What are herpes.....?!
Question: What are herpes.....?
I heard if you get herpes once, you have them for life..
Since I've had cold sores before, does that mean that I'm having herpes for life?
Btw, the only type of cold sores I've ever had are in my mouth, not on my lips so it's unvisible to people unless I open my mouth and show them..
So yeah, in normal words, what are herpes? How do you avoid them? How do they spread?
Answers:
There are two strains of herpes simplex viruses:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus and many people develop it in childhood. HSV-1 often causes sores (lesions) inside the mouth, such as cold sores (fever blisters), or infection of the eye (especially the conjunctiva and cornea). It can also lead to infection of the lining of the brain (meningoencephalitis). It is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, 30 - 90% of people will have antibodies to HSV-1. The likelihood of childhood infection is higher among those with lower socioeconomic status.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is usually sexually transmitted. Symptoms include genital ulcers or sores. However, some people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. Up to 30% of adults in the U.S. have antibodies against HSV-2. Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact. That is, you can get genital herpes on your mouth, and oral herpes on your genital area.
A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of HSV infection. It usually affects health care providers who are exposed to saliva during procedures. Sometimes, young children also can get the disease.
It's possible for the virus to be transmitted even when there are no symptoms or visible sores. Two-thirds of people with genital HSV infection have recurrences of their symptoms, and one-third have three or more recurrences (outbreaks) per year.
HSV is never eliminated from the body, but stays dormant and can reactivate, causing symptoms.
Symptoms
Blisters or ulcers -- most often on the mouth, lips and gums, or genitals
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin (usually only at the time of the initial infection)
Fever blisters
Fever -- especially during the first episode
Genital lesions -- there may first be a burning or tingling sensation
Mouth sores
Signs and tests
Many times, doctors can tell whether you have an HSV infection simply by looking at the sores. However, certain tests may be ordered to be sure of the diagnosis. These tests include:
Blood test for antibodies of HSV (serology)
Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test of cells taken from a lesion
Viral culture of the lesion
Treatment
Some cases are mild and may not need treatment.
People who have severe or prolonged outbreaks (especially if it is the first episode), people with immune system problems, or those with frequent recurrences will benefit from antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
People who have frequent or severe recurrences of oral or genital herpes may choose to continue taking antiviral medications to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.
Expectations (prognosis)
The oral or genital lesions usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days. The infection may be more severe and last longer in people who have a condition that weakens the immune system.
Once an infection occurs, the virus spreads to nerve cells and stays in the body for the rest of a person's life. It may come back from time to time and cause symptoms, or flares. Recurrences may be triggered by excess sunlight, fever, stress, acute illness, and medications or conditions that weaken the immune system (such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or the use of corticosteroids).
Complications
Eczema herpetiform (widespread herpes across the skin)
Encephalitis
Infection of the eye -- keratoconjunctivitis
Infection of the trachea
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Prolonged, severe infection in immunosuppressed individuals
Calling your health care provider