Herpes - Affects An estimated 80 Million In The USA!
INTRODUCTION: Herpes is a very common infection produced by 2 different but closely related viruses. Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It infects the nervous system, modifying the DNA of the nerve cells supplying the skin through which it entered. It may also play a part in the spread of HIV, the virus that is said to cause AIDS. It is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is most contagious when sores are open and “weeping” until the scabs heal and fall off. Herpes is estimated to affect some 80,000,000 persons in America.
SYMPTOMS: include feeling like you have the flu and blisters that appear and then burst in the genital area, causing painful sores which may include burning feelings if urine flows over sores, unable to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra, itching in the infected area.
Severe 1st episodes may have symptoms that include swollen, tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, and under the arms, fever, chills, headache, general feelings of malaise, achy, influenza-like feelings. Flare-ups usually heal in 10 days to 2 weeks. They may be more painful and last longer in women or men with illnesses that weaken the immune system like leukemia and HIV.
Outbreaks usually start with pain, tenderness, or itching in the genital area and may also include fever and headache. Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the 1st symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are totally healed, not just scabbed-over.
SORES: The first outbreak routinely occurs within 2 weeks after transmission, and the sores typically heal within 2 to 4 weeks. They may also show up inside the mouth, but this usually only occurs the first time oral symptoms appear. Also it is possible to get genital herpes from cold sores. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Genital herpes can produce recurrent painful sores in many adults, and infections can be severe in persons with suppressed immune systems. There may be some early warning signs before an outbreak happens such as tingling, burning, or itching where sores occurred before.
TREATMENT: There is no recognized cure for the disease, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the drug. Treatment should commence at the first signs of an outbreak for best results as far as length of time and healing are concern. Should it begin before the lesions appear, it is possible that the outbreak can be avoided. Recently valacyclovir was released to be used as a 3 day treatment for recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes. This is an effective approach that accomplishes the highest blood levels of medication available.
CONCLUSION: Herpes is an infection that is caused by a simplex virus. It can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious. It is contagious if the carrier is producing and shedding virus and can produce a wide range of signs and symptoms. Some are dramatic and fairly easy to recognize; some are subtle and may be ignored or confused with another ailment. The Virus is contagious and can be passed from person to person through any form of unprotected sex.
Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens. Efforts to develop a vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. There is no cure to date.
Tags: Diseases and Conditions