Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes Simplex Virus
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV). There are 2 types of HSV, and both can cause genital herpes. Type 1 most commonly causes fever blisters or cold sores on the lips. Type 2 most commonly causes genital sores, but can also infect the mouth. Both types can cause genital herpes through direct skin-to-skin contact. Once infected with HSV, people remain infected for the rest of their lives. Some never experience any symptoms and some may experience recurrent episodes on average 4 to 5 times a year.

HSV is most dangerous when a woman is pregnant. If a woman has symptoms or visible lesion at the time of delivery, she may need a cesarean section to prevent infection of the baby. Neonatal herpes infection can lead to severe illness and death in an infant. Fortunately, neonatal herpes is very uncommon in moms with known HSV, probably because her antibodies give her baby protection and because she knows when she is having an outbreak. Most neonatal herpes occurs in babies whose mothers have no history of HSV. Also, recent studies have suggested that giving moms, with a history of outbreaks during the pregnancy, acyclovir in the last four weeks of pregnancy will decrease thier chances of having an outbreak and thus decrease thier chances of needing a cesarean.

Symptoms
As many as 80% of people with genital herpes are not aware that they have the disease because they do not develop or recognize the symptoms. When symptoms do occur, usually about a week after infection with HSV, they include itching, burning, soreness, and small blisters in the genital area. Occasionally, the first outbreak can lead to fevers, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty urinating and severe pain. The blisters burst leaving small, painful ulcers, which heal in 10 to 21 days.

Treatment
There is no cure for genital herpes. Three available antiviral drugs are used to treat genital herpes: Acyclovir (Zovirax® and generics), Famciclovir (Famvir®) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex®). The main benefit of these treatments is to shorten the duration of the outbreak and to a lesser extent to decrease the pain. They are most affective when taken with the initial symptoms, before any blisters develop. Oral medications (tablets and capsules) are more effective than ointments. These medications are considered safe in pregnancy but discuss them with your doctor before using them or any medication if you are pregnant.

Healing and Prevention
To avoid spreading the infection to other sites on the body or to other people during the active phase of genital herpes: Keep infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infections from developing. Avoid touching the sores; wash hands after contact with the sores. Avoid sexual contact from the time the symptoms are first recognized until the sores are completely healed and new skin has formed over the site of the lesions. Between outbreaks, use condoms to protect against transmission.

source : www.womanhealth.net