Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes Simplex is a viral infection, as Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV causes it. The condition of having the disease is such that it is easily noticeable at times, while at some other times, it can be inconspicuous. It lingers in the person of a body for a long time. Herpes can be there for as long as possible without the individual being aware. The paper, in view, discusses the types, causes, effects, and treatment of herpes simplex.

Herpes Simplex Virus Types

There are two different typical forms in which the Herpes Simplex virus can occur in a person. It could come as HSV-1 or HSV-2. HSV-1 refers to oral herpes infection; that is, herpes that arises around a person’s mouth. On the other hand, HSV-2 is genital herpes – the type that acts on the genitals of a person. Statistics have it that HSV-1 is more predominant all over the world than HSV-2. In the United States of America, a survey showed that over 50 in 100 persons have oral herpes. Conversely, 15.5 thereabouts, out of 100 persons, have HSV-2 in the US as well.

Causes

Herpes can come in several ways. For instance, the practice of oral sex is known to be closely related to the spread of HSV, especially when an infected mouth comes in contact with the genital area and vice-versa. There is a myth that the disease is contagious if one shares the convenience with an infected person, but that is all it is – a myth. Herpes can only pass to another person from an infected individual through direct contact with such person; it does not get to other people through contact with infected persons’ properties. In the case of HSV-2

Effects

Some of the noticeable effects of the herpes simplex virus on the body are cold sores, vaginal discharge (for women), painful urination, blisters, and ulcers. 

Herpes Simplex Virus Prevention

To prevent the scourge of herpes from passing into a person, one must have protective intercourse, have sexual relations with people who do not have the virus, avoid kissing a mouth with sores, and stay away from a promiscuous lifestyle. For those who already have the virus, studies show that identifying the triggers of HSV symptoms and giving them room can help prevent the recurrence of the infection symptoms. Some of these triggers include illness, stress, sunbathing, and other factors.

Treatment

As far as the field of medical science is concerned, herpes has no known cure. However, one can manage it by treating the different symptoms A they come. Another means to treat which medical experts sometimes prescribe are drugs that stop the virus’ multiplication in areas where they occur. Hence antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and other similar products are what doctors recommend for their ability to hinder the outbreak of herpes simplex and mitigate its symptoms. 

Depending on how recurrent one reports the signs in a year, the doctor can prescribe some regular number of antiviral doses whenever such persons have the symptoms showing. Other approaches proven to be effective include the use of painkillers, application of cream to the urethra, abstinence when symptoms show up, having a salt-water bath, maintaining personal hygiene, among other remedies.