What is Infection
Herpes is an infection that causes sores or ulcers.
It is caused by a virus called Herpes simplex and can be of 2
types – HSV-1 and 2. HSV-1 is mostly responsible for infection
above the waist while HSV-2 causes sores below the waist, usually
in the genital area. Genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.
Herpes is different from other viral infections since it is lasts
a lifetime. The virus remains latent or "sleeping" within the body
and travels through nerve pathways to cause the symptoms. Because
this virus remains dormant in the nerve roots for long periods,
the symptoms can also manifest later in life.
What are the symptoms?
A herpes infection can recur at any time, but the symptoms are
usually the most severe during the first attack because the body
does not have any defence against the virus. This attack is
usually also the longest.
Primary herpes usually affects various regions of the body
causing:
Ulcers in the mouth region
Keratitis – ulceration in the eye
Finger infection
Vulvo-vaginitis – genital herpes
Encephalitis – infection of the coverings of
the brain
The main symptoms of herpes are
the eruption of blisters or pimples, which crust over and then
scab off. There may be some flu-like symptoms like fever, body
ache and swelling of lymph nodes near the groin. Though the
symptoms are usually moderate to severe, they may also be so mild
that a person may not even notice them. In some cases, the
symptoms of herpes may be mistaken for insect bites, mild
abrasions or yeast infections.
Some people get warning signs before an attack. These are called
prodromes and consist of itching, tingling or a painful feeling in
the area where the lesions will develop. The attack usually
follows a day or two later.
What is the treatment?
There is still no known treatment to cure herpes. The symptoms can
only be controlled with medication. The most commonly used drugs
for the treatment of herpes are acyclovir, valayclovir and
famciclovir. These are better absorbed by the body and can be
taken less often.
How is
the infection spread?
Herpes infection spreads through direct contact from one person to
another. HSV-1, that usually affects the upper portion of the
body, is spread by kissing and skin to skin contact. HSV-2, that
usually causes genital herpes is spread through vaginal or anal
intercourse and oral sex. Humans are the only known carriers of
the infection. The infection can also be transmitted from a
pregnant mother to her baby
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