Herpes Virus
Jackie Azelby
What is the Herpes Virus?
There are two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus.
The first type is called HSV-1, which is usually contracted
around the mouth and displays itself as cold sores.
The second type is called HSV-2, which usually results in
genital herpes.
The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life,
causing reoccuring outbreaks.
HSV-1 and -2 persist in the body by becoming latent and
hiding from the immune system in the cell bodies of nerves.
Either type can reside in either or both parts of the body
and infect orally and/or genitally, depending on where
they lie latent.
Symptoms of HSV-1
HSV 1 usually establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion, a
bunch of nerve cells found around the ears.
Most commonly causes sores on the lips and is often referred to
as fever blisters or cold sores, but it can cause symptoms of
genital herpes infections as well.
watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth,
lips
Lesions heal with a scab
May include fever and headache.
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Symptoms of HSV-2
HSV 2 usually establishes latency in the sacral ganglion, a collection of nerves found
at the lower base of the spine.
Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection as symptoms will
usually not be recognizable for two weeks after transmission.
Recognized as small red bumps that sometimes turn into blisters or legions.
These bumps appear at the site of infection, which may be in or around the vaginal
area, the cervix, the penis, urinary tract of both men and women, and around the
anal opening, buttocks or thighs.
May also include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands in the groin
area, painful urination or vaginal discharge.
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Transmission
The most common way in which transmission takes place is by
having sex with someone who is having a herpes outbreak.
When active, the virus usually causes visible sores in the genital
area. It is during this time when transmission usually takes place.
Transmission can also take place when a person has an outbreak
but there are no visible sores at all.
Rarely can be infected when in contact with toilet seats, towels
or hot tubs since the virus is known to thrive off the human host for
short periods of time in warm moist environments
A person with genital herpes also can infect a sexual partner
during oral sex.
Prevention
Abstinence
Long-term mutually monogamous
relationship with a partner who has
been tested and is known to be
uninfected.
Correct and consistent use of latex
condoms and other barrier methods.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Health care providers can There is no treatment that
diagnose genital herpes by: can cure herpes, but antiviral
1. Visual inspection if the medications can shorten and
outbreak is typical prevent outbreaks.
2. Taking a sample from the
A prescription is necessary to
sore(s) and testing it in a
laboratory.
obtain the anti-viral
medication.
3. Blood test (which detect
antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 In most cases outbreaks
infection) become fewer and weaker
over the course of a few
years.
Non- Prescription Treatment
1. H-Balm 2. Dynamiclear 3. Abreva
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Complications
Genital herpes can cause recurrent
painful genital sores in many adults.
Herpes infection can be severe in
people with suppressed immune
systems.
Increased chance of contracting another
STD such as HIV.
Genital HSV can lead to potentially fatal
infections in babies.
Herpes Virus in the United
States
Up to 80 percent of Americans have the most common form of herpes (HSV-1) at some time.
Experts estimate that 60 million Americans have the virus that causes the genital form of herpes.
Infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost
one out of five).
An estimated 25 percent of American adults have genital herpes.
Approximately 45 million individualsare infected with HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes.
Since the late 1970s, the number of Americans with genital herpes infection has increased 30%.
Genital herpes infection is now five times more common in 12- to 19-year-old White adolescents.
Genital herpes is twice as common among young adults ages 20 to 29 than it was 20 years ago.
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http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/facts-
brochures.htm
http://www.herpesonline.org/index.htm
l
http://herpes-
coldsores.com/herpes_statistics.htm