15:38 - 31.05.2018

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Herpes derives its name from the Greek word herpein, which means to creep or crawl. This is a viral infection, which is characterized by the appearance of fluid-filled blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.

Antibodies of herpes are found in the blood of 90% of individuals aged above 40 years, and they face with herpes at least once in their lives.

The severity of herpes relates mainly to the state of the immune system. Herpes simplex primarily affects the skin, mucous membrane, nervous system and other organs.

The herpes virus is often the causative agent of such infectious diseases as chickenpox, herpes on the lip, shingles, infectious mononucleosis, exanthema, genital herpes, etc.

Herpes is also known as a cause of multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and some cancer diseases.

Most people are unaware that they are infected with herpes virus. In some cases, herpes becomes active simultaneously with other infections, such as SARS and influenza. It is also known that herpes is detected after stress, hard physical work and surgery.

Methods of infection with herpes

Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact: when touching, shaking hands, hugs, kisses, as well as through personal hygiene items and household items. Genital herpes is transmitted sexually.

Also, herpes can be passed from a sick mother to a fetus during pregnancy.

What are the signs of herpes?

Currently, there are 8 types of herpes, and each type has its own characteristics.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) is expressed in small rashes on the face, in particular, on the lips.

HSV2 mainly affects the skin and mucosa in the area of the genitals (sex organs). Such herpes can lead to infertility in men and women.

HSV3 (the causative agent of chickenpox) leads to the appearance of chicken pox in children, and shingles in adults. In case of chickenpox there appear single lesions that spread on the hairy skin of the head and the entire body. And shingles only spreads to nerve roots and nerves. Typical shingles affects the body, intercostal nerves and is accompanied by severe pain. HSV3 can also cause bronchitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and myocardium.

HSV4 (Epstein-Barr virus) causes infectious mononucleosis (“glandular fever”). Its symptoms are angina, hepatitis and lymphadenopathy. The severity of the disease, depending on the immune system, can occur with severe hepatitis, jaundice and intoxication.

HSV5 (Cytomegalovirus) affects the internal organs of adults: liver, lungs, heart and kidneys. This virus is especially dangerous for the fetus and newborns. If a woman becomes infected with this virus during pregnancy, it can lead to intrauterine fetal death, and in the postpartum period to blindness or death.

HSV6, affecting the nervous system, can lead to depression, emotional problems. According to some sources, this type of herpes can cause cancer.

HSV7 causes development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

And HSV8 in patients with AIDS causes the Kaposi's Sarcoma.

What should be done to prevent herpes?

As we noted above, herpes can lead to serious health problems, and in some cases - to death. In view of this, in case of diseases accompanied by any rashes, you should contact your doctor. Timely and correct diagnosis and comprehensive treatment will help you keep your health.

Given the abovesaid, we conclude that there are two ways to protect against herpes:

* The immune system must be strong and healthy;

* The rules of personal hygiene should be followed as strictly as possible.