Herpes
simplex virus
Key facts
- The herpes simplex virus, or herpes, is categorized into 2
types: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex
virus type 2 (HSV-2).
- HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause
oral herpes (which can include symptoms known as “cold sores”),
but can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital
herpes.
- Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are lifelong.
- An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1
infection globally.
- An estimated 417 million people aged 15-49 (11%) worldwide
have HSV-2 infection.
- Most oral and genital herpes infections are asymptomatic.
Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers at the
site of infection.
- Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present
but can still be transmitted to others in the absence of symptoms.
- Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and
transmitting HIV infection.
Introduction
Infection with the herpes simplex virus, commonly
known as herpes, can be due to either herpes simplex virus type
1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is mainly
transmitted by oral to oral contact to cause infection in or around
the mouth (oral herpes). HSV-2 is almost exclusively sexually transmitted,
causing infection in the genital or anal area (genital herpes).
However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through
oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes.
Both oral herpes infections and genital herpes
infections are mostly asymptomatic but can cause mild symptoms or
painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection.
Source
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2),
are two members of the herpes virus family.
Herpes virus, generally infect humans . It clears
up without treatment within 7-10 days. The herpes simplex virus
(HSV-1) is usually responsible for cold sores.
In rare cases, cold sores can also be caused by
the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This can be a result of
having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes. The herpes
simplex virus, is highly contagious and can be easily passed from
person to person by close direct contact. After someone has contracted
the virus, it remains dormant (inactive) for most of the time. Although
the virus can be activated by certain triggers, resulting in an
outbreak of cold sores. These triggers vary from person to person
but can include fatigue, an injury to the affected area.
Source
Interviews
We plan to do einterviews with MBBS doctors to understand 4 things
1) Tests or questions you ask in first few meetings
2) What it means in medical terms
3) What it means in non medical terms
4) What should the patient or care takers do
We might interview Aurvedic doctors, homeopathic doctors, Yoga teachers
on this health issue
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