Herpes-Simplex: Type 2 Essay, Research Paper

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 common, 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 sex, 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.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Sol Gordon. Facts About STD:Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Ed-U-Press, New

York City. Copyright 1983

2. Ronald J. Glasser. The Body Is the Hero. Random House, New York City

Copyright 1976