Introduction
Herpes is a very common infection caused by two different but closely related viruses. Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It infects the nervous system, modifying the DNA of the nerve cells supplying the skin through which it entered. It may also play a role in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The virus is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is most contagious when sores are open and "weeping" until the scabs heal and fall off. Herpes is estimated to affect some 80 million people in America.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an outbreak include feeling like you have the flu and blisters that appear and then burst in the genital region, forming painful sores and may include burning feelings if urine flows over sores, inability to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra, itching, open sores, pain in the infected area.
Severe first episodes may have symptoms that include swollen, tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, and under the arms, fever, chills, headache, general run-down feelings, achy, flu-like feelings. Flare-ups usually heal in 10-14 days. They may be more painful and last longer in women or men with illnesses that weaken the immune system like leukemia and HIV. Outbreaks typically begin with pain, tenderness, or itching in the genital area and may also include fever and headache. Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed-over.
Sores
The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after transmission, and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Sores may also show up inside the mouth, but this usually only happens the first time oral symptoms appear. It is possible to get genital herpes from cold sores. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful sores in many adults, and infections can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. There may be some early warning signs before an outbreak occurs such as tingling, burning, or itching where sores were before.
Treatment
There is no known cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. Treatment should begin at the first signs of an outbreak for best results as far as duration and healing are concern. Should it begin before the lesions appear, it is possible that the outbreak can be averted. Recently valacyclovir was released to be used as a three day treatment for recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes. This is an effective approach that achieves the highest blood levels of medication available.
Conclusion
Herpes is an infection that is caused by a simplex virus. It can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious. It is contagious if the carrier is producing and shedding virus and can produce a wide range of signs and symptoms. Some are dramatic and fairly easy to recognize; some are subtle and may be ignored or confused with another ailment. The Virus is contagious and can be passed from person to person through any form of unprotected sex.
Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens. Efforts to develop a vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. There is no cure to date.
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