Is There A Cure?

What is Herpes?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 is a virus that affects the neurological system by causing sores around the genital and/or mouth area during an outbreak. Herpes is a common infection as the virus lives in the body system of an infected person forever. The symptoms recur when there is a change in the body balance such as stress. What nerves are affected by the virus?

* Sacral

* Trigeminal Neurons in the sacral ganglia is considered to be the site of primary HSV-2 latency. The sacral plexus is the network of nerve fibers which supply stimulation to the skin and muscle of the pelvis and lower limb. HSV-2 lay dormant in these nerve areas and when reactivated causes an outbreak on and around the genital area.

The trigeminal ganglia contain neurons that supplies sensations to the mucous membranes, face, and structures of the head. This is the largest of the cranial nerves. Trigeminal ganglion is responsible for HSV-1 latency which during outbreak causes cold sores/blisters around the mouth area. OMG how do I know the difference in types? There is 8 different strains of human herpes viruses. The most common are the HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses are of the same trait namely but effects different areas. HSV-1 (herpes simplex 1) effect’s the facial area mainly leaving cold sores around the mouth or lips. HSV-2 (herpes simplex 2) effects the lower limbs which in turns cause genital herpes. Which area can get infected and what triggers herpes? As learned earlier, the genital and mouth is most common. The virus can also affect the vulva, cervix, anus, penis, inner thighs, mouth, lips, eyes, and scrotum. Statistics shows that over 90% of people are infected by the virus (HSV-1) and over 50% are infected by HSV-2. The virus is so dormant that most people never experience an outbreak and therefore are unaware that they are a carrier of the virus. Certain stimuli causes the virus to come from its dormant stage such as stress, surgery, cold, flu, depression, anxiety, trauma, and menstruation. How can you contract the virus? Despite HSV-2 being labeled as a STD, the virus actually contracted by skin to skin contact unlike most STDs. HSV-1 is contracted by kissing and/or oral sex. HSV-2 is contracted by sexual intercourse. Once coming in contact with the virus through broken skin, the virus then enters the body, travels through the nervous systems, and stay put where it remains dormant until it’s retriggered. If it’s triggered, it then travels to its point of entry where it sheds. Common Symptoms

* Cold sores (fever blisters) * Genital sores or blisters * Painful urination * Itchiness * Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area * Vaginal discharge * Penile discharge * Flu-like symptoms * Fever Some prodromal symptoms may go unnoticeable such as pain, tingling, or burning prior to reactivation. At this stage, the virus is very contagious even when there are no visible symptoms of an outbreak. Many may pass this on as something else due to the symptoms being similar to other health issues. Could my age be a factor? Unfortunately, the virus does not discriminate with age, size, gender, or race. Many children get affected during preschool years due to sharing eating utensils and kissing others that are contagious. Neonatal herpes is transmitted from a mother during vaginal birth to a newborn. 1 in every 3,500 birth a newborn contract neonatal herpes which need immediate care. Cesarean birth reduces that rate down to 1%. Prevalence of both strain of the virus increases with age. 

According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was higher in females. HSV-2 was the highest among Non-Hispanic black persons.

Immunocompromised effects....... Those who have a weakened immune system including aids, cancer, and inherited diseases are at increased risks of HSV exposure. The weakened immune system allows the body to be more reciprocal to viruses and infections. Some T-cell deficiencies include

* Cancer * Aids * Lymphoma * Diabetes * Marrow and other transplantations NOTE: Contact your doctor if you think you may be at risk....... What are my options for testing? There are a few options available for testing including blood tests, PCR test, and culture. The accuracy of each test varies.

* PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used for the detection of genital herpes. PCR looks for pieces of the virus DNA from cell and/or fluid from the genital sore and the urinary tract. PCR is most accurate.

* Viral Culture test, is done by taking scrapes or swabbing of the sores. This test is best read within the first 48 hours of outbreak due to the decline in the virus. This type test has a higher rate of producing a false negative when in fact a person can be infected.

* Blood testing, test the antibodies in the blood by taking a blood sample to check the IgG levels. Immunoglobulin IgG is responsible for fighting the virus. Is there a cure? Unfortunately, there is no medical cure. There are options to help suppress some symptoms. The lack of medical treatment for herpes is due to the complicated and elusive nature of the virus hence developing a vaccine or drug is difficult. Another reason is the period of dormancy that herpes can comfortably stay in the system without showing any signs or symptoms. 

However, there have been some ongoing trials. One promising result is a therapeutic bivalent vaccine GEN-003 for the treatment of HSV-2. The manufacturers, clinical report showed that after three-doses of treatment, it reduced the amount of viral shedding keeping the virus at bay for 12months in adults with symptomatic genital herpes. The trial also shows the reduction of blisters and sores. Drug Comparison As said above, there is no cure but there are treatment options available to help manage the conditions and live a healthy normal life. There are three drugs commonly used

* Acyclovir (Zovirax), the oldest antiviral treatment. In 1982, this was available as an ointment and in year 1985 it became available in pill form.

* Valacyclovir (Valtrex), uses acyclovir as an active ingredient. This drug allows the body to absorb more, which can allow fewer daily doses.

* Famciclovir (Famvir),Famciclovir uses penciclovir as the active ingredient that stops the replication of the virus. 

Most side effects are common in all three drugs. There are some serious side effects such as

* Trouble speaking * Unsteady movements * Changes in urine amount * Confusion * And others

NOTE: If you experience serious side effects seek emergency care.