Herpes Simplex Virus: Overview, Causes, Symptoms and Prevalence
Herpes Simplex Virus: Overview, Causes, Symptoms and Prevalence
Herpes simplex virus or HSV causes a contagious disease that is sexually transmitted. It belongs to herpesviridae, a family of herpes virus that causes infection to people. Herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 are two categories of herpes virus that causes infection. Herpes type 1 result to cold sores on the mouth and herpes type 2 cause genital herpes although an increasing number of genital herpes due to HSV type 1 have been documented because of various sexual practices.
Both classes of herpes virus are transmitted through direct contact with the infected skin, lesions or body fluids during active infection. HSV type 2 is transmitted basically by sexual contact. Once inside the body, it travels through the skin and mucous membranes and sensory nerves where it replicates and stays for the rest of the patient’s life. Because of this, herpes simplex virus infection can have periods of activity and remissions. As discussed, it is contagious during active infection where the patient has visible symptoms. However, transmission is also possible during the latent stage. Patients with HSV can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Herpes can also be passed on to neonates during vaginal birth where the baby comes in contact with the lesions.
Specific Causes of Herpes Simplex Virus infection
Incidences of herpes simplex virus infection are largely related on the following factors:
- Being sexually active. Since HSV infection is largely sexually transmitted, any contact with anyone suffering the disease may put risk of developing it too.
- Being polygamous (multiple sexual partners). This puts greater risk in developing the disease because of exposure to many people potentially carrying it.
- Immunosuppression. A weak immune system puts an individual to becoming infected with any types of diseases including herpes. Immunosuppression includes but not limited to having HIV/AIDS and taking immunosuppressant medications such as steroids.
Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection
Signs and symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection include presence of blisters on the genitals and anus, and cold sores or fever blisters found on the areas surrounding the lips. The blisters start from a red bump then progresses into an open lesion. After that, it dries and forms a scab. The blisters normally heal within 20 days. An infected individual may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches during the start of infection. Specific manifestations depend on the site of blisters such as painful urination when they are present in the urethra; itching, tingling and burning sensation in the genitals and soreness of the mouth.
Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus
Recent statistics shows that more than 60% of American adolescents are infected with herpes type 1 and about 30% of adults suffer from it. This is an alarming condition that needs to be seen because HIV infections are greatly increased by herpes infections. Genital herpes may be caused by both types of virus, but more than 70% of cases worldwide are caused by HSV type 2 and about 90% of them have visible symptoms. In addition, 1 out of 5 women in the United States have HSV and 1 in 10 men suffer from it. This means that women have the greater risk of developing it after unprotected sexual contact. Hence, to prevent spread of herpes simplex virus, a safe or protected sexual practice should be exercised especially in women.
