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Herpes simplex

Herpes is a common viral infection which primarily causes oral herpes (type 1 virus associated with cold sores or blisters), and genital herpes (type 2 virus leading to genital sores or sores below the waist). Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact. The herpes virus may also infect the foetus and cause congenital abnormalities.

Causes:-

• HSV-1 - transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva or direct contact with contaminated utensils
• HSV-2 - usually acquired as an STD
• Previous history of herpetic disease
• Maternal-foetal transmission during vaginal delivery if mother is infected
• Recurrent disease (reactivation) due to certain stimulants:-
  • Fever, overexposure to sunlight, illness
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Ultraviolet light exposure
  • Medications that weaken the system such as HIV/AIDS, cancer
  • Bleeding disorders

Symptoms:-

• sore throat with mouth lesions
• genital blisters (male) - in or around penis with a burning sensation
• genital lesions (female) - in or around vagina along with vaginal discharge causing discomfort
• blisters and/or ulcers -- mostly on the mouth, gums, genitalia or around anal area.
• fever blisters or cold sores
• fever, muscle aches painful urination - may be present especially during the first outbreak
• swelling and tenderness of lymph nodes in the neck or groin

Treatment:-

Get more information. The better informed you are about herpes, the easier it will be to manage the disease.

• Some cases are relatively mild and may not require treatment. The oral or genital lesions usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days unless an individual has an underlying immunosuppression.
• In severe or prolonged cases, or in individuals who have frequent recurrences, antiviral medications are prescribed. Use pain medication if required.
• Maintain general good health and keep stress minimum. This will limit chances of recurrences.
• Take care of the infected skin area. Keep it dry and clean during outbreaks to help quicker healing.
• Avoid physical contact with the area until sores are completely healed.
• Latex condoms help reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes. Practice abstinence if lesions are present.
• Prevent self-infection to other areas of your body. Wash your hands with an antiseptic soap whenever you touch a sore. Better still, don't touch the sores.
• If either parent has genital herpes, inform your doctor about it and take precautions.
• Herpes is spread by direct contact- saliva, body fluids, so be careful if you are at risk. Type 2 virus is a dangerous sexually transmitted disease.

Remember you are not the only one who is infected with this disease. Many are even unaware of them being infected. However, if the disease goes untreated, severe complications may arise such as meningitis, encephalitis, eye conjunctivitis that at times can be fatal.

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