Herpes is caused by a virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes. This virus
has two types, HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 (oral herpes) usually
causes infections on the lips or mouth (cold sores or
fever blisters). HSV 2 (genital herpes) usually causes
sores and blisters in the genital area. However, virus
from the mouth can infect the genitals and virus from
the genitals can infect the mouth. Herpes virus can also
infect other parts of the body. Both viruses can live
inside nerve cells and cause symptoms that occur again
and again.
Almost everyone has had HSV 1
Fifty to 90% of adults have had HSV 1 infection. Infections
in children are often mild or cause no symptoms at all.
Even if you have had HSV 1, you can still catch HSV 2.
Herpes infection is spread from person-to-person.
You can get infected:
- By direct contact (touching, kissing, rubbing) with
the sores or blisters
- By having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), especially
if not using a condom
- From mother to baby during childbirth
Signs and symptoms of herpes to look for:
- Painful small bumps on the lips or mouth that turn
into blisters or open sores
- Painful blisters or sores on or around the penis,
vagina, labia, or rectum
Symptoms start about 2 to 12 days after contact with
the virus. The first time a person has these symptoms
is usually the worst. Herpes skin lesions may come back,
usually occurring at the same place as before. Herpes
can come back when a person is stressed, has a fever,
gets too much sun, or at other times when the body is
weakened. Herpes is also more common near the time when
a woman has her period. The sores caused by HSV last for
about a week or two.
Treatment with antiviral medications may help
genital herpes
Several medications may reduce shedding of the virus,
diminish pain, speed up healing time, and decrease the
number of times that the lesions come back. A doctor must
prescribe these medications.
Prevent herpes infections by avoiding contact
with sores and by good hygiene
- If you have herpes blisters or sores on your lips,
do not get your mouth close to babies. Wash your hands
very well before touching babies.
- If you have herpes blisters or sores on your lips,
do not kiss anyone on the mouth or genitals.
- Keep toys clean and limit saliva contact among children.
- Wear gloves if touching open herpes lesions.
- Cover herpes lesions and wash hands often.
- Excluding students or employees with herpes from schools
or child care centers is not usually necessary.
- If you are pregnant and have herpes, it is very important
to tell your doctor
Herpes infection in babies can be very serious. Newborns
can get severe infections that lead to mental retardation
or death. A doctor may recommend a cesarean section to
avoid exposing the baby to the virus during birth.
|
are PDF. Download