Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by herpes simplex viruses; both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) cause herpes simplex. Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of several disorders based on the site of infection. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are called cold sores, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Infection of the genitals, is the second most common form of herpes. Other disorders such as herpes, ocular herpes, cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, Mollaret’s meningitis, neonatal herpes, are all caused by herpes simplex viruses.
Herpes viruses cycle between periods of active disease—presenting as blisters containing infectious virus particles—that last 2–21 days, followed by a remission period, during which the sores disappear. Genital herpes, however, is often asymptomatic, though viral shredding may still occur. After initial infection, the viruses move to sensory nerves, where they reside as life-long, latent viruses. Causes of recurrence are uncertain, though some potential triggers have been identified. Stress and Poor diet often trigger breakouts.
Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding. Barrier protection methods are the most reliable method of preventing transmission of herpes, but they merely reduce rather than eliminate risk. Oral herpes is easily diagnosed if the patient presents with visible sores or ulcers. Early stages of orofacial herpes and genital herpes are harder to diagnose; laboratory testing is usually required. Prevalence of HSV infections varies throughout the world.
There is currently no cure for herpes; no vaccine is currently available to prevent or eliminate herpes.
Herpes Cure?
Herpes Cure? There is no cure for herpes. The breakouts can be suppressed. Take Herpules!
Condoms are not always effective - Herpes is highly contagious
While the sores are present, it may be painful to urinate. They generally begin as small, tender, red bumps and become watery blisters within a few days. Then they rupture, becoming ulcers that ooze or bleed. After 3 to 4 days, scabs form and the ulcers heal. You may experience pain and tenderness in the genital area until the infection clears. During the very first outbreak, you may experience flu-like signs and symptoms, such as headache and fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of herpes by growing (culturing) swab samples of the water blisters of early ulcers. A thorough examination other sexually related diseases is important. Often at least one other sexually transmitted disease is present in addition to herpes.
Prevention
Herpes is very contagious when sores are present. If you have herpes and sores are present, abstain from sexual contact until they're completely healed. If you don't have herpes, using a condom during sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of acquiring the infection. If you're sexually active, a monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner is the surest way of avoiding the disease.
How serious is genital herpes?
Herpes has no cure or vaccine. The virus remains dormant in the infected areas and periodically reactivates, causing symptoms. The disease is very contagious whenever sores are present. Besides the sores, herpes generally doesn't cause any other serious permanent complications in adults. However, infants can become infected as they pass through the birth canal of mothers with open sores, which may result in brain damage, blindness and death. This infection is more common in infants of mothers who are having their first outbreak of active herpes infection at the time of delivery. The rate of herpes infection in newborns is increasing as the rate of genital herpes in women increases.
Treatment
Because herpes can't be cured treatment consists of controlling the outbreaks.
