Health

Herpes: understand the infection and protect yourself

02/15/2013

The virus that causes the bubbles on the lips can be the same but it affects the genitals. Learn more about the disease
São Paulo - The uncomfortable blisters and sores on the lips are the most common manifestation of infection caused by a virus which has already reached 80% of the world population: the herpes virus.
Lesions typical of herpes: crisis is related to low immunity | Photo: Play Internet
The herpes infection may be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Once infected, the organism will coexist with these micro-organisms for the rest of his life. This is because the virus is not eliminated from the body. It integrates into the genetic material of the cells of the body and lies dormant and can manifest periodically or never manifest.
In most infected unfortunately, the herpes virus is manifested in the form of an infection typical well with small blisters on the skin surface - the so called vesicles - that rupture causing pain and giving rise to annoying feridinhas.
This demonstration, which doctors call crisis or outbreak of herpes occurs generally when the immune system is weakened and the body's defenses can not naturally contain the virus action.
A very common question on who is surprised by an attack of herpes is the infection that appears on the face, especially the mouth region is the same that can affect the skin and genital region. The infectious Artur Timerman explains:
"The type 1 virus affects more the lips and face, and type 2 is more common in the genital region. Today, however, it is possible that the two types of virus affecting the two areas due to the spread of oral sex without protection, "explains Artur Timerman infectious disease.
To avoid contamination by any of the two types of viruses that cause herpes, you must use condoms in all sexual intercourse, including oral sex, and avoid direct contact with the blisters or sores on the mouth and region face.
"The oral transmission is widespread nowadays, so it is more difficult to prevent. But if the person is with active lesions should not maintain direct contact with other people and should not share personal items such as cutlery, towels, toothbrush and makeup, "advises infectologist Luiggi Miguez, Balbino Hospital (RJ).
As the herpes virus is not eliminated by the body, treatment of the infection is done if and when the lesions begin to appear - seizures lasting from three to seven days. In general, Timerman said, it can be treated with oral antiviral medication, and only in people who have very frequent infections.
"The remedy is only effective if used within 24 hours of the initial crisis. If administered in time, may even abort the crisis, but this will depend on the immunity of each ", says Timerman.
Herpes zoster
Another infection with characteristics very similar to those of herpes causes much concern for who has it. Is herpes zoster, commonly known as "shingles." It generates the same blisters and sores, but is caused by another virus, varicella zoster virus (VZV) - the same as that causes chickenpox (varicella or).
All people who have already had chickenpox herpes zoster in the body and also will live with him until the end of their lives. This latent infection and localized nerve does not cause any problems in most infected. In 15% of cases, however, the infection manifests itself eventually, usually when the body's defense system is weakened, causing severe pain in the nerves affected by the virus.
"The difference between infection caused by herpes zoster is that it follows the path of the nerves, either in the leg, back or face. The disease is called 'shingles' because of it. The injuries are the way of the nerve, which is done longilíneo a snake, "said Miguez.
 


Source: The Day Online

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