Understanding the Herpes Virus

What is herpes simplex? 

 Let’s take a look at the Herpes virus. A very common sexual infection yet with little popularity. Very few people are aware of its existence. 

 The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus.

HSV-1: primarily causes oral herpes, and is generally responsible for cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face.

HSV-2: primarily causes genital herpes, and is generally responsible for genital herpes outbreaks.

What causes herpes simplex? 

The herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact. Children will often contract HSV-1 from early contact with an infected adult. They then carry the virus with them for the rest of their lives.

HSV-1 

HSV-1 can be contracted from general interactions such as:

• eating from the same utensils

• sharing lip balm

• kissing

The virus spreads more quickly when an infected person is experiencing an outbreak. An estimated 67% of people ages 49 or younger are seropositive for HSV-1, though they may never experience an outbreak. It’s also possible to get genital herpes from HSV-1 if someone who performed oral sex had cold sores at the time.

 HSV-2

HSV-2 is contracted through forms of sexual contact with a person who has HSV-2.HSV-2 infections are spread through contact with a herpes sore.

  

In contrast, most people get HSV-1 from an infected person who is asymptomatic, or does not have sores.

Who is at risk of developing herpes simplex infections?

Anyone can be infected with HSV, regardless of age. Your risk is based almost entirely on exposure to the infection.

In cases of sexually transmitted HSV, people are more at risk when they have sex not protected by condoms or other barrier methods.

Other risk factors for HSV-2 include:

• having multiple sex partners

• having sex at a younger age

• having another sexually transmitted infection (STI)

• having a weakened immune system
• sharing of sex toys
• person who has oral or unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected person

Recognizing the signs of herpes simplex

 

Signs of infections include;

• blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)

• pain during urination (genital herpes)
• itching
• vaginal discharge
• cold sores around the mouth
• red blisters
• burning or tingling around genitals before blisters appear

You may also experience symptoms that are similar to the flu.

• fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• headaches
• tiredness
• lack of appetite

HSV can also spread to the eyes if blisters are touched and the hand makes contact with the eyes, causing a condition called herpes keratitis. This can cause symptoms such as eye pain, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye.

Diagnosis of the virus 

 

This virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Where the doctor checks the body for sores and can later request test for HSV.

Treatment of herpes simplex

 

There is currently no cure for this virus. Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks.

It’s possible that sores go away without treatment. However, your doctor may determine you need one or two medications to help you lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks and also reduce risk of transmitting the virus to other people.

Medications can be oral or can be applied as creams or injections in cases of severe outbreaks.

Home remedies 

 

several home remedies can help such as 

• taking pain killers
• bathing in lightly salted water helps relieve symptoms
• soaking in sits bath
• applying petroleum jelly (vasline) to the affected area
• avoid tight clothing around the affected area.

  

People who become infected with HSV will have the virus for the rest of their lives. Even if it does not manifest symptoms, the virus will continue to live in an infected person’s nerve cells.

Some people may experience regular outbreaks. Others will only experience one outbreak after they have been infected and then the virus may become dormant. Even if a virus is dormant, certain stimuli can trigger an outbreak. These include:

• Stress
• menstrual periods
• fever or illness
• sun exposure or sunburn

It’s believed that outbreaks may become less intense over time because the body starts creating antibodies. If a generally

healthy person is infected with the virus, there are usually no complications.

Preventing the spread of herpes simplex infections

 

• Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people.
• Don’t share any items that can pass the virus around, such as cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm.
• Don’t participate in oral sex, kissing, or any other type of sexual activity during an outbreak.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores.

People with HSV-2 should avoid any type of sexual activity with other people during an outbreak. If the person is not experiencing symptoms but has been diagnosed with the virus, a condom should be used during intercourse. But even when using a condom, the virus can still be passed to a partner from uncovered skin.

 If a pregnant woman is having an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of childbirth, it can expose the baby to both types of HSV, and may put them at risk for serious complications. Women who are pregnant and infected may have to take medication to prevent the virus from infecting their unborn babies.