Herpes Simplex Research Paper

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Herpes Simplex
The herpes simplex virus is an infection that can appear in various parts of your body. There are two types of herpes, herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes virus type 1 typically causes oral herpes and herpes virus type 2 is responsible for genital breakouts. The herpes simplex virus is contagious and is passed from person to person through direct contact with the virus.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 can spread through mucosal surfaces or skin sites. For example, eating from the same utensils, sharing lip balm, kissing, and receiving oral sex from someone with a cold sore. Herpes simplex virus type 2 can spread by sexual contact with someone who already has the herpes simplex virus type 2. (Dock, 2017) For example, it can be spread through genital secretions. …show more content…

When they do have a breakout, the lesions are painful and can last up to 10 to 14 days. Lesions tend to recur at the same site. Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes lesions on the genitals, pain with intercourse and urination and pain around the genitals. Both the type 1 and type 2 viruses can also cause a fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness and lack of appetite. (Klein, 2016; Dock, 2017)
Once you have the virus, the virus remains in a latent state within the nerve cell bodies in ganglion neurons and can reactivate at any future time. The reactivation frequency and severity depends on immunodeficiency status and stress levels. (Klein, 2016)
“There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. However, there are medications that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. One of these anti-herpes medicines can be taken daily, and it makes it less likely that you will pass the infection onto your sex partner(s).” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017) With anti-viral medications, herpes simplex can be

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