How Effective Is Valacyclovir for Cold Sores?

Herpes simplex virus infection, often called herpes, can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is transmitted mainly through mouth-to-mouth contact, causing infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes). Herpes simplex virus type 2 is transmitted almost exclusively through sex, causing infections in the genitals or anus (genital herpes). However, herpes simplex virus type 1 can also spread to the genital area through mouth-to-genital contact, causing genital herpes.

There are two main serotypes of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 mainly invades the upper part of the body and can cause infections in the mouth, lips, eyes, brain, and upper parts of the body. Most of them are recessive infections and do not show symptoms. HSV-2 invades the lower part of the body, mainly the genitals. It is one of the main pathogens that cause STDs.

In the case of herpes simplex, blisters the size of rice grains are produced in the lesions. Single or small clusters of blisters occur, usually about 10 clusters, which mainly invade the skin and mucous membranes and cause itching. The skin around the blisters turns red with a slight itching and fever. If the blisters are left untreated, they will crack and form erosion after dozens of days, and then gradually heal.

The mechanism of action of HSV is generally considered as follows: First, HSV virus resides in living cells of the human body. When self-reproductive, it needs to use DNA polymerase in the human body to rely on human proteins and other materials for self-replication. Finally, new ones appear. After the virus individual broke through the host cells and spread out, the scope of the disease gradually expanded and the disease gradually worsened. ^[1]

(A) virus isolation

The patient's saliva, spinal fluid and oral, cervical, vaginal secretion, or corneal and conjunctival scrape are used to inoculate susceptible cells for 1 to 2 days. Cell swelling, rounding, and fusion with each other can be used for preliminary diagnosis. Then using immunofluorescence (IFA),

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is a highly contagious infection that is common and endemic throughout the world. Most type 1 herpes simplex virus infections occur in childhood and the infection lasts for life. Most types of herpes simplex virus infections are oral herpes (infection in or around the mouth, sometimes called cold sores or facial herpes), but some types of herpes simplex virus infections are genital herpes (infection of the genitals or anus).

Herpes simplex virus type 2 infections are common throughout the world, almost exclusively through sexual transmission, and cause genital herpes. Although herpes simplex virus type 1 can also cause genital herpes, herpes simplex virus type 2 is the main cause of genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 2 infections last a lifetime and there is no cure.

The scope of the HSV herpes simplex virus problem

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is a global problem, with an estimated 417 million people worldwide infected in 2012. It is estimated that the prevalence of type 2 herpes simplex virus infection is highest in Africa (31.5%), followed by the Americas (14.4%). Although adolescents are the most recently infected, the situation also shows that viral infections increase with age.

More women are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 than men; in 2012, an estimated 267 million women and 150 million men lived with the disease. This is because herpes simplex virus is more easily transmitted from men to women through sexual transmission than from women to men.

HSV herpes simplex virus symptoms and signs

Genital herpes infections are usually asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that are difficult to detect. Most infected people do not know their infection status. Generally, about 10-20% of patients with type 2 herpes simplex virus infection will report a previous diagnosis of genital herpes.

When symptoms occur, genital herpes is characterized by the appearance of one or more genital or anal blisters or open sores called ulcers. In addition to genital ulcers, symptoms of new genital herpes infections usually include fever, soreness, and enlarged lymph nodes.

After the first episode of genital herpes simplex virus infection, relapse symptoms often occur, but they are often not as severe as the first episode. The frequency of attacks tends to decrease over time. Before genital ulcers appear, people with herpes simplex virus type 2 will experience mild tingling or lightning-like pain in the legs, crotch, and hips.

HSV herpes simplex virus transmission

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is mainly transmitted during sexual activity through contact with the genital surface, skin, sores, or body fluids of a person infected with the virus. Herpes simplex virus type 2 can spread through what appears to be normal genital and anal skin and is often transmitted without symptoms.

In rare cases, herpes simplex virus type 2 infection can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

Possible complications of HSV herpes simplex virus

2 HSV herpes simplex virus type 2 herpes simplex virus and HIV

It has been shown that there is an interaction between herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV. Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection can increase the risk of acquiring new HIV infections by about three times. In addition, people who have both HIV and herpes simplex virus infection are more likely to pass HIV to others. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the most common form of infection among HIV carriers, accounting for 60-90% of people living with HIV.

When people living with HIV (and other immunocompromised people) develop type 2 herpes simplex virus infection, they tend to have more severe disease manifestations and more frequent relapses. In the later stages of HIV infection, herpes simplex virus type 2 can cause more severe but rare complications such as meningoencephalitis, esophagitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, retinal necrosis, or disseminated infection.

Neonatal herpes

Neonatal herpes can occur when a baby is exposed to herpes simplex virus in the genital tract during childbirth. This condition is very rare, with an estimated 10 cases per 100,000 births worldwide, but it can cause persistent neurological dysfunction or death. Neonatal herpes is at greatest risk when a mother first develops a herpes simplex virus infection in late pregnancy. Women with genital herpes before pregnancy have a low risk of transmitting herpes simplex virus to their babies.

Psychosocial impact

Recurrent genital herpes symptoms can cause pain and can cause some social stigma and psychological stress. These factors can have a significant impact on quality of life and sexual relationships. However, over time, most people with herpes get used to living with illness.

treatment

Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are the most effective drugs available to people with herpes simplex virus infection. These drugs can help alleviate the severity and frequency of symptoms, but they do not cure the infection.

prevention

Patients with herpes simplex virus genital infections should not have sex during the symptoms of genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is most contagious at the onset of sores, but it can also spread when there are no symptoms or if the symptoms are not obvious.

Consistent and correct use of condoms can help reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission, but condoms only provide partial protection because herpes simplex virus can be seen in areas where the condom is not covered. Medical male circumcision allows men to form part-of-life protection against herpes simplex virus, HIV and human papilloma virus.

Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform their health care provider. Prevention of new genital herpes infections is particularly important for women in the third trimester, as they are at greatest risk for neonatal herpes later in pregnancy.

More research is underway to identify more effective prevention methods for herpes simplex virus infections, such as vaccines or topical fungicides (compounds that can be used in the vagina or rectum to prevent sexually transmitted infections). ^[2]