HERPES

What Is Herpes? Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease that affects one in six North Americans. It is a chronic viral infection that can cause oral herpes and genital herpes. Oral herpes are commonly referred to as cold sores, and genital herpes result in blisters in the genital area. There are two viruses that cause herpes: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Both these viruses cause similar symptoms, are quite easy to catch, and both can cause oral herpes and genital herpes. However HSV-1 usually is related to oral herpes, while HSV-2 is usually related to genital herpes. HSV-1, the more common form of herpes, is present in 90% of the population and in most cases is not acquired through sexual contact. Instead people often acquire it in childhood through brief contact with other children and adults who have herpes.

How Do You Get Herpes? You can get herpes through unprotected sexual intercourse which includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. And, unlike HIV which cannot be transmitted through saliva or by touching an infected person, you can get herpes by kissing and even touching someone who has it. It was once considered that only sores which were open were infectious; however, it has been shown that you can get herpes even if the person does not any visible sores, though it is less likely. You can also spread the virus to other parts of your body by self-infection. For example, if you have genital herpes, touching your genitalia and then touching your mouth can result in the development of oral herpes. This can also occur vice versa. Areas that are most vulnerable to a herpes infection are any areas which are moist. These include the mouth, the vagina, the vulva, the penis, the anus and the eyes. Skin can also be infected if there is an open cut, burn, dryness or rash. Pregnant women can pass the virus onto their newborn during childbirth. The risk of transmitting herpes to your child if you have no visible sores is extremely low. It is more likely to occur when sores develop or during the period just before they develop. In this case, it is recommended to discuss the option of a cesarean section with your doctor.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Herpes? After you are first infected, it takes about 2 to 20 days before any sores develop. For both oral and genital herpes, there is usually a warning period right before the sores develop, during which you may sense tingling and itchiness. This usually lasts less than six hours, after which small circular sores will develop. They are blister-like and are less than 2 centimeters in diameter. These sores last for a few days, then they dry up and become crusty. Sores start healing about a week after they first appear. However, the virus remains in the body after the sores have healed. Cold sores are generally harmless in adults and children; however, they can be dangerous in newborns since they are more prone to serious infections which involve the nervous system. Very severe episodes can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes. In 50% of people, these episodes recur. However, with each recurrence, the symptoms become fewer and less severe. They usually disappear after six years. In some cases, complications such as meningitis and other infections of the nervous system can occur.

With What Can Herpes Be Confused? The sores caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses are nearly identical to the sores produced by herpes zoster, also known as shingles. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in young children. Herpes zoster occurs when this virus is re-activated later in life. This may occur when the body's immune system is compromised, as in the case of diseases such as AIDS. The key difference between HSV and herpes zoster is that HSV tends to recur.

How Is Herpes Diagnosed? The virus is detected in a person by taking a fluid sample from an open sore and attempting to grow the virus in a medium that encourages the virus to replicate. If there are signs that the virus is present, then herpes can be diagnosed. Another way to diagnose herpes is through a blood test that detects antibodies to the herpes virus. Antibodies are special proteins that are produced by the immune system to fight against the virus.

What Can You Do To Prevent Herpes? If you experience any of the warning signs of an outbreak, you should stop having sexual contact until all the sores and scabs are gone. Avoid touching your sores in order not to spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. During an outbreak, wash your hands well with soap and water before touching anything. If you have a cold sore, do not kiss anyone, especially not young children or pregnant women who can experience more serious complications of herpes.

How Is Herpes Treated? In cases resulting from HSV spreading to the blood, anti-virals such as Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Famvir (famciclovir) can be used. They can be given intravenously or as a pill, depending on the particular drug. These drugs can also be used to prevent the sores from recurring, and can only be prescribed by a physician. They are available as creams for local application in less severe infections. To decrease the discomfort of sores, it is recommended to wear clothing that breathes, such as loose cotton outfits. To have the sores heal faster, you can keep the sores dry by sprinkling baby powder on the clothes that is in contact with the sores. To relieve any pain or discomfort, applying ice compacts over the sores or using over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help. However, it is very important to contact your doctor in order to confirm that what you have really is herpes, and to treat the symptoms appropriately. Currently there is no vaccine or cure for herpes.