| Herpes viruses are the main cause of human viral disease after flu and cold viruses. They are capable of causing overt disease or remaining latent for years. The word herpes derives from the Latin 'herpes' which, in turn, originates from the Greek word 'herpein' meaning 'to creep'.
Herpes infects an astonishing number of people all over the world. Millions of people carry HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus}, the strain chiefly responsible for genital herpes. Many people do not even know they are contagious. The virus is believed to be hard to prevent principally because of the lack of information on it.
What is herpes?
There is neither vaccine nor cure for herpes. The virus attacks the skin cells and multiplies, finally causing irritation, redness and sores. Once this outbreak subsides, herpes travels from the nerve endings to the spinal cord, where it remains until another outbreak. Yet, it is possible to lead a normal life with herpes, including an active intimate life and childbirth.
What does an outbreak look like?
Herpes lesions are small-sized sores or blisters that appear separately or in groups. They range from mildly to exceedingly painful and itch, burn or feel like cuts. As it travels along nerve endings, herpes commonly re-appear near the site of initial contagion.
An outbreak lasts from a few days to a few weeks. The first outbreak commonly happens within 2-21 days of transmission. Severity and duration normally lessen with recurrences, once the body has developed a defense of antibodies. Sores do not normally scar, unless become infected with bacteria.
Outbreaks can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms: general uneasiness, bad headaches, muscle aches, tiredness or swollen lymph nodes. However, some people may have few or no symptoms, which is one reason why herpes virus is so widespread. An outbreak can also happen within the genitalia, where it may remain unnoticed.
How is herpes transmitted?
Herpes is normally contracted where skin touches the virus at a herpes lesion. It can also spread through saliva that has mixed with the virus or by touching a sore and then touching another skin area. An outbreak site can also shed virus when there are no symptoms or sores. Genital herpes is chiefly transmitted by close contact, including intimate touching or intercourse.
If you requrie further information on herpes, please visit antiherpes.net. |
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