What is Herpes?
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the virus HSV or Herpes Simplex
Virus, which is characterized by the formation of blisters or cold sores
into the mouth, lips, eyes or surrounding areas and painful sores on the
genital organs.
The infection starts with the itching and tingling at the affected site
which then starts showing the formation of blisters or cold sores on the
area. Herpes can be a commonly present infection in many people who do not
show any symptoms. Some people who have symptoms might have mild to
very less severe symptoms.
Herpes is a lifelong infection, which means there is no complete cure for
this viral infection. Recurring episodes of herpes are commonly seen among
the people previously infected with Herpes. Living with Herpes may be a
difficult situation but still correct knowledge and medical care helps to
alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the disease.
What are the types of Herpes virus?
Herpes Simplex Virus are categorised into the following two
types:
- HSV-1 or Herpes Simplex Virus-1
- HSV-2 or Herpes Simplex Virus-2
What are the types of Herpes Simplex Infection?
There are two known types of Herpes infection based on the type of the
virus involved and the organ affected due to the infection:
- Oral Herpes : It is the infection of the mouth, lips and face due to the infection caused by HSV-1.It can be transmitted by the direct oral-to-oral contact with the infected person. It may cause the appearance of fever blisters or cold sores on mouth, lips and or face or just a sore throat. It may take 2-3 weeks for the symptoms to appear.
- Genital Herpes: It is the infection of the genital organs caused by HSV-2. It is transmitted by sexual contact with the infected person or contact with the blisters or sores present on the genital organs through anal, oral or vaginal intercourse. It is characterised by the appearance of the fluid-filled blisters on the genital organs such as vagina, labia in females and penis in males.
What are the causes of Herpes infection?
Herpes infection is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.
The causes of the spread or transmission of the virus are:
Herpes infection may be unnoticed in many people as most of the cases
remain asymptomatic in both the types of herpes, oral and
genital.
- The oral herpes is spread by oral-to-oral contact through different means such as oral sex, kissing, contact with the sores of infected person, use of common lip balms, etc.
- Genital Herpes is a one of the most common sexually transmitted disease STD,(see also:Gonorrhea, chancroid) the type of virus in this disease is HSV-2. Genital herpes can spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is often transmitted due to the direct contact with the blisters or sores present on the genitals of the infected person.
How does oral herpes spread from one person to other? Is oral herpes infectious or contagious?
Oral herpes is a highly contagious disease and certain risk factors contribute
to its spread.
Risk factors for the spread of oral herpes infection:
Oral herpes can be spread by:
- Kissing a person with cold sores on mouth, lips or face
- Using or sharing same toothbrushes, lip balms with a person having blisters or sores.
- Use of same towels or handkerchiefs to wipe out face. If any person in the family is infected with oral herpes his /her sores can spread the infection by using the common things.
- Touching sores with hands and then shaking hands without handwashing may infect another person by skin-to-skin contact.
- Oral sex can transmit the genital herpes virus to mouth causing oral herpes.
- Previous or first episode of oral herpes
Which people are more likely to get Herpes infection?
- People who come in contact with open blisters or sores
- People who are sexually active
- People who are not using barrier contraception during sex
- People who are already infected but show no symptoms
- Previous infection of herpes
- People having any herpes may get an alternate type due to spread: for example, the genital herpes in an infected person may spread oral herpes to the partner through oral sex.
- People with compromised immune system
- People who have infected sores on genitals can spread infection to other persons
What are the symptoms of Herpes simplex infection?
The symptoms of oral herpes:
- Itching and tingling before the formation of sores around the mouth and on the lips, it may also appear on the skin of the face.
- Fever blisters or cold sores: Not all people who are infected present with the cold sores. Some people are asymptomatic carriers of herpes.
- Fever: The first or initial infection may start with the fever
- Sore throat: Oral herpes can cause sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes: Due to the infection, the lymph nodes in the neck may swell up.
- Malaise and tiredness: a sense of generalised body weakness may be felt during the first infection of Herpes simplex.
The symptoms of Genital herpes:
- Severe itching and tingling on the genitals, scrotum, penis or anus and rectum before the appearance of the fluid-filled blisters
- These blisters may break open ending up as painful sores.
- Pain and difficulty during the intercourse
- Painful urination due to the presence of sores
- Fever during the initial infection
- Fatigue, headaches and presence of swollen lymph nodes in neck, groin or arms.
- Feeling of discomfort and irritation due to the sores
How long the symptoms of Herpes can last?
The symptoms may start to appear from day 2-20 of the infection and once
symptoms appear, they may continue for about a couple of weeks or even
more.
The first or initial episode of the Herpes infection is usually more
symptomatic than the future recurrences or outbreaks. It may show symptoms
such as high grade fever and fatigue, sore throat and the swelling of the
lymph nodes in the affected person. This symptoms however become a little
less in severity during the recurring infections. The blisters and
sores are commonly the main symptoms in recurrence which trouble the people
more.
As herpes has no cure, the only alternative to care is to get relief from
the existing symptoms and avoid and triggering factors that cause
recurrences.
How can we diagnose the Herpes infection?
Herpes Simplex is a viral infection. It can be diagnosed from the symptoms
such as presence of cold sores and blisters on the affected area. A thorough
physical examination can reveal the symptoms and help in reaching the
diagnosis of herpes.
In many cases, the sores may be mistaken to be the acne or pimples and
people do not reach out for any medical check-up or assessment.
Blood and serology tests may confirm the presence of virus antibodies in
the blood of the infected person.
PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction test is done for the sample of fluid of
sore or blister, spinal fluid, saliva, which detects the viral DNA
What are the complications of Herpes infection?
If left untreated, the herpes infection may spread up to eyes or even brain
causing Herpes Simplex Meningitis or encephalitis. The complications are
rare though. The virus may get transmitted from a pregnant female to her
baby if the female is infected with the genital herpes. Infected
parents may transmit oral herpes to their babies while kissing, if they are
infected with oral herpes.
How can herpes be treated?
Herpes is highly contagious infection and genital herpes is a common
sexually transmitted disease(STD). While there is no such complete cure for
this viral infection, the treatment with antiviral medications and other
topical medications to reduce pain of the ulcers such as lidocaine topical
ointment and NSAIDs, remains the priority to alleviate the pain and
discomfort.
What are the precautions and home care steps for herpes simplex infection?
You need to understand the fact that once you have herpes you need to make
sure you seek the best medical care and advice from your doctor. Especially
for the genital herpes, the person needs to be mentally prepared to fight
the infection and the future outbreaks. With medical treatment and
advice you can definitely make yourself at ease from the discomfort and pain
due to the infection.
What is the home care for people infected with herpes virus?
Medical treatment is the topmost priority to treat symptoms of infection
and reduce the virulence factor or spread of the virus to other healthy
persons. First episode must be consulted for correct diagnosis and
prompt and early initiation of treatment to speed up recovery process.
As the symptoms are more severe and generalized, it is always a better
option to seek your doctor's advice.
Due to social stigma, people still feel it a shy thing to share with their
doctor or family and partner. But it is most important to let your
family and partner know and understand what you are going through. It
can be a way to ease your suffering by getting emotional support from
them.
Home care can work for the recurring episodes or outbreaks of herpes, both
oral and genital herpes.
See what can be done at home to get relief from your symptoms of herpes
infection:
- Always practice good personal hygiene. Handwashing for atleast twenty seconds with soap and water helps kill germs on your hands. Before you touch and after you touch your blisters or sores, make sure you have washed your hands correctly before coming in contact with other people.
- Do not go often in sunlight or heat as the ultraviolet rays may irritate your cold sores more and cause pain.
- Keep your towels, napkins and tooth brushes separate for use.
- Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet.
- Drink plenty of water regularly. It helps in clearing out toxins from the body and ease your urinating trouble.
- Use over the counter ointments to apply on your painful sores to reduce pain. Specifically before urinating apply lidocaine on the sores to prevent the difficulty, burning,pain and irritation.
- Avoid having any type of sex until your symptoms subside and continue it only a week or two after your doctor's advice.
- Keep your genitals clean and dry.
- Do not apply soap on the sores or ulcers in genitals as it may irritate and damage it more.
- As advised by your doctor, you can sit in a warm sitzz bath tub for 10-15 minutes. It promotes ulcer healing and helps to get relief from pain.
- Do not rub your sores harshly.
- When the ulcer heals it may leave scars and scabs. Do not scratch it.
- Make sure your partner and kids are safe by undergoing screening and testing for herpes.
- Meditation and relaxation techniques help a lot in regaining the spirit to fight herpes by reducing stress levels.
- Ensure doing your follow-up checkups at regular intervals to track the progress or recovery from infection.
Can we prevent ourselves from getting Herpes infection?
Herpes is a viral disease and every disease can be prevented by careful
measures and strict following of certain conditions.
Preventive measures for herpes infection:
- Always maintain personal hygiene.
- Take care of your health as only you are responsible for your health.
- Always wash your hands before and after meals.
- Do not kiss your kids if you suspect having any infection.
- Do not have sex if you notice you have sores on your private parts/genitals.
- Undergo screening and testing for any symptoms that you feel may be something like herpes.
- Do not share your personal things such as tooth brush, lip balms, handkerchiefs, razors,blades, towels, etc. with anyone in the family. Have your personal use things kept separately and ensure they are clean before use.
- Always maintain hygiene of your genital parts or private parts.
- Eat a healthy diet to maintain body's natural immunity.
- Use barrier methods such as condoms while having sex.
- Do not have sex if your partner is infected.
- Do not resume sexual activity if your symptoms are not gone fully. Taking doctor's advice is the best thing you can do or else wait.
- If you are pregnant and having herpes infection then take your doctor's advice and initiate treatment to prevent its transmission to your baby.
- Do not kiss a person with cold sores or blisters.
- If you have herpes then inform your partner and stop having sex so as to prevent the spread of infection.
Note: This post is for informational and educational purpose only, It is not a substitute to any medical or professional advice or treatment. See your doctor in any case.
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