The word "herpes" conjures up different images for different people. Some see herpes as an ugly and annoying cold sore or blister that periodically appears on or around the lips. Others see herpes as a feared sexually transmitted disease that, once you have contracted, you have to suffer with for the rest of your life. Of course both of these images do represent the term "herpes" quite accurately for many people throughout the world, but medically speaking herpes is also appropriately applied to several lesser known afflictions. These conditions include herpes inside the mouth (herpes gingivostomatitis), herpes of the throat (herpes pharyngitis), herpes of the eye (herpes keratitis), herpes of the brain (herpes encephalitis), herpes transmitted to newborn infants (neonatal herpes), chickenpox (varicella-zoster), mono (mononucleosis) and shingles (herpes-zoster). All of these conditions are caused by one of the two closely related herpes viruses known as herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2.
Showing posts with label Virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virus. Show all posts
Jan 9, 2011
Herpes Transmission - How Does One Avoid Getting The Herpes Virus?
Herpes transmission can occur in various ways. The two most common ways are by kissing and by vaginal intercourse, however, it doesn't stop there.
When you think of intercourse, do you think about all types of intercourse and sexual activity that you can engage in? Do you realize that it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact as well? Did you know that it is possible self-infect? In order to take necessary precaution to protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to be fully aware of the ways you can transmit this disease.
As stated before, the transmission of herpes can occur in various ways. It can even be transmitted when you're not suffering from symptoms. In some cases, symptoms can be so mild, that they go unnoticed. In other cases, the symptoms are noticed, but not recognized as a herpes outbreak.
If you are a carrier of the herpes virus, whether oral or genital, it is important to remember that herpes transmission can occur even during the times when there is no visible outbreak. As a general rule, it is best to avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone when lesions are present. Take necessary precaution between outbreaks as well to keep the virus from spreading. For instance, if you have a visible cold sore, avoid kissing someone, especially children, due to their weaker immune systems. Another way to take precaution is by using a condom during intercourse between outbreaks.
When you think of intercourse, do you think about all types of intercourse and sexual activity that you can engage in? Do you realize that it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact as well? Did you know that it is possible self-infect? In order to take necessary precaution to protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to be fully aware of the ways you can transmit this disease.
As stated before, the transmission of herpes can occur in various ways. It can even be transmitted when you're not suffering from symptoms. In some cases, symptoms can be so mild, that they go unnoticed. In other cases, the symptoms are noticed, but not recognized as a herpes outbreak.
If you are a carrier of the herpes virus, whether oral or genital, it is important to remember that herpes transmission can occur even during the times when there is no visible outbreak. As a general rule, it is best to avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone when lesions are present. Take necessary precaution between outbreaks as well to keep the virus from spreading. For instance, if you have a visible cold sore, avoid kissing someone, especially children, due to their weaker immune systems. Another way to take precaution is by using a condom during intercourse between outbreaks.
What Is Herpes Simplex Virus and How Is it Diagnosed & Treated?
Herpes simplex virus is responsible for breakouts in the oral and genital region. Simplex 1 generally exhibits symptoms in and around the mouth and face area. The genital type is typically caused by the simplex 2 virus. Individuals infected with either form often experience no or minimal symptoms of the disease, which is one reason why it is so easily transmitted. Most infected persons have no idea that they are infected, and they mistake mild symptoms for other skin disorders.
A common disease in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one of out of five adolescents and adults have had a herpes simplex two virus infection. And the disease is more common in women than in men, with an estimated 1 out of 4 women infected with genital herpes.
The herpes simplex virus is transmitted though contact with an infected person. The herpes virus is present in the sores it can cause on the skin, either in the oral or genital regions, but the disease can be spread even if these sores do not appear to be present. Sometimes an outbreak of herpes simplex causes only a little redness or a mild rash. And in the case of genital herpes, active and highly contagious lesions may be present inside the vagina in women or the urethra in both men and women, and not be visible.
A common disease in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one of out of five adolescents and adults have had a herpes simplex two virus infection. And the disease is more common in women than in men, with an estimated 1 out of 4 women infected with genital herpes.
The herpes simplex virus is transmitted though contact with an infected person. The herpes virus is present in the sores it can cause on the skin, either in the oral or genital regions, but the disease can be spread even if these sores do not appear to be present. Sometimes an outbreak of herpes simplex causes only a little redness or a mild rash. And in the case of genital herpes, active and highly contagious lesions may be present inside the vagina in women or the urethra in both men and women, and not be visible.
Jan 6, 2011
Herpes Virus Family Facts
To most people the word "herpes" conjures up an image of genital herpes, the incurable virus that is transmitted
through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. However herpes is in fact a family of viruses that is
extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions affecting the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the whole body.
Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 6 people may carry some form of the herpes virus in their body, either active or inactive.
Forms of the herpes virus include herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores), herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and herpes-zoster (shingles). All of these conditions are caused by viruses in the herpes family.
Two similar conditions, herpes gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes-like blisters on the skin but are not related to or caused by any of the various herpes viruses.
The many diseases that are caused by the herpes virus may differ widely from one another, but they all share
a few common traits:
through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. However herpes is in fact a family of viruses that is
extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions affecting the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the whole body.
Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 6 people may carry some form of the herpes virus in their body, either active or inactive.
Forms of the herpes virus include herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores), herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and herpes-zoster (shingles). All of these conditions are caused by viruses in the herpes family.
Two similar conditions, herpes gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes-like blisters on the skin but are not related to or caused by any of the various herpes viruses.
The many diseases that are caused by the herpes virus may differ widely from one another, but they all share
a few common traits:
Herpes 101 - An Introduction To The Herpes Simplex Virus
There is often great confusion when it comes to herpes. Just the word "herpes" often conjures up images of a particularly nasty sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that herpes actually stems from a virus known as the herpes simplex virus? And were you aware, that the chances are that you have already caught it at some stage during your life? In fact, statistics show that around 85% of the world's population has been infected, and it is in fact the hardest virus to control known to man. However, this is often where the confusion stems from. You see, there are two strains of the virus, known as herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2).
Herpes simplex 1 is the most common strain and is the cause of cold sores and fever blisters that appear around the mouth, lips and gums. Now everyone's heard of a cold sore, but did you know that it is in fact oral herpes. Despite around 85% of the population being infected with HSV-1, not all people will develop cold sores or lesions around the mouth. This is because each person's immune system is unique and many are able to suppress an outbreak. Instead, the virus lies dormant, although a carrier will still be able to pass the virus on under certain conditions.
Herpes simplex 1 is the most common strain and is the cause of cold sores and fever blisters that appear around the mouth, lips and gums. Now everyone's heard of a cold sore, but did you know that it is in fact oral herpes. Despite around 85% of the population being infected with HSV-1, not all people will develop cold sores or lesions around the mouth. This is because each person's immune system is unique and many are able to suppress an outbreak. Instead, the virus lies dormant, although a carrier will still be able to pass the virus on under certain conditions.
Jan 5, 2011
Recognizing The Signs Of Herpes & Treating The Virus Effectively
There are a variety of common signs of herpes. Some of them are very noticeable, such as in most cases of oral herpes, and some are less obvious, as is the case for genital herpes. Still, additional signs and symptoms of herpes can develop in the forms of ailments and illnesses such as fever and headaches.
When a person is afflicted with oral herpes, the outbreaks that are associated with the virus are usually very visible to others. The initial symtoms of herpes begin on an average of four days after a person initially comes in contact with the virus. An itching or burning sensation in, on, or around a person's mouth usually indicates the onset of an outbreak.
Shortly after these first signs begin to develop, small red bumps appear on the infected area and quickly progress into larger blisters. The blisters ulcerate, and then become scabs and remain that way until the healing process completes its course. Some accompanying signs of herpes of the mouth include the swelling of gums and lymph nodes in the neck, and a sore throat.
When a person is afflicted with oral herpes, the outbreaks that are associated with the virus are usually very visible to others. The initial symtoms of herpes begin on an average of four days after a person initially comes in contact with the virus. An itching or burning sensation in, on, or around a person's mouth usually indicates the onset of an outbreak.
Shortly after these first signs begin to develop, small red bumps appear on the infected area and quickly progress into larger blisters. The blisters ulcerate, and then become scabs and remain that way until the healing process completes its course. Some accompanying signs of herpes of the mouth include the swelling of gums and lymph nodes in the neck, and a sore throat.
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