herpes simplextype 2

HERPES-SIMPLEX - TYPE 2 Herpes is a name that is used to
describe several types of skin eruptions that are characterized by
formation of blisters. The term embraces primarily two distinct disorders,
herpes simplex and herpes zoster, both caused by viruses. Together,
these "herpes" viruses are estimated to cause more human illnesses than
any other group of viruses. Two types of herpes simplex are
known. The first causes cold sores or fever blisters, which is an eruption
of blisters that often occurs during the course of or after one of a variety
of diseases that eventually cause fever (most commonly average colds,
the flu, and pneumonia). The blisters usually appear around the mouth
and on the lips (herpes labialis), about the nose, face, and ears, and in
the mouth and pharynx. The causative virus has been shown to be
present in the cell bodies of the facial nerve in persons who do not have
blisters. It is this reservoir of latent virus that is the source of repeated
attacks. Except for lotions to relieve pain, itching, or inflammation, no
established treatmemt has actually been developed. The second
type of the herpes simplex virus, however, is the usual cause of genital
herpes. Herpes infections of the genital area have become increasingly
"Herpes,"page 2common, going along with a rise in general of
many sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes accompanied by
headache and fever, the condition usually begins with a mild itching,
followed by the development of clusters of blisters that break and crust to
form scabs that eventually dry up. The process may last one to three
weeks. In many cases new clusters of blisters appear as others heal.
When a baby is born to a woman who has active genital herpes lesions,
the infant is at high risk of contracting an infection that is often fatal, so
these women usually have their babies delivered by a cesarian section.
Primary cases of genital herpes can be treated by a drug called acyclovir,
which was approved in 1982 and in another form, that is to be taken
orally rather than used in an ointment form, in 1984. It also has been
proving useful against recurrent attacks. The virus can also invade

the central nervous system, or CNS, especially in people who are
weakened by other diseases, such as cancer, causing a severe case of
encephalitis. Early treatment of herpetic encephalitis with the drug
acyclovir can prevent death and brain damage in many cases. How
can herpes be prevented? Because the disease is transmitted most often
through bodily fluids, the simpliest protection is to simply protect yourself.
During "Herpes," page 3sex, one of the partners should definitely
be wearing a condom, and that alone will greatly cut down an individual's
chances of acquiring the virus of herpes-simplex type-2. "HERPES"
BIBLIOGRAPHY1. Sol Gordon Facts About STD:Sexually Transmitted
Diseases. Ed-U-Press, New York CityCopyright 19832. Ronald J.
GlasserThe Body Is the Hero. Random House, New York CityCopyright
1976