The common and the contagious understanding herpes

Many of you are unaware that herpes is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the world. It is so common that the global burden of herpes simplex virus type 1 alone is huge, amounting to more than 3.7 billion cases under the age of 50–or 67% of the population are infected with it. A highly contagious virus that affects the entire system, Herpes is a lifelong infection that often has mild or no symptoms but can be detected by the presence of antibodies in the blood. 

If you have ever had a cold sore or a fever blister, then it is likely that you have acquired the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores or mouth herpes are caused by HSV type 1. As for genital herpes, these are caused by the HSV type 2. Nearly 60% of people infected with HSV will not notice any symptoms of the virus since most outbreaks are mild. Unfortunately, the infection is incurable but on a positive note, it is always manageable and treatable. The virus retreats to specific nerve roots, where it can be dormant for long periods of time. Women who have acquired HSV-2 or genital herpes would most probably feel headache, muscle ache, fever and lower back pain. 

HSV and HIV

Most people who are infected with HSV think that they may already have acquired HIV. Nonetheless, a person can have the herpes viruses and NOT have HIV. It is important to understand that these two are separate infections.

Herpes outbreaks can be easily triggered by stress, both physical and emotional, even if a person is either infected or not infected with HIV. People are expected to have these outbreaks when their body is under strain such as lacking of sleep, too much drug/alcohol abuse, as well having anxieties. So it is always a recommendation to avoid stress as much as possible. Likewise, having recurring HSV outbreaks doesn't certainly mean having HIV infection. Although those who HIV and HSV all together can have outbreaks occurring more often than those with HSV alone. I

Fearfully, open sores in the mouth or on the genitals caused by HSV can increase HIV transmission since it is easier for the HIV virus to get into the body. When one has an underlying infection, his/her immune system produces macrophages, the disease-fighting cells. The HIV virus then can bind these cells in the vagina or anus. When one has genital infection, these macrophages gives HIV more opportunity for body transmission.

Medical Protection  

At present, there are no existing vaccines available to protect people from acquiring HSV but a promising vaccine that treats HSV-2 or genital herpes is now under Phase II trials. Most vaccines that pass Phase I are then moved to human trial (phase II) where they may be deemed legit to progress into Phase 3 to test in more human subjects. 

The GEN-003 vaccine helps control both outbreaks and shedding. Unlike other vaccines that prevents first-hand infection, GEN-003 is a therapeutic vaccine that aids those people who are already infected with HSV-2. 

GEN-003 targets the T-cells in the immune system to help manage the virus. Trial results revealed that a series of three injections of GEN-003 were successful in reducing viral shedding among the volunteers for up to 12 months. These results are important because they not only provide the volunteers with less painful outbreaks, but may also reduce their likeliness of spreading the virus to others. 

Medical Treatment

There are various treatment options available for genital herpes:

​Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can be also used for treating chicken pox and shingles. It is one of the oldest and safest treatment available. It is available in both topical ointment and pill form. It is also generally considered safe to use even during pregnancy and lactation. Its main function is to decrease the production of the virus’ DNA.  ​

With penciclovir as its main ingredient, Famciclovir stops HSV from multiplying, thus, suppressing recurring episodes of HSV-2. It is well absorbed by the body and have been found effective even though taken lesser that the acyclovir. 

One of the newer herpes medication, Valacyclovir then reduces HSV transmission from those with recurring infection. It is a reinforced acyclovir since it is taken fewer times that normal acyclovir dosage.

Over-the-counter creams and/or ointments are not recommended for genital herpes, since they can interfere with the healing process in a number of ways, causing genital outbreaks to last longer.

One must be aware about the different preventive guideline to avoid acquiring herpes. Like most sexually transmitted infections, people with HSV must not be allowed to have direct skin-to-skin contact with uninfected people. Nevertheless, people are encouraged to use latex condom during sexual intercourse and dental dam for oral sex. It is also advisable to commit to a monogamous sexual relationship, practice self-discipline and good personal hygiene.