Herpes Simplex Information
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Herpes is Greek is herpein meaning "to creep". The Latin name
is appropriate describing the way herpetic lesions "creep"
and erupt in blisters in a serpent-like pattern.
When individuals refer to herpes simplex they
are primarily concerned with two prevalent types, HSV-1and HSV-2. There
is a common belief that HSV-1 attacks above the waist and is responsible
for cold sores, while HSV-2 attacks below the waist and is responsible
for the genital herpes ulcers. However, both herpes viruses HSV-1 and II
can cause ulcers on the oral mucosa and the genital region. Herpes
HSV-1is primarily the cause of recurrent cold sores while HSV-2 are
generally responsible for the genital ulcers.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
Additional Herpes Simplex Information
The following herpes
simplex information has been compiled from a variety of resources in
order to give you comprehensive information concerning the herpes
simplex virus:
What
is herpes simplex?
How
is herpes simplex virus spread from one individual to another?
How
common is herpes simplex?
What
can an individual expect after he/she is infected with herpes simplex?
How
is herpes simplex diagnosed?
What
are the symptoms associated with herpes simplex?
Is
there a cure for herpes simplex?
What
are the names the medications used to treat herpes simplex?
What can patients do to lessen the pain associated with herpes simplex
ulcers?
How
can you protect yourself from the herpes simplex virus?
How
often will I recurrent outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus?
How is herpes simplex spread from one person to
another?
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found and transmitted from the herpes ulcers.
However, the ulcers doe not have to be present for an you
to become infected with the virus. The herpes simplex virus is contagious when their
are no apparent lesions present.
An individual almost
always acquires an HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone
who has a genital HSV-2 infection. HSV-1 causes most infections of the
mouth and lips, however, an individual can acquire HSV-1 in the genital
area secondary to oral-genital sexual contact.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
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topics
How common is the herpes simplex virus?
In Europe, an estimated 21 percent of persons 18 years and
older are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) the herpes
simplex virus type most associated with genital herpes. The prevalence
has increased by 30 percent in the past 15 years. Many individuals with
HSV-2 are asymptomatic, and an estimated 80 percent of cases of herpes
simplex HSV-2 are never
diagnosed.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
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topics
What can you expect if you are
infected with the herpes simplex virus?
Many
time after you are infected with herpes simplex the virus is asymptomatic,
you will not be aware that you have acquired the herpes simplex virus. However, after a dormancy
period the initial presentation of the virus can be very painful. The
first episode will usually occur within two weeks after the initial
contact with the virus.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
Women can experience
a very severe and painful primary infection. Herpes blisters first appear
on the labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), and entrance
to the vagina. Blisters often appear on the clitoris, at the urinary
opening, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks and thighs. In
addition, women may get herpes blisters on the lips, breasts, fingers,
and eyes. The vagina and cervix are almost always involved which causes
a watery discharge. Other symptoms that occur in women are: painful
or difficult urination (83%), swelling of the urinary tube (85%), meningitis
(36%), and throat infection (13%). Most women develop painful, swollen
lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in the groin and pelvis. Approximately
one in ten women get a vaginal yeast infection as a complication of
the primary herpes infection.
Acyclovir will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
Men usually experience
the herpes blisters on the penis but can also appear on the scrotum,
thighs, and buttocks. Fewer than half of the men with primary herpes
experience the constitutional symptoms. Some 30% to 40% of men have
a discharge from the urinary tube. Some men develop painful swollen
lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in the groin and pelvis. Although less
frequently than women, men too may experience painful or difficult urination
(44%), swelling of the urinary tube (27%), meningitis (13), and throat
infection (7%).
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
Following the primary
outbreak you can expect to have some seven to ten recurrent
episodes during the first year. Although the secondary episodes are
generally not as pronounced as the primary outbreak they can still be
very painful. Fortunately there are medications i.e.
Acyclovir that
can decrease the recurrent episodes.
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How is herpes simplex virus diagnosed?
Some 80% of all case of herpes simplex remain undetected. Studies show
that a high percentage of individuals that become infected from an undiagnosed
partner. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential in controlling the
spread of the virus.
The virus often
goes undiagnosed secondary to a wide range of symptoms associated with
the infection or there is an absence of any visible lesions or symptoms.
Many individuals are often embarrassed and distressed and do not seek
medical help.
An accurate diagnosis
can help you if infected take control of your health and
benefit from treatment, Acyclovir, that
will reduce their symptoms and their frequency
of herpes simplex virus. Proper diagnosis also decrease the risk of spreading the
virus to other individuals. Doctors should take the responsibility
to properly educate you if diagnosed with the herepes simplex about
how to protect their partners. The following represent the different
methods in which the HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be diagnosed:
Physical
Exam
The herpes simplex virus
can be accurately diagnosed by your doctor based on your medical/sexual
history and visual exam of the classic fluid filled herpetic lesions.
Unfortunately, this method may not be reliable to make an accurate
diagnosis. The active or latent genital herpes in many infected patients
are asymptomatic or the patient's symptoms may have already resolved by
the time he/she visits the physician.
Virus Culture
Detection Tests
In
order to prepare a viral culture a doctor must collect cells at the
base of the genital lesion using a sterile cotton swab The sample is
then tested in the laboratory. An individual must have a active or live
infection at the time of the swab test to produce a positive result.
If the herpetic lesions or ulcers have begun to heal the test may give
a false-negative report. However, when active lesions are present, this
method is seen as the gold standard for diagnosing genital herpes.
Serology
Blood Tests
When
an individual becomes infected with the herpes virus the body will produce
antibodies designed to fight the virus. These antibodies are specific
to each virus and remain permanently in the bloodstream. A blood test
for a herpes simplex virus can indicate if someone has been infected
at some time during their life.
However this form
of testing cannot indicate when or where on the body the initial infection
took place, i.e. around the genital or facial region. When an individual
who does not have HSV-2 first acquires the virus, their body starts
to produce antibodies. They undergo a process called seroconversion
which means they go from having no detectable antibodies seronegative
to having detectable antibodies seropositive. The length of time from
first infection to when antibodies are detectable varies from person
to person, and with the ability of the test to detect antibodies in
early infection. Therefore, it is possible for a person in the early
stages of infection to give a negative result on a blood test despite
having herpes.
Therefore, if an
individual believes that he/she has been infected with the virus and
the test is negative this individual should repeat the test in three
to four months. The older blood tests could not reliably tell the difference
between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, however, there are new commercially
available tests that have recently been developed bringing new options
for diagnosing HSV:
The HerpeSelect™
type-specific HSV antibody detection tests produced by Focus Technologies
can effectively distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2. These kits after
collection must be sent back to a central laboratory for results.
The POCkit®
HSV-2 Rapid Test is a single unit, membrane-based immunoassay for the
qualitative determination, either in heparinized capillary whole blood
taken by finger stick or in serum, of circulating IgG antibodies specific
for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which arise as a result of
infection with HSV-2. It is intended for in-vitro diagnostic use by
health professionals in Point of Care testing (the lab work does not
need to be sent to a central laboratory). The presence of antibodies
to HSV-2 may be indicative of a previous infection with HSV-2 and may
be of value in determination of previous immunological experience and
to aid in the diagnosis of HSV associated disease. This assay will not
differentiate whether infection is currently in a latent or active state
nor does the test diagnose HSV-1
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
What are the symptoms associated with the herpes
simplex virus?
Unfortunately, most individuals who are infected with genital herpes
are not aware that they have the virus. Many times there are no initial
symptoms or individuals do not recognize the symptoms as herpes. Most
individuals infected with the herpes simplex virus will experience some of the following
symptoms within two weeks:
- Feeling of malaise
or the feeling of being excessively tired.
- Itching and/or
burning in the genital or anal region.
- Discharge from
the vagina.
- Feeling of pressure
in the abdomen region.
- Swelling of the
lymph nodes in the groin.
- Pain in the genital
area, buttocks and legs.
Following the prodrome
period individuals will begin to notice the herpetic lesions forming
in the region where the virus has entered the body i.e. mouth, penis,
vagina or the anus. Small red bumps appear first that subsequently develop
into blisters and then open crusting sores.
During the period
when the herpes simplex virus ulcers are evident individuals will also report the
following symptoms:
- Painful or difficult
urination
- Vaginal discharge
- Swollen glands
in the groin area
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
Is there a cure for the herpes simplex
virus?
Antiviral
medications such as Acyclovir will significantly reduce the number of
outbreaks and the duration and severity of symptoms associated with
the herpes simplex virus.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
What are the names the medications used to treat
the herpes simplex virus?
Acyclovir is the drug
of choice for treating the herpes simplex infection and can be
taken by mouth (orally). The following also represent the medications
that doctors will also prescribe for the treatment of the herpes simplex
virus. However, Acyclovir remains the drug of choice:
Acyclovir is effective
in treating both the primary infection and recurrent outbreaks. When
taken or orally, acyclovir reduces the healing time, virus
shedding period, and duration of vesicles.
Patients with frequent
outbreaks (greater than six to eight per year) may benefit from long
term use of acyclovir which is called "suppressive therapy."
Patients on suppressive therapy have longer periods between herpes outbreaks.
The specific dosage used for suppression needs to be determined for
each patient and should be reevaluated every few years. Alternatively,
patients may use short term suppressive therapy to lessen the chance
of developing an active infection during special occasions such as weddings
or holidays.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
What can patients do to lessen the pain associated
with the hepres simplex ulcers?
There are several things that a patient may do to lessen the pain
associate with herpes simplex ulcers including the following:
- Wear loose fitting
clothing and cotton underwear.
- Using a blow
dryer on the "cool" setting to dry the infected area.
- Placing an ice
pack on the affected area for 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes off
and then repeating this procedure.
- Removing clothing
or wearing loose pajamas while at home.
- Soaking in a
tub of warm water.
- Topical ointments
may be beneficial if they contain: glycyrrhizinic acid, components
of licorice glycyrrhiza glabra, vitamin E, tea oil, Melaleuca spp,
baking soda compresses
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
How can you protect yourself from the
herpes simplex virus?
Since the herpes simplex virus is a sexually transmitted disease individuals can
protect themselves by abstaining from sexual contact. The consistent
and proper use of latex condoms can also provide some protection against
infection. Condoms do not provide 100% protection, unfortunately, the
condom may not adequately cover the entire region where the herpetic
lesions reside allowing viral shedding. If a partner has genital herpes
there should be an abstinence from sex until the lesions are no longer
present.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the herpes simplex
topics
Individuals should also adhere to the following
to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Practice abstinence
- Wash your hands
with soap and water following contact with the sores (already infected
with the virus).
- Keep the infected
area clean and dry to prevent other infections from developing (already
infected with the virus).
- Avoid scratching
and/or touching the sores (already infected with the virus).
- Limit the number
of sexual partners you have in your lifetime.
- Make sure that
you and your sexual partner use condoms every time you have sex.
- Refrain from
sexual contact from the first sign of a recurrent episode until the
lesions are completely healed (already infected with the virus).
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How often will I recurrent outbreaks of the herpes
virus?
Recurrent episodes vary amongst different individuals. However, most
individuals have between four to six episodes per year. Recurrent infection
are generally less severe than the initial outbreak.
Following an outbreak
the virus then travels to the nerve cells where the virus remains dormant.
Currently, it is unknown why the virus becomes active again. However,
the recurrent infections tend to be milder than the primary infections
and are often related to stress, fevers, sun exposure, menstrual periods
etc.
Individuals should
know that the virus may be active without the presence of the typical
lesions. During these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed
at or near places of the first infection, in fluids from the penis,
vagina, mouth or from lesions that not that noticeable.
Antiviral medications
such as Acyclovir can significantly reduce the number of outbreaks and
the duration and severity of symptoms once an outbreak occurs. Shedding
of the virus during these periods may not be noticeable if there is
no pain or increased sensitivity in the region. However, you may be
at increased risk to spread the virus to your partner at this time.
Fortunately, there is now an
antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with the herpes simplex outbreaks
(click here for details).
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topics
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