Herpes is a virus that can affect anyone and the numbers of those infected with Herpes is growing. Finding out more about the Herpes virus will help you to become more knowledgeable about this virus and the treatment options that are available.
Herpes viruses belong to a Herpesviridae family which contains more than 70 representatives. The most dangerous for people are Herpes Simplex Virus HSV types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus which causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus, Human Herpes Virus HHV types 6 and 7. Herpesviruses are wide spread in the human population and able to affect almost all organs and systems of a human body, which result in various latent, acute and chronic forms of lifelong infection.
Statistics show that about 45 million people are infected with herpes virus in the USA, 1 million of new herpes infections per year. Herpes Simplex Type 1/HSV-1 and Herpes Simplex Type 2/HSV-2 are the most common. It is necessary to note possible connection between HSV2 and tumour development, in particular, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and atherosclerosis as well.
Symptoms of both viruses (HSV 1/HSV 2) are identical and when you view these two viruses under a microscope, they are almost completely identical. They share a great deal of the same DNA. Even though the two viruses are very similar under a microscope, the difference between HSV 1 and HSV2 is in where they typically establish latency in the body.
HSV 1 lies latent in the nerve cells in the upper part of the body in the cranial nerves. HSV-2 lies latent in the dorsal root ganglia located in the lower part of the back. HSV type 1 usually causes small blisters on the mouth, eyes, lips and rarely genital area. HSV type 2 usually affects the genital area. Though either virus can easily cause an infection genitally or orally. The virus becomes active when your immune system is low. It travels through the nerve pathways and causes outbreaks. The lower immunity the oftener outbreaks. Some of the reasons of the virus activation, so-called triggers, are:
Emotional stress;
Somatic diseases (flue, diabetes, HIV);
The use of alcohol and caffeine;
Smoking;
Excessive exposure to sunlight;
Menstrual periods;
Overstrain and exhaustion;
Undernutrition/diet;
Hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Herpes (HSV) Symptoms
Herpes simplex virus can show no symptoms (asymptomatic), at least two-thirds of infected people have no symptoms, or symptoms too mild to notice. Typically, the first outbreak is the worst, it occurs within 2-20 days after the virus is transmitted and can last up to 2 or 3 weeks, skin pain can last for 1 to 6 weeks. Visible signs are skin redness, small red bumps with liquid. Then they rupture becoming ulcers that itch, burn and even can bleed. The ulcers dry out and crust over. When the crusts fall off, the area heals back to normal usually with no scars.
Other Symptoms With the First Herpes Outbreak:
Swollen lymph glands;
Muscle aches;
Headache;
Fever;
Vaginal or penis discharge;
Burning sensation during urination;
Lower back pain.
Usual sites for genital herpes in women are labia minora and labia majoria, perineum, clitoris, vagina, vulva, inner thigh, urethra and cervix.
Usual sites for genital herpes in men are the penis or the shaft, around the anus and on the buttocks.
The symptoms in women and men are alike: itching, burning sensation on passing water (when urethra is affected), swollen inguinal lymph nodes, fever, muscle pain and general uneasiness.
While there is no cure for Herpes, there are many treatment options available. Treatment can be found through a doctor and this is where you will find the most options.
You need to know once you are infected, the virus stays in your body forever and you become a lifetime carrier. During outbreaks you have to be extremely careful about transmission and take precautions to keep others you are dating safe. NOTE, even if you do not have the outbreak, you can still infect other people. When you date someone you are to find the right moment to tell your potential partner that you have herpes or you can choose special places like www.hhsingles.com with people who already have this std.
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