Herpes Simplex : Information

Introduction : Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), are two members of the herpes virus family.

Herpes virus, generally infect humans . It clears up without treatment within 7-10 days. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is usually responsible for cold sores.

In rare cases, cold sores can also be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This can be a result of having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus, is highly contagious and can be easily passed from person to person by close direct contact. After someone has contracted the virus, it remains dormant (inactive) for most of the time. Although the virus can be activated by certain triggers, resulting in an outbreak of cold sores. These triggers vary from person to person but can include fatigue, an injury to the affected area.


References:
www.cdc.gov
www.nhs.uk
www.nlm.nih.gov
www.aad.org

Symptoms : Herpes Simplex

In children:

  • Mouth sores
  • Fever
  • Swollen and tender lymph glands are the most common symptoms.

These sores slowly heal over 7 to 14 days. However in adults, the symptoms are so mild that no one is even aware that an infection is present.

If genitals are affected: The herpes lesions are found on the penis, vagina, cervix, vulva, buttocks, or other nearby parts of the body.

As with the oral sores, someone with genital herpes may have repeated outbreaks over a lifetime. Herpes simplex viruses also cause encephalitis, an infection of the brain. Children with encephalitis have fever, headache, irritability, and confusion. Seizures are common. Herpes simplex type 2 often causes a mild form of meningitis
that does not cause long-term problems or brain damage.

Recurrent infections: After initial herpes infection occurs and has run its course, the virus itself will remain in the nerve cells of his body in an inactive or dormant (latent) form. The infected person becomes the carrier of the herpes virus for life. At time virus may become active again resulting in cold, heat, fever, fatigue, stress, or exposure to sunlight, causing a return of a cold sore (secondary HSV infection). These outbreaks often begin with a tingling or itching sensation in the area where the sores are about to break out. The sores and blisters often become crusty before healing.

Reference: www.nhs.uk

Causes : Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is generally caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1,2).

Aggravating factors: Factors thought to trigger outbreaks of cold sores include:

  • Emotional upset or psychological stress
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • An injury to the affected area
  • Menstruation
  • Strong sunlight


References:
www.nhs.uk
www.aad.org

Diagnosis : Herpes Simplex

The primary method of testing for the virus is:

The herpes culture HSV DNA testing (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Though it is not as sensitive.

HSV antibody testing can be used to help diagnose an acute HSV infection. It is done by collecting the blood samples of the patient. The convalescent blood sample is collected several weeks after the acute sample, and HSV IgG antibody levels are compared to see if they have risen significantly, indicating a current infection.

NHP provides indicative information for better understanding of health. For any diagnosis and treatment purpose you should consult your physician.

Reference: labtestsonline

Management : Herpes Simplex

There is no way to eradicate herpes virus from the body, but antiviral medications can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks.

  • Pain killers like ibuprofen can reduce pain and fever.
  • Anti viral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and penciclovir. If used correctly, they may speed up the healing time of a recurrent infection.
  • Topical application of antiviral creams can also help in healing outbreak of infection. They do not get rid of the herpes simplex virus or prevent future outbreaks of cold sores occurring.

NHP provides indicative information for better understanding of health. For any diagnosis and treatment purpose you should consult your physician.


References:
www.cdc.gov(link is external)
www.nhs.uk(link is external)