ENGLISH TASK
“
HERPES SIMPEX VIRUS ”
BY :
GAUDENSIA GOIT SARENG
GRADE 1 CLASS A
PHARMACY DEPARMENT
POLTEKKES KEMENKES KUPANG
2016
Herpes Simplex
1. What Is Herpes Simplex?
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
or mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1, also known as
oral herpes, can cause cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on
the face. HSV-2 is generally responsible for genital herpes outbreaks.
2. What Causes Herpes Simplex?
The
herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be passed from person to
person through direct contact. Children will often contract HSV-1 from early
contact with an infected adult. They then carry the virus with them for the
rest of their life.
Infection
with HSV-1 can happen from general interactions such as eating from the same
utensils, sharing lip balm, or kissing. The virus spreads more quickly when an
infected person is experiencing an outbreak. Additionally, it is possible to
get genital herpes from HSV-1 if the individual has had cold sores and
performed sexual activities during that time.
HSV-2 is contracted through forms of sexual
contact with a person who has HSV-2. It is estimated that around 20 percent of
sexually active adults within the United States have been infected with HSV-2,
according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (AAD)
While HSV-2 infections are spread by coming into contact with a herpes sore,
the AAD reports that most people get HSV-1 from an infected person who is
asymptomatic, or does not have sores.
3.
Who
Is At Risk of Developing Herpes Simplex Infections?
Anyone
can be infected with HSV, regardless of age. Your risk is determined almost
entirely based on exposure to the infection. In cases of sexually transmitted
HSV, people are more at risk when they participate in risky sexual behavior
without the use of protection, such as condoms. Other risk factors for HSV-2
include:
·
having
multiple sex partners
·
being
female
·
having
another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
·
having
a weakened immune system
If
a mother is having an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of childbirth, it
can expose the baby to both types of HSV, and may put them at risk for serious
complications.
4. Recognizing the Signs of Herpes Simplex
It
is important to understand that although someone may not have visible sores or
symptoms, they may still be infected by the virus and may transmit the virus to
others. Some of the symptoms associated with this virus include:
·
blistering sores (in the mouth or on the
genitals)
·
pain during urination (genital herpes)
·
itching
Additionally,
you may experience many symptoms that are similar to the flu. These symptoms
can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness, and lack of
appetite. HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called herpes
keratitis. This can cause symptoms such as eye pain, discharge, and a gritty
feeling in the eye.
This
type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may
check your body for sores and ask you about some of your current symptoms. Your
doctor may also request HSV testing, also known as a herpes culture, to confirm
the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. During this test, your doctor
will take a swab sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a laboratory
for testing.
Blood
tests looking for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 may also be used to diagnose
these infections. This is especially helpful when there are no sores present.
There
is currently no cure for this virus. Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores
and limiting outbreaks. It is possible that your sores will disappear without
treatment. However, your doctor may determine that you need one or more of the
following medications:
·
acyclovir
·
famciclovir
·
valacyclovir
These
medications can help infected individuals reduce the risk of spreading the
virus to other people. The medications also help to lower the intensity and
frequency of outbreaks. These medications may come in oral (pill) form, or may
be applied as a cream. For severe outbreaks, these medications may also be
administered by injection.
People
who become infected with HSV will have the virus for the rest of their lives.
Even if it does not manifest symptoms, the virus will continue to live in an
infected person’s nerve cells. Some people may experience regular outbreaks.
Others will only experience one outbreak after they have been infected, after
which the virus may become dormant. Even if a virus is dormant, an outbreak can
be triggered by certain stimuli, such as:
·
stress
·
menstrual
periods
·
fever
or illness
·
sun
exposure or sunburn
It
is believed that the outbreaks may become less intense over time because the
body starts creating antibodies. If a generally healthy individual has been
infected with the virus, there are usually no complications.
Although
there is no cure for herpes, you can take precautionary measures to avoid
becoming infected, or to prevent spreading HSV to another person. If you are
experiencing an outbreak of HSV-1, try to avoid direct physical contact with
other people. Do not share any items that can pass the virus around, such as
cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm. Doctors also recommend
that infected individuals should not participate in oral sex, kissing, or any
other type of sexual activity, during an outbreak. Additionally, if your hands
have come into contact with your sores, you should wash them thoroughly and
apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact.
Individuals
with HSV-2 should avoid any type of sexual activity with other people during an
outbreak. If the individual is not experiencing symptoms but has previously
been diagnosed with the virus, a condom should be used during intercourse.
Although a condom may be used, it may still be possible to pass herpes to your
partner from uncovered skin. Women who are pregnant and infected may have to
take medicine to prevent the virus from infecting their unborn babies.
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