28
2009
Herpes Virus Family Facts
To most people the word “herpes” conjures up an image of genital herpes, the incurable virus that is transmitted through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. However herpes is in fact a family of viruses that is extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions affecting the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the whole body.
Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 6 people may carry some form of the herpes virus in their body, either active or inactive.
Forms of the herpes virus include herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores), herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and herpes-zoster (shingles). All of these conditions are caused by viruses in the herpes family.
Two similar conditions, herpes gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes-like blisters on the skin but are not related to or caused by any of the various herpes viruses.
The many diseases that are caused by the herpes virus may differ widely from one another, but they all share
a few common traits:
They are generally very contagious.
The viruses can survive in latent form for long periods of time after the initial infection.
They are not curable. (However, there are effective treatments that can render the virus dormant, even in genital herpes)
Estimates suggest that nearly 30 million Americans are infected with herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and despite many studies over many years there has been little success in developing either a cure or an effective vaccine.
Many of the viruses in the herpes family do not recur after the initial disease outbreak, such as chicken pox for example. However all herpes viruses, when not active, remain dormant in your body, hidden in nerve tissues and escaping detection by the immune system.
It is unsure exactly how and why a latent herpes virus will suddenly trigger into an active infection, however it is known that certain stresses to the immune system appear to bring on an outbreak. These stresses that may lead to outbreaks include illness, injury, emotional stress, poor diet, over exposure to sunlight, and even menstruation.
A strong immune system seems to lessen recurrence of outbreaks, though outbreaks may continue throughout life. Studies show that chickenpox and shingles have a recurrence of nearly zero while HSV-1 has a recurrence rate of 14 percent and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.
It is HSV-2 that most commonly causes genital infections, and HSV-1 that most commonly causes infections of the lips; however either viruses can be passed from one location to the other.
Studies have also shown that herpes sores can also provide an entryway for other infections.
Women with the herpes virus may even have an increased risk of cervical cancer and it is important for any women who has had herpes to have a cervical smear test (Pap test) every one or two years.
Whether you have been diagnosed with some form of herpes or not, practicing common sense prevention can go a long way in controlling the spread of herpes. For instance, avoid kissing persons who currently have sores on their mouth or lips.
Always practice safe sex in non-monogamous relationships and avoid all sexual contact with any partner who is exhibiting symptoms of an active outbreak of genital herpes until symptoms have disappeared. While most, but not all, male genital herpes outbreaks are easily detected, female genital herpes outbreaks can many times go completely unnoticed. In fact, many women with genital herpes don’t realize they have contracted the virus until they have passed it on to a partner.
Using a condom may or may not prevent the spread of the herpes virus from one partner to another, whether one partner has an active outbreak or not; So while using condoms may be better than no protection at all, you should be aware that even condoms are not 100% effective in protecting against the transmission of the herpes virus.
If you have a history of herpes, avoid getting overtired or allowing yourself to get run down. When you are fatigued, your immune system cannot function as well, and you may be more vulnerable to a recurrence of herpes.
If you suspect you might have some form of the herpes virus or if you have a partner that has herpes, please see your local health care provider for a diagnosis and medical advise.
John Trout
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/herpes-virus-family-facts-79351.html
Comments
How will the herpes virus affect my social life?
I’m a new ‘owner’ of herpes & i really feel depressed.Cold sores envelop my mouth from time to time.I still can’t accept the fact that i’m the only one in my family to have it.
My question is,how do i prevent it from spreading to my loved ones? And by having herpes,does this mean i can’t have any kind of contact with others? (touching,hugging,kissing,etc.)
Also,is there anything important i should know?What medicines are best in soothing a cold sore outbreak?
everyone gets cold sores.
no oral sex when you have one.
no sharing a glass with someone
no kissing anyone when you have a sore.
you can hug people, and you won’t spread it by sitting on a toilet seat.
as long as you have no oral contact with someones genital area, then it won’t turn into genital herpes.
talk to your doctor, and don’t stress out. stress makes you break out. my husband gets them, and passed them onto me, just by kissing. he got some medicine from the doctor, and it really heals them quick. it’s not a big deal.
References :
How do you get Herpes?
Herpes is spread by direct skin to skin contact. Unlike a flu virus that you can get through the air, herpes spreads by direct contact, that is, directly from the site of infection to the site of contact. For example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus to their mouth. Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes.
When Is Herpes Most Likely To Be Spread?
Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but, it is also often spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that virus may be present on the skin. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again. Sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) is very risky during this time.
Can Herpes Be Transmitted Without Symptoms?
Yes! Sometimes those who know they are infected spread the virus between outbreaks, when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission."
Research also shows that herpes simplex infections are often spread by people who don’t know they are infected. These people may have symptoms so mild they don’t notice them at all or else don’t recognize them as herpes.
Many genital herpes infections are spread from persons who are asymptomatic "Shedders" of the virus.
For those who recognize their symptoms, asymptomatic transmission appears to be far less likely than spreading the virus when lesions are present. Many couples have had sexual relations for years without transmitting herpes. Some simply avoid having sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present. Others use condoms or other protection between outbreaks to help protect against asymptomatic shedding.
Are complications possible?
One kind of complication involves spreading the virus from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the sore(s). The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way. Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible. The herpes virus is easily killed with soap and water.
What about pregnancy? Can babies get herpes?
Babies can become infected with the herpes virus. If you’ve been exposed to herpes, you need to talk with your doctor about it before you get pregnant. This is important even if you’ve never had symptoms or haven’t had a recurrence in a long time. The doctor might arrange a test to see if virus is present when you go into labor. In addition, you should be examined to see if you have herpes at labor and should notify the doctor if you think you have active symptoms at that time.
If no virus is found in the birth canal and there are no symptoms or signs of an outbreak, a vaginal delivery is considered safe. If herpes is present in the birth canal near the time of delivery, a cesarean section might be necessary to protect the newborn from coming into direct contact with the virus.
Babies also can get herpes if they are kissed by someone with a cold sore. A young baby cannot fight off infections as easily as an adult can, so serious problems might result. It’s important that you do not kiss a baby when you have a cold sore.
References :
http://www.herpes.com/Transmission.shtml
personal experience… no medicines make the pain go away for me during an outbreak except neurontin… they have other meds that are supposed to help reduce the number of outbreaks you have (Famvir, acyclovir) but personally, they didnt lessen the outbreaks for me…
HELLO,
IT’S A SHAME YOU HAVE IT, BUT ALL IS NOT LOST.
NEVER KISS WITH AN ACTIVE OPEN SORE ANYWHERE ON YOUR LIPS. YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR ALL OUTBREAKS TO HEAL FIRST.
THE MEDICINE ZOVIRAX SHOULD BE USED ON THE SORE. THE HERPES VIRUS DOES NOT HAVE TO TOTALLY QUENCH YOUR LIKE, BUT YOU CAN DO MUCH TO KEEP IT FROM BEING SPREAD TO OTHERS.
FYI HERPES CAN’T HE PASSED BY HUGGING BUT ONLY WHEN AN OPEN SORE TOUCHES ANY OTHER ANOTHER PERSON’S SKIN OR MUCOUS MEMBRANE.
References :
http://www.herpes-medication.net/about_herpes.html