Herpes Simplex
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes infection which appears in different body parts but mostly on the mouth and genital areas. There are two families of this virus namely HSV-1 which produces oral herpes and HSV-2 which causes herpes in genital areas. The primary modes of transmission of HSV-1 are human-to-human contact like kissing, and general interaction such sharing lip balm. A person contracts HSV-2 through sexual intercourse with an infected individual. The risk of infection with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 depends on a person’s exposure to the infected individuals. however, having unprotected sex is the major risk factor for sexually transmitted herpes. Other primary risk factors include being a female, a compromised immune system, having other sexually transmitted infections, and having several sex partners. When a pregnant lady has genital herpes, she exposes the child to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 during childbirth and the baby could develop severe complications afterwards.
There are several symptoms of both types of herpes. They include blistering sores on the genitals or in the mouth, itching, and pain during urination. Other symptoms include tiredness, fever, lack of appetite, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Notably, a person may lack visible symptoms but still carry the virus. Herpes keratitis develops when herpes spreads to the eyes and its symptoms include gritty sensation in the eye, discharge and eye pain. Diagnosis for herpes virus involves physical examination which include herpes culture and blood tests. Presently, there is no cure for herpes virus and available treatment focus on reducing outbreaks and eliminating the sores. Medications like valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir help to remove sores and minimize the risk of disease transmission. Administration of these medications include application as a cream, oral intake and injection in severe outbreaks. Once infected the patient lives with the virus throughout their lifetime.
Although the virus can remain dormant for years, various stimuli can trigger it and cause an outbreak. These stimuli include illness or fever, stress, sunburn or sun exposure, and menstrual periods. The body develops antibodies with time and the outbreak becomes less intense and reduces development of complications in a healthy person.