HERPES SIMPLEX

WHAT CAUSES HERPES SIMPLEX?

• Also known as "HSV" (Herpes Simplex Virus)
• When HSV is present on the surface of the skin of an infected person it can easily pass on to another person through the moist skin which lines the mouth, anus and genitals. The virus may also pass onto another person through other areas of human skin, as well as the eyes.
• aad.org
• medicalnewstoday.com

WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW DID IT START?

• Herpes was first formally recognized in Greece by Hippocrates (460 to 370 BCE), who wrote about the symptoms of herpes lesions.
• The word herpes is taken from the Greek "herpein," meaning to creep or crawl. This refers to the way the herpes sores spread over the affected area.
• hellolife.net

TRANSMISSION OF DISEASE

• Around the mouth: kissing, touching skin, sharing objects such as silverware, lip balm, or a razor.
• On genitals: sexual intercourse
• aad.org

SYMPTOMS/DIAGNOSIS

• Blisters on the genitals, sores around the mouth, pain when urinating, fever
• Women may have blisters and ulceration on the cervix
• Most people do not have apparent symptoms for many months, or even years after becoming infected.
• If there are symptoms, they are noticed 4-7 days after being infected
• medicalnewstoday.com

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

• Most people get HSV-1. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. An adult does not have to have sores to spread the virus.
• A person usually gets HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2) through sexual contact. About 20% of sexually active adults in the United States carry HSV-2.
• aad.org

TREATMENTs

• Self-Help: Painkillers, ice packs, vaseline, loose clothing, refrain from sexual activity
• No drug can get rid of the virus. A doctor may prescribe an antiviral, such as acyclovir. It prevents the virus from multiplying.
• Once a person becomes infected with a herpes virus, the virus never leaves the body. The virus stays in the nerve cells forever. The virus can be dormant.
• aad.org

PREVENTION

• Genital herpes vaccine research-scientists from the Louis University Center for Vaccine Development reported that an investigational vaccine protected some females against HSV-1
• Use protection during sexual intercourse
• Avoid making skin contact with someone with sores
• medicalnewstoday.com

"FUN" FACTS

• More than 50% of the population of the USA has herpes. Most of them don't know it.
• You cannot get genital herpes from a toilet seat.
• Genital herpes can spread from one part of your body to another.
• Genital herpes cannot make you sterile.
• medicalnewstoday.com

Works Cited