Herpes Facts
Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus. In general, Type 1 (HSV-1) causes oral herpes while Type 2 (HSV-2) leads to genital herpes. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes when transmitted via oral sex.
Most individuals will experience little to no symptoms of herpes simplex upon infection, a condition known as asymptomatic infection. When the symptoms do manifest, these include tingling, burning and itching coupled with painful sensations on the affected area a few days before the blisters and sores typical of the infection appears.
The skin then becomes affected by either small red lumps or tiny white blisters, which can appear in and around the mouth for oral herpes as well as in and around the genital area often stretching to the thighs for genital herpes. The sores will give way to blisters, which will then rupture and become ulcers. The final stage of the infection is the appearance of the dry, yellowish scabs.
The symptoms can last for 2 to 4 weeks after the infection occurs. Recurrences may appear within a few weeks or months depending on the prevention methods adopted by the previously infected individual. The good news is that the outbreaks tend to lessen in frequency, severity and duration over a period of years.
Diagnosis is often definitive from physical examination alone. However, laboratory tests may be ordered in certain cases such as when babies, elderly persons and people with weakened immune systems are infected. These diagnostic tests include culture analysis and blood examinations.
There is currently no cure for herpes simplex. Instead, medications and self-care are recommended to lessen the severity, frequency and duration of the current infection and any future recurrences. Persons with herpes simplex are also advised to adopt safe sex measures like the use of condoms.
Most individuals will experience little to no symptoms of herpes simplex upon infection, a condition known as asymptomatic infection. When the symptoms do manifest, these include tingling, burning and itching coupled with painful sensations on the affected area a few days before the blisters and sores typical of the infection appears.
The skin then becomes affected by either small red lumps or tiny white blisters, which can appear in and around the mouth for oral herpes as well as in and around the genital area often stretching to the thighs for genital herpes. The sores will give way to blisters, which will then rupture and become ulcers. The final stage of the infection is the appearance of the dry, yellowish scabs.
The symptoms can last for 2 to 4 weeks after the infection occurs. Recurrences may appear within a few weeks or months depending on the prevention methods adopted by the previously infected individual. The good news is that the outbreaks tend to lessen in frequency, severity and duration over a period of years.
Diagnosis is often definitive from physical examination alone. However, laboratory tests may be ordered in certain cases such as when babies, elderly persons and people with weakened immune systems are infected. These diagnostic tests include culture analysis and blood examinations.
There is currently no cure for herpes simplex. Instead, medications and self-care are recommended to lessen the severity, frequency and duration of the current infection and any future recurrences. Persons with herpes simplex are also advised to adopt safe sex measures like the use of condoms.
Herpes Testing
Herpes is a viral disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus. The virus can affect various parts of the body and produce recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters on the affected area. There are actually two general types of the virus. The first of which is the HSV Type 1 which is transmitted by kissing and sharing of eating utensils. The second type is HSV Type 2 which is transmitted by sexual contact.
The Herpes simplex virus commonly infects the mouth and the genital areas. But in very rare cases, they can also infect the brain and the eyes. In order to detect the presence of the virus, a series of diagnostic tests needs to be done, most of which are done with samples taken from the mouth and the genitals. So if you are interested, read on and learn about the different kinds of tests that are now being used to detect the presence of the virus.
The Herpes simplex virus commonly infects the mouth and the genital areas. But in very rare cases, they can also infect the brain and the eyes. In order to detect the presence of the virus, a series of diagnostic tests needs to be done, most of which are done with samples taken from the mouth and the genitals. So if you are interested, read on and learn about the different kinds of tests that are now being used to detect the presence of the virus.
Herpes Simplex Viral Culture
Virus or bacteria from the affected area are cultured and those that are seen growing on the medium are identified. Usually, cells or secretions are collected from the affected area and smeared into a slide for microscopic examination. This method is most popularly used in cases where genital herpes is suspected. However, medical professionals need to always take extra care when using this kind of test because it has a tendency to produce false negative results.
Antibody Tests
The aim of this test is to look for antigens that are specific to the Herpes simplex virus. These markers are known as the antibodies. Normally, compatible antigen and antibodies will produce a coagulation reaction that will indicate the presence of a certain bacteria or virus. In this case, viral antibodies are used to detect the presence of Herpes simplex antigens.
PCR Test
The PCR test or the Polymerase Reaction Test is a diagnostic test that makes use of the actual genetic material of the virus. This is a more specific test which can tell whether patients are infected with the HSV 1 or the HSV 2 virus. The PCR test is not usually done on skin samples but is more commonly used for testing other body fluids such as the blood or spinal fluid.
Herpes Simplex Virus Antigen Detection
The Herpes simplex virus antigen detection test makes use of viral markers to detect the presence of the virus in certain body fluids. Antigens are usually detected through microscopic examination of slides containing the contaminated samples. This particular test is usually done together or in place of the Herpes simplex viral culture test.
Although there is still no cure for the disease, early detection is very important for immediate treatment. The virus stays with the infected patient throughout his/her life and can produce outbreaks every now and then.
Anti-herpes medications act to help alleviate the symptoms and decrease the frequency and the severity of the outbreaks.
Most of these diagnostic tests are easily accessible. In fact, there are now plenty of accredited medical laboratories that do independent and equally reliable tests for patients.
Although there is still no cure for the disease, early detection is very important for immediate treatment. The virus stays with the infected patient throughout his/her life and can produce outbreaks every now and then.
Anti-herpes medications act to help alleviate the symptoms and decrease the frequency and the severity of the outbreaks.
Most of these diagnostic tests are easily accessible. In fact, there are now plenty of accredited medical laboratories that do independent and equally reliable tests for patients.
Herpes Infection Statistics
The importance of knowing the facts and figures related to herpes simplex cannot be overemphasized. At the very least, said knowledge will educate more people about the impact of the viral disease on both physical and psychological health. Here then are the figures for herpes simplex for both the oral and genital types.
Approximately one in six adults between 14 to 49 years of age has the HSV-2 infection with many not even noticing it during the first time. This translates to roughly 30 million Americans infected with the virus. Each year, 1 million new of herpes are recorded worldwide with half a million new cases in the United States alone. Genital herpes is more common in females than in males. Roughly 1 in 5 women will have it while only 1 in 9 men will suffer from outbreaks within the same 14-49 year old age group. However, transmission from an infected man to his female sex partner is higher than from an infected woman to her male sex partner. About 80% of first-episode HSV-2 will recur while only 50% of cases will recur for the HSV-1 type.
Unfortunately, genital herpes is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection such that the number of cases for all other types of STDs pale in comparison. Learn more about what to do about herpes.
Approximately one in six adults between 14 to 49 years of age has the HSV-2 infection with many not even noticing it during the first time. This translates to roughly 30 million Americans infected with the virus. Each year, 1 million new of herpes are recorded worldwide with half a million new cases in the United States alone. Genital herpes is more common in females than in males. Roughly 1 in 5 women will have it while only 1 in 9 men will suffer from outbreaks within the same 14-49 year old age group. However, transmission from an infected man to his female sex partner is higher than from an infected woman to her male sex partner. About 80% of first-episode HSV-2 will recur while only 50% of cases will recur for the HSV-1 type.
Unfortunately, genital herpes is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection such that the number of cases for all other types of STDs pale in comparison. Learn more about what to do about herpes.