Herpes simplex is a virus that is extremely common around the world. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both occur in the oral or genital region. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both be contracted at the same. Even in monogamous relationships, you may have herpes. It is possible to spread herpes without any symptoms such as itching, blisters, or red bumps. Herpes is not only a problem for polyamorous people or those who are promiscuous.
Herpes is the most contagious during an outbreak and before or after. It’s also more infectious when there are lesions on your body. Silent viral shed occurs between outbreaks. Herpes can spread at any time. Herpes is mainly transmitted during oral and intercourse sex. Herpes can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. If used correctly, condoms can help to prevent herpes from spreading. However, they aren’t foolproof. Herpes is a painful condition, but it doesn’t mean the world has ended. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and natural remedies that can help heal herpes.
What Is Herpes
Herpes, a virus that can be transmitted sexually, is a viral disease. Herpes can be passed from mother to baby. Herpes has no “cure”, which can prevent the symptoms from returning, or eliminate the virus completely. You can strengthen your immune system by incorporating certain lifestyle changes into your daily life.
Herpes and Current Lifestyle
Herpes Simplex can be caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, or both. Cold sores can develop on the mouth or genital areas along nerve pathways. Herpes Zoster, or Shingle is caused by another virus called Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which can affect men and women.
There are 9 different herpes viruses that may infect humans. The viruses that can infect humans are herpes simplex 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpes 6A and 6B(HHV-6A & HHV-6B), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes (KSHV), as well as human herpes 7 (HHV-7). Carrying herpes represents a downward spiral that many people want to escape.
Oral Herpes v/s Genital Herpes
HSV-1 causes mainly oral herpes and cold sores. This virus can also cause genital-genitals blisters similar to those caused by HSV-2.
HSV-2 is a type of herpesvirus that primarily causes genital lesions, body pains, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes. HSV-2 can cause facial sores in rare cases.
It is difficult to determine whether lesions or sores were caused by HSV-1, or HSV-2 by simply looking at them. Your doctor may recommend that you send a sample from the blisters or skin lesions to be tested in a lab. Doctors may suggest a PCR DNA blood test to diagnose the condition.
Canker Sore v/s Cold Sore
Cold sores and canker swollen’s are two different things. Understanding the differences is important.
Both HSV-1 as well as HSV-2 can cause cold sores to appear on the lips and face. Cold sores, however, are most commonly caused by HSV-1. The sores usually appear in clusters near the lips or below the nose. Fluid-filled blisters may develop with tingling and redness. The blisters can eventually break, oozing out and forming a crusty scab. This may heal within 2 to 5 weeks.
Mouth ulcers and canker sores are often caused by food or chemical sensitivities or mild injuries, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Canker sores can appear anywhere in the mouth. They may occur at the base of the gum line, under the tongue, or inside the lips. These canker sores are yellow, white or round in shape. They may have a red border. These can appear individually or in groups. They usually heal within 1 to 2 weeks.
Modes of Transmission
HSV-1 can be transmitted by direct contact with the virus present in cold sores or their surrounding areas, saliva, and genital secretions.
Transmission of HSV-1 includes:
- Oral sex with a person infected
- Kissing an infected individual on the mouth
- Share utensils and crockery with infected persons
- Share lip balm with those who are affected
Herpes virus can affect the first area it comes in contact with. If an HSV-1-infected person performs oral sex with a partner, the virus can be transmitted. The partner may show symptoms of genital lesions. HSV-2, on the other hand, is transmitted by sexual contact. This can be genital-to-genital contact or contact with genital secrets like semen.
HSV-2 is transmitted in the following ways.
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex
Spreading Time After Exposure
When a person is infected with the Herpes Virus, it can travel to nerve cells located near the spinal cord known as dorsal root ganglions. In some cases the virus can remain dormant, causing no symptoms or issues. In some cases, the virus can manifest itself with symptoms like cold sores and pain. The symptoms might not appear immediately following the exposure.
Cold sores can usually appear in the following conditions:
- During stressful situations
- After tooth extraction
- After exposure to cold or sunlight
- You have a fever
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menstruation
- You may have other infections
Sometimes you can identify triggers for herpes outbreaks. Sometimes, however, the triggers are random.
Preventing Herpes Transmission
Here are some ways to prevent herpes Transmission:
- Sexual skin-to-skin contact can transmit genital herpes. Contact can be through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The best way to avoid spreading herpes is to avoid any contact with the mouth or genital region of another person.
- It can be hard to completely abstain from sex, so it is important to know how to have safe sex. Use dental dams or condoms as protection to lower the risk of transmission. Condoms are not a guarantee of safety. They only lower your chances of contracting herpes.
- Even if you are using a condom, avoid sexual contact during an outbreak. There can be sores where the condom does not shield. Understanding your body will help you to recognize when an outbreak may be coming so that sexual contact can be stopped at the appropriate time. You can tell if you are experiencing an outbreak by noticing signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, or tingling. Avoid sexual contact with anyone until all cold sores have healed, and the scabs have fallen off.
- You should avoid touching lesions or cold sores, as this could spread infection to other areas of the body. If you do touch the lesions, wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
- If you have sores on your lips, do not kiss anyone. This includes children and pregnant women.
- You should not use saliva to moisten your contact lenses, as this can cause oral herpes.
- You can prevent the spread of cancer by talking to your partner about your illness. Being positive, frank, and open is important. Also, let go of your need to “be right”. Your partner might take some time and analyze the situation to understand what it means for you both. Allow yourself and your partner to take the time necessary to put things together. Your partner should also be screened. The support of your family will also help you recover.
When Should I Consult a Doctor
Consult a physician if you experience any of the following symptoms: itching, burning pain, tingling, or small sores in your mouth or genital region.
What to Expect from your doctor
The doctor will examine the lesions or sores and make a preliminary diagnosis of herpes. Your doctor may ask for your medical history and suggest blood tests to confirm that the virus is present. You may need to perform specific tests on the fluids that come from the eruptions or blood to determine if the virus is HSV-1.
What are the Treatments for Herpes
Conventional Treatment of Herpes
Anti-viral medications are used in the treatment of herpes. Anti-viral medications do not work and the virus remains latent behind the blood-brain barrier, where immunity and antiviral medicines cannot penetrate. The virus can also change into strains resistant to antiviral drugs. These antivirals also have side effects when taken long-term, so they are only prescribed to patients who have an outbreak. When the patient takes an antiviral during the outbreak, it suppresses the virus for a short time. The virus will then re-emerge after a period of time. This puts you in the position of needing to take antivirals again, with no relief or permanent cure.
Natural Treatment for Herpes
Complementary natural health care can include Ayurveda and Homeopathy as well as nutritional supplements. These are all complementary methods that offer a chance to live a healthier life, without side effects. Clinical studies have shown that natural ingredients such as Hypericum Mysorense, Reginmune, and Herpes Imprints can boost the immune system. To learn more about our groundbreaking research and products, consult one of our Doctors at https://www.biogetica.com/is-herpes-treatment-a-herpes-cure#herpes
Links de referência:
- https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1831_pdf.pdf
- https://ijrap.net/index.php/login/abstractt?id=1831
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1475491699904290
- https://www.catie.ca/ga-pdf.php?file=sites/default/files/mono.pdf