Understanding the Herpes Virus
Understanding the Herpes Virus – Herpes is a group of viruses that can cause infections. Herpes virus infections are generally characterized by dry skin, blisters, or open, watery sores. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZ) are types of herpes viruses that commonly infect humans.
Understanding the Herpes Virus
roskapital – The herpes virus can attack anyone. A history of contact with sufferers of this viral infection and a weak immune system are factors that can increase the risk of contracting the herpes virus.
Herpes viruses are divided into three large groups, namely alpha (α) herpesvirus, beta (β) herpesvirus, and gamma (γ) herpesvirus. Of these three groups, there are eight types of herpes viruses that can infect humans, namely:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1)
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpesvirus 6 (HBLV)
- Herpesvirus 7
- Herpesvirus 8 Kaposi’s sarcoma
Causes of Herpes
Although there are many types of herpes viruses that can attack humans, the alpha herpesvirus group is the one that most often causes infection. Some types of viruses from this group include:
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Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1)
HSV 1 is a type of herpes virus that often causes oral herpes (mouth) or labial herpes (lips). However, HSV 1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals and cause genital herpes in people who receive oral sex from people with oral herpes.
HSV 1 can be spread through direct contact between people with herpes and healthy individuals, such as through kissing or sharing eating utensils or lip cosmetics, such as lipstick.
In most cases, HSV 1 is transmitted by individuals who are infected but do not show symptoms. However, the risk of transmission is higher if there is contact with people who have open sores due to HSV 1.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2)
HSV 2 is the main cause of genital herpes. This viral infection can recur with varying frequencies in various infected individuals.
The HSV 2 virus is transmitted through direct contact with sores on people with herpes, for example during sexual intercourse. In some rare cases, HSV 2 can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
VZV is the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (shingles). Chickenpox occurs when the varicella-zoster virus infects a person for the first time.
Meanwhile, herpes zoster, also known as skin herpes, occurs when the dormant VZV virus in the body reactivates. A person can also be infected with this virus from an individual who has shingles.
VZV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with someone with chickenpox. This viral infection can be recognized by the appearance of fluid-filled skin blisters (vesicles). VZV can also be transmitted through direct contact with fluid in the vesicles or saliva droplets when the sufferer sneezes or coughs.
Generally, the virus has been in the sufferer’s body for 7-21 days before the rash or other symptoms appear. However, the sufferer can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to others 48 hours before the rash appears.
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Risk factors for herpes
Herpes can infect anyone in all age groups. However, this viral infection is more likely to occur in individuals who frequently interact with herpes sufferers, such as medical personnel or family members who care for herpes patients.
For herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, the following factors can increase the risk of being infected with this virus:
– Being female
– Frequently changing sexual partners
– Having a weak immune system due to taking certain medications or having HIV/AIDS
– Having a sexually transmitted disease
Meanwhile, several factors that can make someone more at risk of being infected with the VZV virus are:
– Being under 12 years old
– Having a history of direct contact with someone with chickenpox
– Working or being active in a school or special facility for children, especially if there is a child who is experiencing chickenpox
– Having a weak immune system, either due to illness or side effects of medication
In addition to causing chickenpox, the VZV virus can also cause herpes zoster. Several factors and conditions that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing herpes zoster, namely:
– Aged 60 years and over
– Having a history of chickenpox
– Suffering from diseases that can weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer
– Undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or using immunosuppressant drugs
Herpes Symptoms
Herpes infection usually occurs in several stages. The symptoms or complaints that can arise at each stage can vary, as explained below:
1. Primary stage
The primary stage occurs on the 2nd to 8th day after herpes infection occurs. Symptoms that appear in this phase are small, painful blisters on the skin.
The blisters usually contain clear or cloudy fluid. The blisters can burst, causing open wounds. The area around the blisters will also be reddish.
2. Latent stage
In this stage, the blisters and wounds that previously appeared will subside. However, in this phase, the virus is developing and spreading to the nerves near the spinal cord under the skin.
3. Shedding stage
The virus begins to multiply at the nerve endings of the body’s organs. If the infected nerve endings are located in organs that produce fluids, such as the testicles or vagina, then the herpes virus can be contained in body fluids such as semen and vaginal mucus. Usually, in this phase, sufferers do not complain of specific symptoms.
4. Recurrence stage (reappearance)
At this stage, the blister rash on the skin that occurred in the primary stage can reappear, but usually not as severe as the previous blisters and wounds. Other symptoms that can arise at this recurrence stage are itching, tingling, and pain that appear in the area of infection in the first stage. At this stage, herpes can also reappear in other areas of the body, such as in the eyes.
As previously mentioned, symptoms or complaints when infected with the herpes virus can vary, depending on the phase that is occurring, the type of virus that infects, and the patient’s immune system.
It should be noted that not all herpes sufferers experience the same symptoms. In fact, this condition sometimes does not cause any symptoms. However, in some people who experience herpes virus infection, the following symptoms will appear:
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Muscle pain
– Loss of appetite