Herpes Simplex Virus
Generally, there are two categories of herpes Simplex virus, one being Herpes Simplex 1 and the other being Herpes Simplex 2. Carriers of Herpes Simplex 1 usually has evidence of the infection on their lips, inside their mouths and sometimes in their eyes. Herpes Simplex 2 carriers, on the other hand, usually have evidence of the infection on their genital parts. Herpes Simplex 1 may lead to an infection of the brain’s lining. Transmission of the infection occurs through the exchange of saliva of an infected person to an uninfected person. Of the two, Herpes Simplex 1 is most common.
Herpes Simplex 2
Herpes Simplex 2 is mostly transmitted through sexual intercourse. The symptoms of Herpes Simplex 2 usually include sores and ulcers on the genital area. However, there are cases where carriers experience no symptoms. In cases where intercourse is done orally, a cross infection of both Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2 may occur. This means you can develop Herpes Simplex 1 in your genital area and Herpes Simplex 2 in your face, mouth, eyes or lips.
Women are more at risk than men in becoming infected with the Herpes Simplex 2 virus. This is as a result of mucosal tissue being exposed to prospective infection sites. A baby can become infected with the disease also, a mother-to-be may pass it on during child birth. This can be avoided if she avoids vaginal childbirth. Carriers of Herpes Simplex 2 may experience up to eight (8) break-outs per year, this is due to the reoccurrence of the symptoms, there are however cases with no reoccurring symptoms. Break-outs may decrease overtime, with less and faster healing span.They usually occur near the first area of infection. The absence of symptoms in some Herpes Simple 2 carriers may cause difficulty in diagnosis. It may also result in confusion of diagnosis, since other infections have similarities.
Herpes Simplex 2 Treatment
Currently, there is no treatment that can rid the body of the Herpes Simplex 2 virus .The use of anti-viral may reduce the seriousness, length of time, and how often the break-outs occur. What the anti-viral does is minimize the asymptomatic shedding of the infection. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are analgesics which can be used to reduce that intensity of pain as well as fever. Itching can be soothed with the use of topical anesthetic creams such as tetracaine and lidocane. Other alternative treatment may include laser treatment and the consumption of dietary supplements.
Prevention of Herpes Simplex 2
- Abstain from sex, or maintain a long-term relationship with one partner, who is not infected and does regular check ups, ensure that you are the only partner your partner has.
- Use a latex condom all the time; this will reduce your risk of becoming infected.
- If you are infected with the disease, avoid touching your sores and then touching other areas of your body, as this can cause the disease to spread.
- Avoid using a towel that has been used by someone before.
- Avoid sharing your clothes, especially clothes that covers the genital area.
