INTRODUCTION: Herpes is a very common infection produced by 2 different but closely related viruses. Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It infects the nervous system, modifying the DNA of the nerve cells supplying the skin through which it entered. It may also play a part in the spread of HIV, the virus that is said to cause AIDS. It is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is most contagious when sores are open and "weeping" until the scabs heal and fall off. Herpes is estimated to affect some 80,000,000 persons in America.

SYMPTOMS: include feeling like you have the flu and blisters that appear and then burst in the genital area, causing painful sores which may include burning feelings if urine flows over sores, unable to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra, itching in the infected area.

Severe first episodes may have symptoms that include swollen, tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, and under the arms, fever, chills, headache, general run-down feelings, achy, flu-like feelings. Flare-ups usually heal in 10-14 days. They may be more painful and last longer in women or men with illnesses that weaken the immune system like leukemia and HIV.

Outbreaks normally begin with pain, tenderness, or itching in the genital region and may also include fever and headache. Avoid physical contact with the area from the start of the first signs (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not simply scabbed-over.

SORES: The 1st outbreak normally happens within two weeks after transmission, and the sores usually heal within two to four weeks. They may also show up in the mouth, but this usually only happens the 1st time oral symptoms appear. Also it is possible to get genital herpes from cold sores. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a 2nd crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful sores in many adults, and infections can be severe in those with suppressed immune systems. There may be some early warning signs prior to an outbreak such as tingling, burning, or itching where sores were previously.

TREATMENT: There is no known cure for the disease, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. Treatment should begin at the first signs of an outbreak for best results as far as duration and healing are concern. Should it begin before the lesions appear, it is possible that the outbreak can be averted. Recently valacyclovir was released to be used as a three day treatment for recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes. This is an effective approach that achieves the highest blood levels of medication available.

CONCLUSION: Herpes is an infection that is produced by a simplex virus. It can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected persons more infectious. It is contagious if the carrier is producing and shedding virus and can cause a wide range of signs and symptoms. Some are dramatic and fairly easy to recognize; others are subtle and may be ignored or confused with another ailment. The Virus is very contagious and can be passed from person to person through any kind of unprotected sex.

Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens. Efforts to develop a vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. There is no cure to date.