This post is written to inform non-medical people like myself about the virus called Herpes which is spreading at an alarming rate today. As you read on, you'll learn more about Herpes Virus in less than 2 minutes than your doctor would tell you in a whole day. Among many things, you'll learn what Herpes Virus is, its symptoms, how it's contacted and lots more.
Kindly contact your doctor for more information on the causes of herpes simplex virus, how to prevent it, how to manage herpes in pregnancy, effective treatments for the virus and how to cope during outbreaks...
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), often called herpes is a viral and infectious disease which has been known for at least 2000 years. According to a study in 2007 (as seen in wikipedia), genital herpes ranked second for social stigma out of all sexually transmitted diseases (HIV took the top spot for STD stigma). It's of two types, namely:
• Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1)
• Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2)
According to WHO, an estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally.
While an estimated 417 million people aged 15-49 (11%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.
So, which of these things do you know about herpes simplex virus?
1. Herpes commonly appear on the genitals or mouth (it can also appear in various parts of the body).
2. Herpes Simplex Virus 1 commonly cause infections around the mouth but can also cause genital herpes while Herpes Simplex Virus 2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpess.
3. Herpes may be spread to an infant during childbirth. This can cause brain damage, blindness or even death of newborns.
4. Herpes Virus can cause some serious disorders like herpetic whitlow, herpes infection of the brain, neonatal herpes (when it affects newly born baby), etc.
5. Herpes Virus is a lifelong infection (there's no permanent cure yet but there are medications for herpes symptoms relieve).
6. Both HSV -1 and HSV -2 are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms). However, the common symptoms of herpes are cold sores, painful blisters or ulcers around the infected areas.
7. With HSV-2 the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection is increased.
8. In most cases, herpes spread through direct (or skin-to-skin) contact with an infected person or sharing objects such as toothbrush or eating utensils.
9. Estimated prevalence of the infection was highest in Africa (87%) and lowest in the Americas (40-50%).
10. Herpes could be spread from one place on your body to another, such as from your genitals to your fingers, then to your eyes or to other parts of your body.
11. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, are the most effective medications available for people infected with HSV. These can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but cannot cure the infection.
12. Worldwide rates of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 are between 60% and 95% in adults.
13. As with almost all sexually transmitted infections, women are more susceptible to acquiring genital HSV-2 than men.
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