Description
Herpes is a disease caused by the Herpe svirus. Genital herpes is predominantly caused by Herpes virus 2, but Herpes virus 1 (which usually manifests as cold sores on the lips) may cause it as well. Herpes virus 2 is sexually transmitted. It can also infect fetuses and cause fetal abnormalities. Neonatals are often infected at birth when passing through the vaginal canal. The first outbreak of Herpes tends to be the worst. Once one has been infected,
they tend to suffer recurring outbreaks on a regular basis (for example twice a year), with subsequent occurrences generally lessening in severity.
Symptoms
* Small grouped blisters
* Blisters eventually crust
* Burning/stinging
Diagnosis
* Multiple tests can be done to confirm:
* Tzanck smear
* Viral cultures
* ELISA
* Immunofluorescence tests
Complications
* Birth defects
* Baby infected during delivery
* Encephalitis-infection of the brain
* Herpetic Whitlow-infection spreads to fingers of health care workers who touch the lesions
Similar Conditions
* Chancroid
* Syphilis
* Pyoderma
Treatment
* Acyclovir ointment
* Oral medications
* Acyclovir
* Famvir
* Valtrex
* Low dose oral Acyclovir is used to prevent recurrent attacks in individuals who get multiple outbreaks.
Prevention
* Avoid sexual contact during an active outbreak. Unfortunately, sometimes those with Herpes will have the virus without symptoms. Condoms also offer some protection from transmission, depending on the location of the outbreak.
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This is a very informative. I have herpes, found out one year ago when i was 27yrs old. I'm honest to my partner letting him know about my condition. This really helps, thanks.
ReplyDeleteim only 17 and i had never have oral yet i caught it from kissing i think school systems need to stress that you do not only catch herpes from oral sex or just sex in general... they need to tell them they can be spread from kissing and open cold sores
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