Can Herpes Be Transmitted During Its Incubation Period
The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.
Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isnt showing symptoms of infection.
When To Call The Doctor
Even though HSV sores can hurt and be unsightly, most cases of herpes do not cause serious illness. The sores go away in a few days. Contact the health provider if:
- Sores are present and you think it might be a first herpes infection. The diagnosis is usually made by examining the sores. If the sores have not healed, sometimes a laboratory test is done.
- Sores do not heal by themselves or show signs of infection such as pus, spreading redness or fever.
- Sores are near the eyes.
- You have another health condition with a weakened immune system.
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How All The Facts About Genital Herpes Can Help
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus and in most cases causes very mild symptoms or none at all. Even when the symptoms are more severe, they are simple to treat and can usually be very well controlled.
The trouble is that most people’s perceptions of the virus are based on the wide range of myths about it, rather than the facts.
As a result, being diagnosed with genital herpes can often be both confusing and confronting.
This information is designed to help you clear up the confusion about genital herpes and start taking positive steps to get your life back to normal.
If you’ve just found out you have genital herpes, we hope you’ll find it very reassuring to know the facts about the herpes virus and what treatment option is right for you. The information in here should also help if you’re dealing with a specific issue like managing genital herpes during pregnancy, or if it’s your partner who has genital herpes or cold sores.
How Can This Disease Be Prevented
The standard core vaccines that are given to cats include a vaccine against feline viral rhinotracheitis. The FVR vaccine will not completely prevent an infection from occurring if your cat is exposed to the virus, but it will significantly reduce the severity of the infection and will shorten the length of the illness. Solid immunity to these viruses is not long-term and may be overcome by exposure to a high dose of virus. Therefore, the FVR vaccine needs to be boostered on a regular basis. Your veterinarian will advise you on the recommended booster schedule for your cat based on its lifestyle and risk of disease.
“Your veterinarian will advise you on the recommended booster schedule for your cat…”
A cat that is a carrier of FVR may benefit from periodic boosters with the intranasal herpes and calicivirus vaccine , which may prevent reactivation of the virus, thus decreasing the likelihood of recurrent infection and of viral shedding.
Boarding facilities, humane societies, animal shelters, and cat shows are all places where susceptible cats can be readily exposed to these infectious diseases. If you plan on boarding or showing your cat, consult your veterinarian about the need for a booster vaccine at least two weeks before the planned event.
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Hsv Infection Is Very Common
Around 90 per cent of adults have herpes simplex antibodies in their bloodstream, which means that they have been infected with the virus at some time. However, the first infection does not usually cause any symptoms. One-third of infected people experience cold sores, which are a recurrence of the earlier infection and do not indicate recent infection. Most of these people would not have experienced symptoms from the first infection.
What Are The Different Types Of Herpes
There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV I and HSV II. HSV I commonly causes oral herpes, or cold sores. This virus can show up as an upper respiratory tract infection during early childhood. HSV II is the cause of most cases of genital herpes. However, it is possible for HSV I to cause genital herpes and HSV II to cause oral herpes.
Clinicians cannot tell the difference between the two types by physical examination alone, but there are differences between the two viruses. For example, genital herpes caused by HSV II is much more likely to recur. This diagnosis can be helpful in establishing a health care plan.
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What Are The Possible Complications Of Oral Herpes
Autoinoculation from touching a cold sore on the lip can cause herpes of the finger . Autoinoculation occurs most commonly at the time of primary infection, when viral shedding is high and the immune system is still gearing up to contain it. The antibodies that are made after primary infection are usually but not always successful in preventing autoinoculation during recurrent attacks.
A more serious complication is infection of the eye, or ocular herpes . It may be a mild surface ulceration with little discomfort, or it may cause deeper, painful ulcers that threaten vision. Ocular herpes is also caused by autoinoculation. If not treated, ocular herpes may lead to serious damage or even blindness.
Rarely, herpes simplex may infect the brain, causing encephalitis. This infection requires hospitalization and intravenous antiviral medications. HSV-1 is among the commonest causes of fatal viral encephalitis worldwide.
In immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV infection or those receiving chemotherapy, severe outbreaks of herpes may occur. Colds sores may spread to large parts of the lower face or invade organs. Antiviral drugs are used to prevent or lessen such attacks.
Perfect Your Coping Skills
Studies have shown that stress can trigger recurrences of the herpes simplex virus. High levels of stress are not necessarily the culprit, says Cal Vanderplate, PhD. How you cope with the stresshow you perceive itis whats important. His number one stress deflator is maintaining a loving social support system. A sense of control is also very important. If you take a positive attitude toward your health, youll be better able to influence your symptoms.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Cat Diagnosed With Fvr
There is no cure for herpes virus infections. The therapeutic goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences. Most cats respond well to medical management of the condition and lead normal lives. Minimizing the chance of infection, ensuring excellent nutrition by feeding a veterinary-recommended diet, reducing stressful situations, and following an appropriate vaccination schedule are your cat’s best defense against this disease.
How Genital Herpes Is Spread
You can get genital herpes by having sexual contact with someone who carries HSV. It used to be believed that herpes transmission only occurred if herpes blisters or sores were present. However, it is now known that transmission can occur when herpes blisters or sores are not present. This can occur in two situations:
1. People who have recurrent genital herpes can transmit the herpes virus between recurrences . This occurs on approximately 5% of days per year.
2. There are many people who are exposed to and infected by the herpes virus but never develop any signs or symptoms of the herpes infection. These people carry and may ‘shed’ the herpes virus from time to time without showing symptoms and in doing so may transmit the herpes infection to their sexual partner/s if they have sex at that time. Up to 80% of people get HSV from partners who have no signs and symptoms of HSV and are unaware they have the herpes infection.
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What Are The Best Ways To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for cold sores, and it can take between two to four weeks for a cold sore to heal on its own. But, there are things you can do to make them go away faster.
Here are three things that can help soothe a cold sore or make it clear up faster:
1. Try home remedies. When used early, there are several remedies that can help ease the pain and reduce swelling and may even shorten the duration of a cold sore:
- Cold, damp washcloth
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
2. Apply topical creams and ointments. There are a few over-the-counter anesthetic ointments and creams that can help control pain, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. Some products, such as those containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol, may even promote faster healing when used early and in plentiful amounts.
3. Take prescription medications. There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you’re having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.
“To get rid of a cold sore quickly, the best thing you can do is start treating it as soon as possible,” says Dr. Brown. “A burning or tingling sensation on your lips or face can be an early warning sign that a cold sore is developing, and the earlier you start reducing swelling and treating the cold sore, the faster it will heal.”
How Long Does It Take For A Pus
That can cause the pimple to become more red, inflamed, swollen and infected, and may even lead to permanent scarring. Its best to let a pimple run through its life span, Rice says. Left alone, a blemish will heal itself in 3 to 7 days. Popped improperly, it can linger for weeks or lead to scarring.
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Do Condoms Help Prevent The Spread Of Genital Herpes
Yes. To prevent transmission of herpes, we recommend that condoms be used 100% of the time. Many patients will shed the virus and be contagious when they dont have symptoms. Studies have shown that asymptomatic shedding occurs between 1% and 3% of the time in patients with HSV II genital infections. Many new herpes infections occur from partners who are shedding the virus asymptomatically, so condoms are highly recommended.
Condoms may not be an attractive option for monogamous couples or for couples who desire to become pregnant. Couples may opt to have serological tests to determine if either partner has an asymptomatic infection. In close monogamous relationships, the risks of transmission can be weighed against other relationship issues, such as intimacy and pregnancy.
How Can I Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Fast
Cold sores usually disappear on their own in 515 days. Antiviral medication may speed up the healing process by about 1 day .
Healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, can prescribe oral or topical antiviral medications. If a persons cold sores do not respond, the doctor may recommend IV treatment.
It is best to administer or receive treatment of the first symptom, which may be a tingling or burning sensation.
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How To Treat Herpes
Ever wondered what is the oldest virus known to humankind? Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have been studying the herpes virus, and they believe that the genital herpes virus has been around for as long as humans. HSV-2, also known as genital herpes, was found to be more genetically similar to the chimpanzee herpes virus.
How Can Herpes Be Prevented
Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmitting or acquiring genital herpes because herpes virus shedding can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.25,26
The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STDs and is known to be uninfected.
Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when herpes lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV.
Daily treatment with valacyclovir decreases the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples in which the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection. 27 Such couples should be encouraged to consider suppressive antiviral therapy as part of a strategy to prevent transmission, in addition to consistent condom use and avoidance of sexual activity during recurrences.
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Can Genital Herpes Be Treated
Your physician can prescribe different medications to help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing of an outbreak. These medicines work best when you start them soon after an outbreak occurs.
To reduce pain during an outbreak:
- Sit in warm water in a portable bath or bathtub for about 20 minutes. Avoid bubble baths.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothes.
- Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin.
Let your physician know if you are worried about your genital herpes. He or she can recommend a support group to help you cope with the virus.
How Is Genital Herpes Treated
There is no cure for genital herpes. However, it is possible to reduce the symptoms using anti-viral medicine. This is most effective when started within 72 hours of the first symptoms.
Medicines can help control outbreaks if they are frequent or severe. Anti-viral medicine can reduce the risk from passing the virus on to a sexual partner.
The symptoms can also be helped by:
- gently bathing the area with a warm salt solution
- pain medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- local anaesthetic ointment or cream
- urinating while sitting in a warm bath, if urination is painful
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How Herpes Is Treated
There is no cure for herpes.
- The health care provider may prescribe antiviral medicine to help speed up the healing process. It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores.
- Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
- If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
- The infected area should be kept clean and dry.
- Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus.
- It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.
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Hand Hygiene Truths Myths And Misinformation
There are many misconceptions about hand hygiene on the Internet. Hopefully, this information will help clear up some of those misconceptions.Washing your hands with soap and water will kill germs.
Truth or misinformation?
Misinformation
1. Plain soaps have minimal if any antimicrobial activity.2. In several studies, hand washing with plain soap failed to remove bad microorganisms from the hands of hospital personnel.3. Hand washing with plain soap can result in an increase in bacterial counts on the skin.4. Occasionally, contaminated plain soaps have colonized hands with Gram-negative bacteria.
Reference: http: www.learnwell.org//handhygiene.htm
Killing germs on your hands decreases your immunity.
Truth or Myth?
1. The skin on your body is covered with microorganisms.2. Our environment is contaminated with microorganisms.3. You cannot kill all of the microorganisms on your hands.4. Your large intestine contains large numbers of microorganisms.5. All of the sources listed above stimulate your immune response.6. Health Care Workers CDC guidelines call for alcohol rubs to be used 60 or more times a day between patients and after touching contaminated surfaces.7. Killing germs on your hands will not decrease your immunity but it will help prevent infections.
Reference: http: www.learnwell.org/handhygiene.htm
Hand sanitizers do not kill germs.
Truth or misinformation?
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Where Does The Herpes Virus Live In The Body
The herpes simplex viruses are latent, meaning they can live in the body without causing symptoms. After the initial infection, the virus gets into the nerve roots and spreads to the sensory nerve ganglia, the junctions where nerves from different parts of the body come together. For the genital area, the ganglia are adjacent to the spinal cord in the lower back. For orofacial herpes , the ganglia are located behind the cheek bone.
Hot Water Kills Germs Though It Has To Be Very Hot
According to WHO, temperatures of 140°F to 150°F are enough to kill most viruses, and boiling water makes it safe from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Trivedi recommends a temperature of 160°F or greater when heating water or food products, to kill off bacteria like Legionella, a common bacteria found in water.
If you have contaminated clothes or fabrics that need to be disinfected, the UK’s National Health Service recommends washing at a high temperature , along with a product containing bleach, which will maximise the disinfectant effect.
However, that’s only for high-risk clothing, like when you’re sick. For regular clothing, it’s the drying that counts. That’s because the heat of a tumble dryer ranges from 135 to 150°F, and while a washing machine provides damp places for bacteria and fungus to spread, the dryer doesn’t.
“When washing clothes and household items, most harmful microorganisms are actually killed in the dryer on high heat as opposed to the washing machine,” says Trivedi.
Despite the fact that high temperatures do kill most germs, washing your hands in hot or cold water doesn’t make a difference. The hot water doesn’t get warm enough, and cold water is just as effective because washing your hands with soap and water is more about removing dirt and germs rather than killing them.
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