Just What Is Herpes Simplex?

                

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In the United States, herpes simplex is the most common genital infection. Estimates show that about 1 million people annually will be infected by this virus. Recurrent infections, as a result of the virus, will affect about 45 million people every year. Studies add that the incidence of herpes simplex will be higher in young adults, adolescents, and in those living in lower socioeconomic populations. It is a chronic disease and, in many people, will not have any visible symptoms. Currently, no total cure is available for herpes simplex.

Herpes simplex is the result of either one of two viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). However, most herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. It has been estimated that HSV-2 is responsible for 80% of initial herpes infections, and up to 95% of recurrent infections.

What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes Simplex?

While many people experience no symptoms with herpes simplex, painfully frequent recurrences of herpes symptoms will appear in others. Approximately 3 to 7 days after contacting the infection symptoms of herpes simplex will begin to appear. Red spots, that will be painful, will appear in the genital area. For men, these lesions will generally appear on the head, or the shaft of the penis. For women, these lesions will most commonly occur outside of the vaginal opening, inside the vagina, and on the cervix.

These spots will soon form painful blisters filled with a clear fluid containing particles of the herpes virus. When the blisters break they will shed the virus, causing the appearance of painful ulcers. These ulcers will last up to 6 weeks. Should the ulcers become infected, they could last considerably longer. Touching these blisters, and then touching other areas of the body can spread this infection to these other areas.

Persons with the herpes simplex virus will also experience headache, fever, enlargement of lymph nodes, painful urination, and urinary retention. Men may also experience a urethral discharge, while women may experience a vaginal discharge.

While men are unlikely to experience further serious complications of the herpes simplex, women with herpes simplex may experience complications when pregnant. Although not yet conclusively established, many believe that there may be a direct link between herpes simplex and cervical cancer.

In rare cases, the herpes virus may spread to the brain. This will cause a condition called herpes encephalitis, a life-threatening condition. Although treatment with the drug acyclovir (Zovirax), an antiviral drug, is capable of curing the encephalitis, up to 60% of the survivors will sustain some sort of permanent brain damage.

What Is The Treatment For Herpes Simplex?

While the herpes simplex virus cannot be cured, the symptoms can be alleviated. The drug Acyclovir helps to reduce the severity of the initial episode, and is also administered to treat subsequent episodes. Acyclovir is administered for 7 to 10 days until the lesions fully heal.

How Can Herpes Simplex Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent herpes simplex is to avoid unprotected sex. Herpes simplex may be transmitted through genital-genital contact, but it is important to remember that it may also be transmitted through oral-genital contact. Condoms are usually recommended to prevent transmission of herpes simplex. However, not all of the lesions may be covered by the condom. Any person engaging in sexual activity with a person infected with herpes simplex, must refrain from touching any lesions, especially uncovered lesions. The person infected with herpes simplex must also avoid touching any lesions to eliminate the possibility of spreading the infection to other parts of their bodies.

Because there is no cure, prevention is especially important for herpes simplex. Currently, The National Institute of Health is testing an HSV-2 vaccine. However, its use is limited to women who have no history of HSV-1 exposure. For now, safe sex practices are the best way to prevent the spread of this highly infectious disease.

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics. To read more on this topic, please visit Don't Let Herpes Ruin Your Life!

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