About Herpes simplex virus (HSV):
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers.
- There are two types of HSV:
- HSV-1: This type primarily causes oral herpes, characterized by cold sores or fever blisters that appear around mouth or on face.
- HSV-2: This primarily causes genital herpes.
- Transmission:
- HSV is highly contagious. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus.
- Once infected, a person will have the HSV for the rest of their life.
- HSV can periodically reactivate, causing symptoms.
- Symptoms:
- Most people with herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
- Many people aren’t aware they have the infection and can pass along the virus to others without knowing.
- Others might experience occasional episodes of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores.
- These sores and blisters are typically painful. Blisters may break open, ooze, and then crust over.
- New infections may cause fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
- In rare cases, infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
- Treatment:
- It is treatable but not curable.
- Antivirals and home remedies can help ease the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medication may also lead to fewer herpes episodes.
