Herpes+Simplex

Herpes or HS (Herpes Simplex 1&2) What are Herpes? What do they look like? Herpes are a type of disease which can be separated into two categories, Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. These are spread by two viruses known as the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2. Depending on the area the disease has affected, it is categorized as a different type of herpes. For example, herpes found around or on the mouth are known as Herpes Labialis while herpes found on the finger and thumb are called Herpes Whitlow.

At first sight, many would mistake herpes for other diseases or viruses which can be found on the body. This includes bug bites, pimples, rashes, and razor burns. But while these problems have similiar appearances, they have distinct differences. For Herpes, the spore looks like a rash spread over the skin that can vary from the normal color of the skin. This is only what it looks like active stage. In its dormant stage, it does not have any visible signs and remains in the inner workings of the body. Below are two images of herpes found on the cheek and mouth.



What causes this disease? How can it be transmitted? Herpes 1 & 2 are transmitted in two simples ways. Firstly, through direct contact to a infected area. Secondly, through sexual intercourse (genital herpes). The way this works is simple. When the virus is in its active form, it forces the skin around the area of the virus to shed. This is known as viral shedding. When viral shedding is taking place, if a person were to touch that area the virus would be transmitted to the other person. This is commonly how Herpes spread from one part of the body to the other or to another person in general. That is why its important to remember to have as little contact as possible with a place infected by this disease. Look at the picture below for more information

What are the symptoms? How long will this disease last and is it deadly? There are several different symptoms which occur with Herpes in its different stages. When herpes are first contracted it will create visible sores and cause cold sores (Cold sores are visible spots that can create blisters). After these sores appear you might get slight headaches, muscle aches, fevers and possibly small red bumps. After the first time the disease outbreaks, recurrence could happen again. When the process repeats, the same symptoms occur but less pain will be felt to the patient. Factually though, around 60% of people who have Herpes do not have any symptoms at all making it harder to discover they have Herpes.

Herpes are known as a life long disease. This is because after the disease has subsided it remains dormant within the body, making it hard to target with medicine and unfeasible by white blood cells. The disease is not deadly to those who are around the ages 2 or up but can kill newborn infants who contracted the disease either from their mother at birth or from contact to the disease after birth.



Above is the approximate structure of a Herpes Virus Cell (Herpes Simplex Virus 1)

Can this disease be cured at the present time? If there any way we can treat it? At the present time, Herpes can not be entirely erased from the body with medicine or treatment. But the disease can be compressed to reduce its effects towards the body. These medicines include acyclovir and valacyclovir which reduces the rate the disease becomes active. The way the medicine works is by reducing the viral replication (shedding) created which lowers the transmission rate of the disease. This not only reduces the chance of other contracting Herpes but it also reduces pain to the patient. Currently scientist also believe that aloe vera might be able to help with genital herpes. Unfortunately this still hasn’t been confirmed at the current time. If you are still having problems understanding look at the video below.

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How do we prevent Herpes from spreading? In order to lower the chance of Herpes spreading, it is important that people who know they have herpes take medication to reduce the chance of spread. Also, condoms should be used when having sexual intercourse to prevent the spreading of genital herpes. Remember, people should never be discriminated because of their disease. A regular life can still be sustained even if a person has herpes. They just need to be a bit carefuller around others.

Created by: Caton Yang 9.2

Bibliography:
Global Herbal Supplies, GHS. (2010). Herpes. Retrieved from [] Mamahealth, Initials. (n.d.). Herpes. Retrieved from[] Wikipedia, Initials. (2011, August 5). Dna virus. Retrieved from [] Wikipedia, Initials. (2011, August 17). Herpes simplex virus. Retrieved from[] Wikipedia, Initials. (2011, August 18). Herpesviridae. Retrieved from []