| Information On Herpes Simplex (the one and only part of this site that I�ve actually taken seriously� so be sure to enjoy it!) Other disease names Herpes Simplex is actually two different viruses, known as HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can cause genital herpes and cold sores. Identification Herpes simplex is a virus that causes small painful blisters, either in the form of facial herpes (cold sores) or genital herpes. The herpes virus is also very similar to the viruses that cause chicken pox and shingles. The herpes sores can be found anywhere on the body, though most commonly they are located near the mouth or genitals. Herpes affect the skin, and external reproductive organs. Herpes blisters are usually small reddish lesions with white fluid filled tips. They can be large or tiny. However, on soft surfaces such as female genitalia the soars can manifest themselves differently. Herpes soars are often found in clusters around the mouth, buttocks, or genitals. They are usually painful, soar, and tender to touch. Usually once the soars dry up there will be scabbing, and then the skin will become clear again. People with genital herpes usually go through a state called prodrome before the soars appear. This usually entails pain in the genital area. To determine that a patient has genital herpes, a doctor will usually do a swabbing of an active lesion in order to obtain a cell culture to study. However, this test can be very unreliable, especially when it is done on lesions from secondary outbreaks. More often a doctor will diagnose the patient through observing their physical symptoms. Patients can also buy over the counter herpes tests, but this is not recommended, as they are rarely accurate. Infectious Agent The infectious agents that cause herpes are two viruses, known as HSV-1, and HSV-2. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, and HSV-1 tends to cause facial herpes. However, this is not set in stone, as the two viruses are interchangeable. HSV-2 can be transmitted to the mouth area through oral sex, and HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area in the same manner. Mode of Transmission A person can get the herpes simplex virus through physical contact with an effected person. The virus is transmitted through contact with the herpes soars. Kissing, oral sex, and unprotected sex are all ways to transmit herpes. Genital herpes can be transmitted through sexual activity even when no soars are present. Over twenty percent of the population of the United States is infected with genital herpes, so it is important to always use condoms. Incubation Period Once person contracts herpes, they have it all their lives. However, usually it is in a dormant state. Herpes can stay completely dormant for years, however genital herpes is sometimes still contagious while dormant. Usually after the first herpes break out, subsequent breakouts are of a lesser intensity. Period of Communicability Herpes is always contagious when soars are present. Herpes can also be transmitted during prodrome, when there are no soars present, or other visible symptoms. Methods of Control One of the best ways to prevent the contraction of genital herpes is to use condoms at all times. While this is not one hundred percent effective, it helps greatly. The transmission of cold soars can be prevented by not kissing people with cold soars, and not sharing cosmetic items such as Chap Stick. A person who has herpes, be it genital or facial does not have to be isolated because the virus can only be transmitted through contact with the herpes soars. However, it is important that a person with genital herpes makes his or her sexual partners aware of their condition before engaging in sexual activity with them. Treatment Medicines such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir have been found helpful in managing genital herpes outbreaks. Over the counter medications can be bought to reduce cold soars. However, there is no cure for genital herpes. Once a person contracts it, they have it all their life. Although symptoms of herpes will often disappear for long periods of time, they can re-arise at any given time. This is because the virus is lying dormant. Case Study Most people know have had cold sores. They can extremely unsightly and embarrassing, and tend to appear at the worst possible times. They also can be painful, to the point where it hurts just to smile. It seems likely that genital herpes would be much worse, not only because of the pain they surely cause, but because of the disease�s extremely negative connotation. |