Herpes Simplex Virus Overview, Symptoms, Causes & Avoiding it
Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused because of two types of viruses. These are HSV1 (herpes simplex virus 1) and HSV2 (herpes simplex virus 2). HSV1 produces most cold sores and HSV2 is responsible for genital herpes. Herpes simplex is contagious and ubiquitous in nature. It establishes lifelong infections once affected a person. At present there is no absolute cure available to eradicate the virus from the body completely.
How the HSV transmit into the human body
Herpes simplex virus transmits into the human body through contact with an infectious surface of skin while reactivations of the virus. In the latency period there are very rare chances of transmission of the virus. Transmission mostly occurs during reactivation of virus which is symptomatic and visible in the form of sores and blisters on the surface of the skin. HSV1 is mostly acquired during childhood through orally. HSV2 is normally acquired through sexual transmission. Both viruses may get transmitted during childbirth if the mother is infected at that time. The chances are more when the mother infected by the virus for the first time in her late pregnancy period.
Growth of the virus in cells
After entering into the cell, herpes simplex involves into the interactions with receptors on the surface of the cell. First of all the cell surface and the receptors bring the viral and cell membranes into proximity. Then the two membranes form a hemifusion state by merging. Finally a permanent entry pore formed which allow the viral envelop contents into the cell. With the help of antigen present on the cell surface HSV evades theimmune system of the body. Herpes virus proteins are produced once herpes simplex infects the cells. This protein helps the virus in genetic replication, degradation of cell and regulating gene expression of viral proteins.
The virus may get reactivated due to diseases like, influenza, cold, excess expoosure to sunlight, menstruation, fatigue or injury, gastric upset, physical and emotional stress etc. The symptoms of herpes simplex virus are of various types. After infection the virus may remain inactive for uncertain period. When the virus becomes active the symptoms during first outbreak are generally more severe as compared to subsequent outbreaks, because the body did not able to produce antibodies. Symptoms may include sores or fluid-filled blisters into the mucous membrane of lips, mouth and genital area. These sores are irritating in nature causing inflammation, itching, discomfort and burning. Sometimes fever, body ache and pain also occurs during infection.
Staying away from herpes simplex condition
The most important thing to stay away from herpes simplex (especially genital herpes) is always safe sex. As there is no chance that we can assure whether a person is infected by HSV or not without the outbreak of virus, use safe sex methods at all times. The other important thing is to build strong immune system with proper diet, suffucient nutrition and adequate exercise. Similarly avoiding junk food and processed food and increasing fresh fruits and vegetables in diet helps a lot in boosting immune system of the body. Protecting yourself from strong sunlight and plenty of water intakes are the keys to remain away from herpes simplex infection.
