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Basic Information About Herpes Virus |
| Date Added: April 21, 2010 10:24:09 AM |
| Author: pavige16 |
| Category: Health: Medicine |
| Herpes viruses are the major cause of human viral disease after flu and cold viruses. They are capable of causing overt disease or remaining latent for many years only to be reactivated, for instance as zoster. Herpes affects an astonishing number of people all over the world. Millions of people are carriers of HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus}, the strain primarily triggering genital herpes. Many people are not even aware they are infectious. One of the roadblocks to preventing herpes results from the lack of information about the virus. Defining herpes There is neither vaccine nor cure for the herpes virus. The virus penetrates into the skin cells and reproduces, eventually causing skin irritation, redness and sores. Once this outbreak stops, herpes virus travels from the nerve cells to the spinal cord, where it rests until another outbreak. Still, it is possible to live a normal life with the virus, including an active intimate life and childbirth. What is an outbreak? Herpes lesions are small sores or blisters that appear separately or in groups. They range from mildly to exceedingly painful and trigger an itching or burning feeling. Because it travels through nerve endings, herpes virus normally recurs close to the site of initial contagion. Outbreaks last from a few days to several weeks. The first outbreak commonly happens within 2-21 days of transmission. Severity and duration typically lessen with recurrences, as soon as the body has developed a defence of antibodies. Unless skin lesions become infected with bacteria, they typically do not scar. Outbreaks can be accompanied by influenza-like symptoms: general malaise, bad headaches, fever, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes. Yet, a lot of people have few or no symptoms, which is one reason why herpes is so widespread. An outbreak can also appear within the genitals, where it may remain unnoticed. How is herpes transmitted? Herpes is commonly contracted where skin touches the virus at a lesion. It can also be transmitted through saliva 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 primarily transmitted by close contact, including intimate touching or oral, genital or anal sex. For more information on herpes virus, please visit antiherpes.net. |
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