
-
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1): Type 1 is usually manifested in the form of blisters on the face, mouth or lips. Many people develop it in childhood years. Along with causing sores inside the mouth, it may also cause infections in the eye (especially in the cornea and conjunctiva). In rare and severe cases it can lead to an infection of the brain lining also called meningoencephalitis. Contact with infected saliva is the primary way in which the HSV-1 spreads. Approximately 30 to 90% people develop antibodies to the virus by adulthood. People of the lower socio-economic background have a higher likelihood of developing the infection in childhood.
-
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2): type 2 is the more famous genital herpes, known simply as herpes. It's most common symptoms are sores or ulcers in the genital area. However, HSV-2 is asymptomatic, that is it shows no symptoms. In the USA up to 30% adults have antibodies against the virus. Oral-genital contact might lead to a cross-infection of type 1 and type2, which means one get oral herpes in the genital area, and genital herpes on the mouth.
-
Herpetic Whitlow a finger infection is another form of HSV infection. Health care providers are most susceptible to this form of the infection, because they are exposed to saliva during procedures.
An unborn child can be infected, leading to abnormalities. Most often, an infected mother may transmit the infection to the newborn at the time of delivery, if the delivery is vaginal.
Symptoms or Herpes Simplex Virus:
Infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus resulting in Oral or Genital Herpes has the following symptoms:
Ulcers or blisters: incase of oral herpes on the mouth lips and gums and in case of genital herpes, in the genital area.
-
Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck or the groin region.
-
Fever blisters
-
Fever, particularly at the time of the first infection
-
Genital lesions that might be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation.
-
Mouth sores
The infection is recognized by doctor by simply looking at the sores. There are test to confirm the diagnosis though:
-
Blood test for antibodies of HSV
-
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test of the cells that haven been taken from a lesion
-
Viral culture of the lesion
Treatment and Prognosis:
Depending up on the type of herpes infection various treatments can be followed. The most highly recommended treatment is through a course of prescription medicines. Apart from antiviral medication, topical medication is also prescribed by doctors.
While the infection is cured, the virus remains in the system, and a relapse usually triggered by excess sunlight, fever, stress, acute illness and medications. Therefore, the first thing to do is to complete the course of the medication and then ensure that you are not exposed to triggers.
The drug Valtrex is widely used in the treatment of this disease. It is a prescription medicine and should only be taken if prescribed by a qualified physician.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Exploring the Impact of Malaria on Global Health: Financial Implications and Strategies for Prevention
- The Importance Of Regular STD Testing
- E. coli Explained: History and Characteristics of the Bacterium
- Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth Dallas - Rolfing and Scoliosis
- The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia
- The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease
- The Impact of Exercise on Immune Health: Unveiling the Body's Defense Mechanism
- Type of Seizure Disorders
- Can PTSD Cause Executive Dysfunction?
- Executive Dysfunction Has Nothing to do with Being an Executive
- What Autistic People Want You to Know About Autism
- Advances in Alzheimer's: Gamma Light Therapy, Bacteria, and Inflammation
- How do you know whether your child or you have APD?
- Mild Cognitive Impairment--A Precursor to Dementia?
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Doesn't Just Affect Combat Soldiers
- The Three Most Common Disabilities
- 4 Reasons Seniors Should Prioritize Oral Hygiene
- A FATHER'S JOURNEY OF HOPE: CAMP ESPERANZA'S IMPACT ON YOUNG CANCER SURVIVORS
- How Your Phone Could Be Harming Your Health
- Covid-19 Side Effects for Diabetes
- FutureCommPR shines a light on a rare, serious medical condition
- Information On Polyarthritis.
- Mindfulness in Nature: 3 Simple Tips For How Spending Time Outdoors Can Enhance Your Practice
- Managing risk in mental health settings
- Emergency Air Ambulance with Top Medical Services - Bumrungrad Hospital Dhaka Office
- Why Consider Stem Cell Banking for Teeth?
- The Warning Signs of Oral Cancer (and Why It’s Important to Know Them)
- Eating one wild fish same as month of drinking tainted water" in the US
- EMFDEFENSE™
- The Benefits of Staying in Your Own Home When You Have Dementia or Alzheimer’s