The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes.Herpes can appear in various parts of the body,most commonly on the genitals it mouth.
TYPES Of HSV
There are two types of herpes virus.
1) HSV-1 also known as oral herpes, this type can cause cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and on the face.
2) HSV-2 this type is generally responsible for genital herpes outbreaks.
CAUSE OF HERPES
The HSV is a contagious virus that can be passed from person to person through direct contact. Children will often contact HSV-1 from early contact with with an infected adult. They can carry the virus with them for the rest of their lives.
MODE Of Transmission
HSV-1 Infection with HSV 1can happen from general interaction such as
1. eating from the same utensil.
2. sharing lip balms
3. kissing
The virus spread more quickly when an infected person is experiencing an outbreak. 30% to 90% of adults are seropositive to HSV1.though they may never experience an outbreak. It’s also possible to get genital herpes from HSV 1 if someone who performs oral sex had cold sores during that time.
HSV 2
Is contacted through forms of sexual contact with a person who has HSV2.while HSV 2 infection are spread through contact with a herpes sore,most people get HSV 1 from an infected person who is asymptomatic or does not have sores. Anyone can be infected with HSV regardless of age. Your risk is based almost entirely on exposure to the infection.
In cases of sexually transmitted HSV, people are at risk when they participate in risky sexual behavior without the use of protection,such as condom. Other risk factors for HSV 2 includes
1) Having multiple sex partners.
2) Having sex at a younger age.
3) Having another STI.
4) Having weak immune system.
If a pregnant woman is having an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of childbirth it can expose the baby to both types of herpes and may put them at risk of serious complications. babies with birth acquired herpes get the infection from mothers who are infected with genitals herpes. Birth acquired herpes is sometimes also called congenital herpes.infants who are born with herpes may have a skin infection,a system wide infection (systemic herpes) or both. Systemic herpes is more dangerous and can cause a variety of serious issues,ranging from braindamage,breathing problems to seizures.
SIGN OF HSV
It is important to understand that someone may not have visible sores or symptoms and still be infected by the virus,and they may transmit the virus to others.symptoms associated with this virus includes
1) Blistering sores(in the mouth or on the genitals)
2) pains during urinating (genital herpes)
3) itching
4)swollen lymph nodes
5) headache
6) fever
7) Tiredness
8) lack of appetite
HSV can also spread to the eyes causing a condition called herpes keratitis. This can cause symptom such as eye pain, discharge and a gritty feeling in the eye.
PREVENTION
In order to prevent the spread of HSV,the follow steps should be taken.
1) Try to avoid physical contact with other people.
2) Don’t share any items that can pass the virus around such as cups,towel, clothings,makeup or lip balm.
3) Don’t participate in oral sex, kissing or any other type of sexual activity during an outbreak.
4) Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sore.
People with HSV 2 should avoid any type of sexual activity with other people during outbreak. If the individual is not experiencing symptoms but has been diagnosed with the virus a condom should be used during intercourse but even when using condoms the virus can be passed to a partner from uncovered skin. Women who are pregnant and infected may have to take medicine to prevent the virus from infecting their unborn babies.
