Herpes Simplex

• Herpes Simplex Studies
• Herpes Simplex type 1 and 2
• Herpes Simplex Women and Men
• Herpesviruses family Herpesviridae

Definition

In short Herpes Simplex (Greek: ἕρπης - herpes, or lit. "creeping"), can be defined as a recurrent illness caused by a virus known as the herpes simplex virus. The virus can be divided into two strains namely HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. The presence of HSV type 1 is market by fluid-filled blisters, sores or ulcers on specifically the mouth and nose areas, whereas HSV type 2 is characterized by fluid-filled blisters, sores or ulcers on specifically the genital areas and anus. The virus can also be spread to the eye area and ultimately lead to blindness, if left untreated or treated incorrectly.

Herpes simplex relates to genital herpes and cold sores in that both type 1 and type 2 can cause herpes outbreaks on the mouth or genital areas. Oral sex may provide both strains with an opportunity to infect any area on the body.

Herpes signs and symptoms vary from person to person with the majority of infected individuals having few to no noticeable signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms will however start anything from three to twenty days after actual exposure to the virus and can continue for a couple of weeks. Symptoms can range from general sick feeling, muscular aches, lack of energy, appearance of small, painful sores filled with clear fluid, headache and fever to swollen lymph glands.

Many individuals are able to pinpoint a threatening outbreak as soon as they see warning signs such as a tingling or burning sensation in the affected areas. It’s when these warning signs appear that the disease is very infectious, even though the area appears to be healthy. Individuals with HSV type 2 experiences up to eight active outbreaks annually, but not everybody shows recurrent signs or symptoms. The number of active outbreaks normally decreases with time. Whereas HSV type 1 can recur once a month or only once or twice a year.

Herpes viruses cycle

The first infection is usually the worst with symptoms and signs being more severe when compared to those of a recurrent infection. The very first symptom of infection is the appearance of blisters filled with a clear fluid that last for a week or two. Pain or discomfort in affect areas may however last longer. Once the virus has entered the host it simply spreads to neighboring soft tissue via nerve cells and will remain latent in the body of the individual until his or her death. During latency periods the individuals will show absolutely no signs or symptoms of the infection. It’s important to note that the infected individuals without any symptoms or signs can infect other individuals. Recurrences are rather commonly but will be less severe and significantly shorter. Cancer patients on the other hand can experience severe recurrences.

Babies born to mothers with active herpes can become infected during birth; this can be prevented by cesarean. There is no sure-fire cure, but meds can reduce severity and risk of transmission.

To date no cure has been found for HSV. There are however effective and safe antiviral meds available to reduce the signs and symptoms of the infection as well as cut recovery time drastically. Evidence exists, showing that some antiviral meds can prevent recurrences. Treatment should preferably be initiated as soon as any signs or symptoms appear but before sores are present. Treatment can continue for up to 2 weeks depending on the duration of outbreaks.

Famciclovir reigns supreme as the number one drug for treating herpes infections and can be administered intravenously, orally or directly to the affected area in the form of an ointment or liquid. Famciclovir’s success can be attributed to the fact that it treats both the initial infection as well as any recurrences. Famciclovir when administered orally will reduce herpes outbreak recurrences, significantly. If you want treatment without side effects, take Dynamiclear, highly rated and very effective topical solution.

A healthy diet is essential to keep herpes at bay. Foods that are high in the ingredient arginine can trigger herpes outbreaks while supplements and diets high in lysine have shown to be effective in controlling the disease. The level of lysine needed varies from infection to infection, but typical adult dosage will be 500 milligrams per day, while an active outbreak will call for 1 to 6 grams to speed up the healing process.

Prevention

The risk of contracting HSV-2 increases significantly with every sexual partners a person has, thus the first step to prevent HSV infect is to limit the number of intimate partners a person has. Sex should be totally avoided during outbreaks and a condom used after the infection has cleared up.

Only latex condoms should be used during sexual intercourse including oral sex. Spermicide will not provide the necessary protection although the research on this has thus far been very controversial.

Wash your hands with a strong soap solution, immediately after you have been in contact with the sores. Steer clear from sharing any personal items such as towels, clothing, cutlery or glasses with any other person.

Babies are easily infected with HSV-2. Thus if you are pregnant or suspect that you might be, please inform your physician as he or she will need to take the necessary precautions to prevent and protect the baby from getting Herpes during delivery. A C-section will come highly recommended in instances where the mother or father is suspected or confirmed to be infected with the virus.

It’s recommended that anyone with past infections call in a physician should the blisters and sores do not show healing after about 2 weeks or if a problem is present that debilitates the immune system including Cancer, HIV and TB. Children with herpes usually have blisters in and around the mouth area caused by specifically the HSV-1 strain. The virus can also causes irritability, fever, pain, loss of appetite, and mouth ulcers. Dehydration is a rather common problem encountered because the child may refuse to drink any fluid due to oral pain or discomfort. Mentioned symptoms and signs will improve in about five days. Should there, however, be no improvement, and the child develop a fever; a doctor needs to be called.

Studies shown that Herpes Simplex is a common viral infection that causes blisters and sores around the mouth, face, nose, genitals, buttocks and anal area, but infections may occur almost anywhere on the skin. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) occurs worldwide and approximately 20% people in the US (55 million) have HSV infections. This herpes table should give you a general idea of herpes infections worldwide:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are more common in women than men. It infects about one out of four women and about one out of five men and can only be transmitted between humans. Once HSV has infected an individual it will remain in the body for life.

What is the Herpesvirus? The Herpes Viruses cause many major diseases. Here is the list of the herpesviruses, family Herpesviridae:

1. Alphaherpesviruses sub-family Alphaherpesvirinae (neurotropic):

a) Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): oral herpes (cold sores), genital herpes, congenital herpes, ocular herpes (keratoconjunctivitis), herpes meningitis and herpes encephailitis

b) Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV): chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles)

2. Betaherpesviruses sub-family Betaherpesvirinae:

a) Cytomegaloviruses (CMV) or Human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5)
b) Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6): exanthem subitum / sixth disease / roseola infantum
c) Human Herpes Virus 7 (HHV-7)

3. Gammaherpesviruses sub-family Gammaherpesvirinae (lymphotropic):

a) Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Hodgkin's Disease, Burkitt's lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis (mono) or kissing disease
b) Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8) or Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV): Kaposi's sarcoma