What are herpes simplex viruses?
About 90 percent of the population wear it Herpes simplex viruses in itself - the best known is the cold sore (herpes labialis). The herpes simplex viruses are localized in the skin and mucous membrane vesicles of the sick person. The transmission takes place from person to person. The person concerned does not even notice the initial infection. The herpes simplex virus enters the body in two ways - either via droplet or smear infection or via direct skin contact.
Great caution is required when sneezing, coughing and the like, as well as when kissing and during unprotected sexual contact. Commonly used objects can also pose a particular risk. As a rule, the smallest injuries to the skin or mucous membrane act as entry points. This explains the relatively high risk of infection and infection rate.
Meaning & function
It is estimated that almost all older adults are said to have had contact with the virus at least once in their lifetime. However, it is astonishing that around 60 to 70 percent of those infected never experience symptoms. There is still no explanation for this lifelong freedom from symptoms. Herpes simplex virus infection usually occurs in childhood - usually without symptoms.
Illnesses & ailments
However, a herpes infection once through does not mean immunization. Rather, herpes simplex viruses are always “on standby”: seemingly unnoticed in the body - slumbering in the nerve nodes - they can wake up again at any time and thus become active. Reactivation is a special ability of the herpes simplex viruses and makes it possible for them to reappear at irregular intervals.
The latter is especially the case when the immune system is weakened - when we are stressed or sick. It is advisable to ensure adequate sleep, a balanced diet and exercise. In this way, the risk of a new outbreak of herpes, in whatever form, can be effectively reduced.
Treatment of the symptoms is indicated both with the initial infection and with each new illness. So-called antivirals are used to treat viral infections. They curb virus replication and in this way curb the further spread of the pathogen.
Herpes simplex viruses are persistent: once they get into the body, they stay there for life. Reactivations can occur at different intervals. This means that the virus will multiply again - the disease will recur. Such reactivations are based on a wide variety of causes: In addition to a weakened immune system, this includes psychological and hormonal influences as well as exposure to sunlight.
Dangers, disorders, risks & diseases
Even if the vesicle disease proves to be unpleasant, in the majority of cases it is largely harmless. Complications such as encephalitis are comparatively rare.
However, it becomes dangerous when HSV-1 affects the cornea of the eye: This can result in visual disturbances - in some cases even blindness. HSV-1 can be particularly dangerous for newborns and people with a weakened immune system. In individual cases, which are sometimes fatal, blisters form all over the body.
Herpes simplex viruses are by no means to be underestimated, as they have an oncogenic potential: Under certain circumstances they can be carcinogenic. In expert circles it is assumed that the herpes simplex virus type 2 is a trigger for cervical cancer, for example.
Infection with HSV-2 is particularly dangerous for newborns, as infection is possible during birth. If the mother's infection is known, the virus can be prevented from being transmitted to the new citizen by means of a caesarean section.
Treatment & Therapy
An efficient therapy for infection with herpes simplex viruses does not yet exist. To date it has not been possible to destroy any herpes simplex viruses that were once in the body. This means: The treatment of a herpes infection only includes the reduction of symptoms such as inflammation as well as any pain etc. Antiviral ingredients - for example acyclovir - only minimize the suffering of the person concerned.
Cold sores can be treated well on your own. Various ointments and creams containing active ingredients are available in the pharmacy without a prescription. The first signs of a recurrence of cold sores in the form of tingling or tight skin should be used as an opportunity to initiate appropriate treatment. In contrast, it is advisable to consult a doctor for genital herpes.
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