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Article DetailsHerpes Virus Affects Lots Of People |
| Date Added: April 21, 2010 01:33:32 PM |
| Author: pavige16 |
| Category: Health: Medicine |
| Herpes viruses are a leading cause of human viral disease, second only to influenza and cold viruses. They can bring on either overt disease or remain silent for many years only to reactivated, for example as shingles. The term herpes derives from the Latin 'herpes' which, in turn, derives from the Greek word 'herpein' meaning 'to creep'. There are, at least, 25 viruses in the family Herpesviridae (currently classified into 3 sub-families). Eight or more herpes virus types are known to affect man often. Herpes affects a staggering number of people worldwide. Millions of people carry HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus}, the strain mainly responsible for genital herpes. Most people are not even aware they are carriers. One of the roadblocks to preventing herpes results from the lack of information about the virus. Defining herpes There is neither vaccine nor cure for herpes. The virus enters the skin cells and reproduces there, eventually causing skin irritation, redness and sores. As soon as this outbreak terminates, herpes travels from the nerve endings to the spinal cord, where it rests until another outbreak. In spite of this, it is possible to live a normal and happy life with the virus, including an active sex life and childbirth. What does an outbreak look like? Herpes lesions are small-sized sores or blisters that occur separately or in groups. They range from mildly to extremely painful and trigger an itching or burning feeling. Because it travels through nerve ganglia, herpes commonly re-appear near the site of initial contagion. An outbreak lasts from a few days to a few weeks. The first outbreak usually occurs within 2-21 days of infection. Severity and duration typically reduce with recurrences, once the body has developed a defence of antibodies. Sores do not commonly leave scars, unless become infected with bacteria. Outbreaks can be accompanied by influenza-like symptoms, including general uneasiness, headaches, muscle aches, fever, fatigue or enlarged lymph nodes. However, many people have few or no symptoms, which explains why herpes is so widespread. An outbreak can also happen within the vagina or on the cervix, testicles or scrotum, where it may remain unnoticed. How is herpes transmitted? Herpes is normally contracted where skin touches the virus at a herpes lesion. It can also be contracted through saliva that has mixed with the virus or by touching a lesion and then touching another skin area. Genital herpes is chiefly spread by close contact. Should you require further information on herpes, please visit antiherpes.net. |
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