Does Herpes Affect The Liver

Key Points About Acute Liver Failure

• Acute liver failure happens when your liver suddenly begins to lose its ability to function

• An overdose of acetaminophen is the most common cause of acute liver failure

• Acute liver failure causes fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort on your right side, just below your ribs, and diarrhea

• Acute liver failure is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention

• If medical treatments are not effective, you may be a candidate for a liver transplant

Can Acute Liver Failure Be Prevented

You can prevent some of the underlying causes of acute liver failure. To avoid acetaminophen overdose, always follow the directions on the label when taking a drug that contains acetaminophen. Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.

You can reduce your risk of getting viral hepatitis by avoiding contact with the blood or feces of an infected person. If you visit other countries, particularly developing nations, you should avoid the local tap water. Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B.

Herpes Pregnancy And Newborn Infants

Herpes can pose serious risks for a pregnant woman and her baby. The risk is greatest for mothers with a first-time infection because the virus can be transmitted to the infant during childbirth. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using specific diagnostic tests for women in labor to determine the risk of transmission. Babies born to mothers infected with genital herpes are often treated with the antiviral drug acyclovir, which can help suppress the virus.

Also Check: How To Avoid Herpes Outbreaks

How Is Acute Liver Failure Diagnosed

Liver failure is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider will probably do an evaluation to find out if you have a history of drug use, exposure to toxins, and to check for signs of hepatitis. These signs include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Your healthcare provider will also test your mental alertness. He or she may also do blood tests. These tests will check your liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and prothrombin time. Prothrombin time measures your bloods ability to thicken .

Suppressive Therapy For Recurrences

To suppress outbreaks, treatment requires taking pills daily on a long-term basis. Acyclovir and famciclovir are taken twice a day for suppression. Valacyclovir is taken once a day. The doses for these antiviral drugs are reduced in people with impaired renal function.

Suppressive treatment can reduce the frequency of outbreak recurrences by 70% to 80%. It is generally recommended for people who have frequent recurrences . Because herpes recurrences often diminish over time, you should discuss annually with your provider whether you should stay with drug therapy or discontinue it.

There is some evidence that valacyclovir may help prevent herpes transmission, particularly in situations where one heterosexual partner has HSV-2 and the other partner does not. However, this drug does not completely prevent transmission. While taking any suppressive therapy for genital herpes, it is still important to regularly use latex condoms and to avoid any sexual activity during recurrences.

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Herpes Might Not Have Any Symptoms

You or your partner may not have any herpes symptoms that you can see or feel, or the signs of herpes may be so mild you dont even notice them. Sometimes people confuse herpes symptoms with other things, like pimples, ingrown hairs, and the flu.

Herpes symptoms come and go, but that doesnt mean the infection goes away or that you cant spread it to other people. Once you have herpes, it stays in your body for life.

What Is Herpes And How They Are Caused

Herpes is a mild skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes blister-like sores to appear anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas include around the mouth, the genitals, and buttocks. There is no cure for Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

An infection caused by the virus HSV.

, and people who have contracted the virus will usually experience breakouts from time to time.

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Can Herpes Cause Kidneys Disease

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Herpes Encephalitis And Meningitis

Herpes Encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. It is a rare but extremely serious brain disease. Untreated, herpes encephalitis is fatal most of the time. Respiratory arrest can occur within the first 24 to 72 hours. Fortunately, rapid diagnostic tests and treatment with acyclovir have significantly improved survival rates and reduced complication rates. Nearly all who recover have some impairment, ranging from very mild neurological changes to paralysis.

Herpes Meningitis

Herpes simplex meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. It is mainly caused by HSV-2. Like encephalitis, meningitis symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, herpes meningitis usually resolves after about a week without complications, although symptoms can recur.

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Implications And Remaining Questions

The study raises several questions. First, how and why are activated T cells recruited to the liver in the absence of antigen? Previous studies have shown that activated T cells are retained in the liver in an antigen-independent manner as a consequence of interactions in the hepatic sinusoids between activated integrins on the T cell and constitutively expressed integrin ligands on sinusoidal endothelium. The trapping of activated T cells in the liver is facilitated by the low flow rates and narrow caliber of the hepatic sinusoids, which promotes stochastic interactions with the rigid immunoblast as it passes through the liver. This mechanism would explain the unusual distribution of the lymphocytic infiltrate described by Polakos et al , in which foci were scattered throughout the parenchyma with intervening areas of the liver parenchyma appearing to be unaffected. This would be consistent with lesions developing where activated T cells are trapped as a consequence of natural variations in the speed of sinusoidal flow and/or the caliber of sinusoidal vessels. This contrasts with the diffuse infiltrate of portal tracts and lobules seen when lymphocytes are responding to hepatic antigen in livers infected with hepatotropic viruses.

What Organs Can Herpes Affect

Besides the sex organs, genital herpes can affect the tongue, mouth, eyes, gums, lips, fingers, and other parts of the body.

Can herpes turn into hepatitis?

Abstract. Hepatitis is a rare complication of herpes simplex virus , often leading to acute liver failure , liver transplantation , and/or death.

Can genital herpes cause cellulitis?

Cellulitis is found among people with Genital herpes, especially for people who are male, 50-59 old, take medication Nandrolone decanoate and have Anticoagulant therapy. This study is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 8 people who have Genital herpes from FDA, and is updated regularly.

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Transmission Of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease spread by skin-to-skin contact. The risk of infection is highest during outbreak periods when there are visible sores and lesions. However, genital herpes can also be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms. Most new cases of genital herpes infection do not cause symptoms, and many people infected with HSV-2 are unaware that they have genital herpes.

To help prevent genital herpes transmission:

• Use a condom for sexual intercourse.
• Use a dental dam for oral sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Be aware that nonoxynol-9, the chemical spermicide used in gel and foam contraceptive products and some lubricated condoms, does not protect against STDs.

Is Valacyclovir Hepatotoxic

Valacyclovir is not regarded as a hepatotoxic drug. Taken at a normal dose for treating HSV-1 or HSV-2 symptoms, valacyclovir only produces a mild-to-moderate increase in serum aminotransferase levels.

This mild increase is asymptomatic, meaning that the increase in liver enzymes doesnt produce any negative symptoms.

One factor thats important to keep in mind when using valacyclovir is that the infections it treatsparticularly shingles, or herpes zostercan also produce an increase in liver enzyme levels, making it difficult to track whether elevated ALT values are caused by the drug or the virus.

This is similar in other antiviral drugs used to treat herpes, such as acyclovir, which has little evidence of causing significant liver injury, according to the National Institutes of Health. For healthy people with normal liver function, antiviral herpes medications are not harmful.

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What Is Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Typical Lesions On Finger

James Heilman, MD , CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

This picture shows a herpetic whitlow, or herpes infection of the finger, that has blisters and sores. Herpetic whitlow will go away on its own, although often Zovirax is given for treatment.

Oral antivirals are generally not needed unless the infection is severe or a person has a weak immune system.

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Symptoms Of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is most often caused by HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2. It usually affects the lips and, in some primary attacks, the mucous membranes in the mouth. A herpes infection may occur on the cheeks or in the nose, but facial herpes is very uncommon.

Primary Oral Herpes Infection

If the primary oral infection causes symptoms, they can be very painful, particularly in children. Symptoms include:

• Tingling, burning, or itching around the mouth are the first signs.
• Red, fluid-filled blisters that may form on the lips, gums, mouth, and throat.
• Blisters that break open and leak. As they heal, they turn yellow and crusty, eventually turning into pink skin. The sores last 10 to 14 days and can be very uncomfortable.
• Blisters that may be preceded or accompanied by sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and painful swallowing.

Recurrent Oral Herpes Infection

A recurrent oral herpes infection is much milder than the primary outbreak. It usually manifests as a single sore, commonly called a cold sore or fever blister . The sore usually shows up on the outer edge of the lips and rarely affects the gums or throat.

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Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

Primary Genital Herpes Outbreak

For people with symptoms, the first outbreak usually occurs in or around the genital area 2 days to 2 weeks after sexual exposure to the virus. The first signs are a tingling sensation in the affected areas and groups of small red bumps that develop into blisters. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, more blisters can appear and rupture into painful open sores. The lesions eventually dry out, develop a crust, and heal rapidly without leaving a scar. Blisters in moist areas heal more slowly than those in dry areas. The sores may sometimes itch, but itching decreases as they heal.

About 40% of men and 70% of women develop other symptoms during initial outbreaks of genital herpes, such as flu-like discomfort, headache, muscle aches, and fever. Swollen glands may occur in the groin area or neck. Some women may have difficulty urinating and may, occasionally, require a urinary catheter. Women may also experience vaginal discharge.

Recurrent Genital Herpes Outbreak

In general, recurrences are much milder than the initial outbreak. The virus sheds for a much shorter period of time compared to an initial outbreak of 3 weeks. Women may have only minor itching, and the symptoms may be even milder in men.

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Most Read In Fabulous

If the area is particularly angry try to use natural products that dont contain fragrances as this will only irritate your mouth further.

Lisa added that foods that stimulate saliva production are great for fixing up your lips.

“Foods like apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, watermelon, lemons, and crunchy fibrous vegetables like carrots and celery.

“Herbs and spices such as cayenne, ginger, and fennel are also helpful. Avoid meals that provide only dry foods and salty processed foods that displace minerals that should be balanced to maintain fluid equilibrium in all cells .”

Genital Herpes: The Painful Facts About A Tricky Virus

• By Monique Tello, MD, MPH, Contributor

A young woman* came into my office complaining of horrible pain and itching in her genital area. She had recently started dating, and her current boyfriend was her first sexual contact. He, however, had had other partners before her. She had telltale sores and tests confirmed that the cause was genital herpes.

Genital herpes is far and away the most common sexually transmitted infection that we see in primary care. I find myself explaining the diagnosis to distressed patients far more often than I would like.

There are two types of herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Generally speaking, HSV-1 is responsible for those annoying cold sores that can pop up during times of stress or lack of sleep. HSV-2 usually causes genital sores. Many people dont realize that HSV-1 can cause genital ulcers as well, though these tend to be less severe and less likely to recur.

It can take as little as a few days and up to a week after a person has been exposed before any symptoms appear. First, there will be redness and tingling, followed by painful bumps that progress to fluid-filled “blisters.” Eventually, these burst to form ulcers which then crust over, healing over several weeks. HSV-2 infections can be more severe, causing terrible pain, as well as flu-like symptoms, and even inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain .

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Risk For Genital Herpes

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 6 Americans ages 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. While HSV-2 remains the main cause of genital herpes, HSV-1 has significantly increased as a cause, most likely because of oral-genital sex. Except for people in monogamous relationships with uninfected partners, everyone who is sexually active is at risk for genital herpes.

Risk factors for genital herpes include:

• History of an STD
• First sexual intercourse at an early age
• High number of sexual partners
• Low socioeconomic status

Women are more susceptible to HSV-2 infection because herpes is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men. About 1 in 5 women, compared to 1 in 9 men, have genital herpes. African-American women are at particularly high risk.

People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV, are at very high risk for genital herpes. These people are also at risk for more severe complications from herpes. Drugs that suppress the immune system, and organ transplantation, can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk for contracting genital herpes.

How Is Hepatitis Treated In A Child

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Your childs treatment will depend on whats causing his or her hepatitis. The goal of treatment is to stop damage to your childs liver. Its also to help ease symptoms. Your childs treatment may include:

• Medicines. These can control itching, treat the virus, or control an autoimmune disease.

• Supportive care. This includes eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest.

• Reducing risk. Not using alcohol or illegal drugs.

• Blood testing. This can tell if the disease is progressing.

• Hospital stay. This is done in severe cases.

• Liver transplant. This is done for end-stage liver failure.

• Helping to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis. Having good personal health habits, such as handwashing.

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Does Herpes Cause Long

The signs and symptoms of herpes can sometimes go unnoticed – or they may not occur at all. So, without regular sexual health testing, its possible to have the virus and not know, meaning it may go untreated and could cause long-term effects.

The herpes simplex virus is categorized into two types – herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 . While HSV-1 commonly causes oral herpes, it can also cause genital herpes and HSV-2 is known to be the cause of genital herpes. Both types can sometimes cause complications.

See also:Whats the Difference Between HSV-1 and HSV-2? Symptoms and Causes

Who Is At Risk For Acute Liver Failure

Taking too much acetaminophen causes most cases of acute liver failure. Acetaminophen is a painkiller found in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. There are also other things that can lead to acute liver failure. Diseases such as hepatitis and Wilsons disease, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus also increase your risk for acute liver failure.

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Advice To Give To Patients:

• fingolimod has been associated with a risk of serious liver injury and regular blood tests are needed to identify people at risk of liver damage before, during, and after treatment
• seek urgent medical attention if you develop any symptoms or signs of liver injury , tiredness, abdominal pain, jaundice , or dark urine
• serious and life-threatening cases of a type of brain infection have been reported
• seek urgent medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a brain infection during fingolimod treatment and for 8 weeks after the last dose, including seizures , headache, neck stiffness, oversensitivity to light, rash or fever
• read carefully the information booklet from your doctor and the patient information leaflet that accompanies your medicine and keep them handy in case you need to read them again