Herpes

We need to know
HPV causes genital warts, while HSV causes genital herpes. Despite their similarities, the two viruses have fundamental differences
HPV can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. On the other hand, HSV remains latent in the body after infection, and symptoms may recur if the immune system is weakened
Knowing the differences between these two viruses and following hygiene tips can be effective in preventing and controlling them

Introduction
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. After entering the body, the virus can hide in nerve cells and become active periodically. Genital herpes can often be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Some people infected with the virus may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms, but they can still spread the virus. A person may also experience symptoms such as pain, itching, and sores in the genitals, anus, or mouth. There is no cure for genital herpes. Symptoms often reappear after the first outbreak. Note that taking medication can reduce symptoms, and significantly lower the risk of infecting others. Using condoms can also help prevent the spread of genital herpes infection

Infection Cycle
After entering the body, the herpes simplex virus infects epithelial cells. It is then transmitted to nearby sensory neurons. In these neurons, the virus can remain dormant (latent) and reactivate under certain conditions such as stress, fever, or a weakened immune system, causing symptoms

Transmission routes
. HSV 1 is transmitted mainly through direct contact with infected saliva or skin lesions.
. HSV 2 is transmitted mainly through sexual contact with an infected person.

Clinical signs
. Primary infection: May be asymptomatic or may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and blistering lesions at the site of infection
. Recurrent infections: Usually milder and present with limited blistering lesions at the site of the initial infection

HSV 1 (oral herpes)
. Small, painful blisters around the lips, mouth, or inside the nose
. Burning or itching sensation before blisters appear
. Sore throat and fever in the initial infection
. Sometimes gingivitis and mouth sores

HSV 2 (genital herpes)
. Painful blisters or sores on the genitals, buttocks, and thighs
. Swollen and painful lymph nodes
. Burning when urinating
. Abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge

Symptoms of HSV
Most people infected with HSV do not know they have it. They may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Symptoms begin about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and may include
. Pain or itching around the genitals
. Small bumps or blisters around the genitals, anus, or mouth
. Painful sores that ooze or bleed when the blisters break
. Scabs that form as the sores heal
. Painful urination
. Discharge from the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body
. Vaginal discharge

Remember that during your first outbreak, you may have flu-like symptoms such as: fever, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in your groin

Differences in the location of symptoms
Sores form where the infection entered the body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body. This includes your fingers or eyes, and sores can form on your feet or in other places, such as
Buttocks, thighs, rectum, anus, mouth, anus, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum

Possible complications of HSV
:In rare cases, the virus can cause serious complications, including
Herpes encephalitis: A rare but serious brain infection caused mostly by HSV 1
Neonatal herpes: Herpes infection in newborns that can lead to brain damage, breathing problems, or death. If the mother has an active infection at the time of delivery
Eye infections (herpetic keratitis): Can cause corneal ulcers and eventually blindness

Diagnosis
:Doctors use the following methods to diagnose HSV
. PCR test: A precise method to detect the virus in skin, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid DNA samples
(HSV PCR)
. Serological test: A test to check for antibodies in the blood that are usually useful in determining a history of infection
(HSV1, HSV2 / HSV IgG، IgA، IgM)
. Viral culture: Growing the virus in a laboratory to confirm its presence

Prevention
In some cases, the virus can cause serious complications. In these situations, it is necessary to pay attention to the following
Avoid close contact with a person who has active symptoms
Use a condom during sex
Avoid kissing or sharing personal items such as towels, glasses, toothbrushes, and lipstick
Control stress and strengthen the immune system to prevent recurrence of the infection

Conclusion
Although HSV does not yet have a definitive cure, following hygiene tips, avoiding direct contact with an infected person, and seeing a doctor if symptoms occur play an important role in controlling the transmission of the virus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is herpes simplex virus?
It is a virus that causes oral infections (HSV1) and genital infections (HSV2)

What is the difference between HSV1 and HSV2?
Type 1 usually causes oral infections and type 2 causes genital infections. But both can infect both areas

How is herpes transmitted?
Through direct contact with the sores, saliva, or genital secretions of an infected person, even if there are no symptoms

What are the common symptoms of herpes?
Painful blisters, burning, itching, and sores in the infected area, which may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes

Is herpes curable?
There is no cure. However, some medications, with the advice of a doctor, can reduce symptoms and control relapses

Does herpes always have symptoms?
No. Many infected people have no symptoms but can transmit the virus

How can you prevent herpes?
Use condoms, avoid contact with active sores, and be aware of your sexual partner's health status

Can herpes be transmitted during pregnancy?
Yes, it can be transmitted to your baby during childbirth. Therefore, medical advice is essential

Is herpes linked to other sexually transmitted diseases?
Having herpes can increase your risk of getting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Because this virus weakens the body's immune system

Can herpes be transmitted to other parts of the body?
Yes, it can be transmitted to other areas, such as the eyes, through contact with sores

Can oral herpes be transmitted to the genitals?
Yes, it can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex

Does herpes affect fertility?
No. Herpes does not affect fertility

Is there a vaccine for herpes?
There is currently no effective vaccine for herpes

Can genital herpes be contracted non-sexually?
You don't necessarily have to have sex to get the virus. Sometimes it can be transmitted non-sexually

How do you know who you've been in contact with to get herpes?
There's almost no way to know who gave you the virus

Which is more dangerous, HPV or herpes?
In general, both infections cause mild discomfort. HPV is strongly linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, especially cervical
cancer. While herpes is not typically linked to cancer

Resources
. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
. https://www.reviveresearch.org/blog/hpv-vs-herps-is-hpv-herps
. https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/index.html