What is herpes simplex?
Date: 2 سال قبل
author: AmirAbad
What is herpes simplex?
The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes
herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the
body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth.
What are the types of herpes viruses?
·
HSV-1: primarily
causes oral herpes, and is generally responsible for cold sores and fever
blisters around the mouth and on the face.
·
HSV-2: primarily
causes genital herpes, and is generally responsible for genital herpes
outbreaks.
·
Herpes zoster: This
virus causes chickenpox and shingles.
What are the symptoms of HSV?
Sores appear where the infection entered your body. You can spread the
infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of
your body, including your eyes.
Men and women can develop sores on the:
·
Buttocks and thighs
·
Anus
·
Mouth
·
Urethra (the tube
that allows urine to drain from the bladder to the outside)
Women can also develop sores in or on the:
·
Vaginal area
·
External genitals
·
Cervix
Men can also develop sores in or on the:
·
Penis
·
Scrotum
How is HSV diagnosed?
This type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam.
If a health care provider is uncertain, herpes simplex can be diagnosed
with lab tests, including DNA -- or PCR -- tests and virus cultures.
Blood tests to identify antibodies to HSV can also be helpful.
(Antibodies are produced by the immune system to help defend the body against a
particular attacker, such as HSV.)
Preventing the spread of HSV infections:
The following strategies can reduce the risk of developing or passing on
herpes:
·
using barrier
protection, such as condoms, when having sex
·
avoiding sex while
symptoms are present
·
avoiding kissing
and oral sex when there is a cold sore around the mouth
·
washing the hands thoroughly,
especially after touching the affected area, during an outbreak
What are the complications of genital herpes?
People who have open sores from genital herpes are twice as likely to
get HIV compared
to people without herpes. This risk is yet another reason why it’s important to
use condoms.
There is no cure for herpes. The good news is that sores often clear
without treatment. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten
outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition,
daily suppressive therapy (i.e. daily use of antiviral medication) for herpes
can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.
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