“BENU” pharmacist Loreta Tamošauskienė and “Camelia” pharmacist Giedrė Stankevičienė tell about Herpes virus types, symptoms, treatment options and prevention methods.
The virus can remain on clothing
G. Stankevičienė says that herpes simplex, manifested by painful blisters on the mucous membranes of the lips, nose, mouth or eyes, is usually caused by the first Herpes simplex virus type.
“According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), it lives in the bodies of almost 4 billion people, but not everyone experiences symptoms.
The second type of the same virus attacks the genitals, anus, inner thighs. The latter virus is carried by approximately 13 percent. of the world’s population, but it does not always manifest itself physically.
However, it is important to mention that both types of the virus are spread in the same way – through direct skin contact with the rash and saliva.
The most widely known form of herpes simplex, when the face is affected, can be infected by kissing an actively sick person, as well as, for example, by drinking from the same, used cups, using the same cutlery, cosmetics.
The virus remains viable for some time on plastic surfaces, skin and clothes,” warns the pharmacist.
Herpes symptoms of the virus may appear after several days
L. Tomašauskienė reminds that herpes simplex is a contagious viral infectious disease caused by Herpes simplex virus divided into two types – Herpes simplex 1 and Herpes simplex type 2:
“Herpes simplex type 1 virus usually causes herpes simplex virus infection of the lips, skin around the lips, nose, mouth, nasal mucosa, and eyes.”
Pharmacist Giedrė says that signs of herpes, if you have an active form of the disease, may appear several days or even weeks after contact, even before the appearance of painful blisters, itching, burning, and throbbing sensations are noticeable.
“Sometimes patients also experience other symptoms: body temperature rises, lymph nodes swell, fatigue or lack of appetite is felt. The good news is that when you encounter the virus, the body starts producing antibodies and other illnesses are no longer so painful or terrible: the symptoms begin to be felt earlier and become weaker, and the healing itself takes less time.
It is not necessary to use drugs to suppress the symptoms of cystitis, but they significantly speed up the healing process and reduce unpleasant sensations. If you still want to avoid medication, you can use tea tree oil,” says the specialist.
The virus remains in the body throughout life
G. Stankevičienė says that once infected Herpes simplex virus, it lives in the body forever, it can only be “put to sleep”, but not destroyed:
“There is a good chance that once you get infected with herpes, the infection will happen again. However, as with the infection of most viruses, the human immune system has a great influence – if it is strong, it is possible to avoid the infection altogether, or to survive the course of the disease much easier.
In order to maintain strong immunity or to strengthen it, it is important to have a full-fledged diet, which does not lack fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich food, it is also advised to follow a proper rest regime, avoid bad habits, and learn to manage stress.
It is natural that many people do not always succeed in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so the use of various vitamins and minerals in the form of food supplements can help. Let’s say that vitamin D, group B vitamins and magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids save a strong immunity and nervous system.
Vitamin C, trace elements zinc and selenium, ginger, echinacea and turmeric extracts help maintain energy balance, reduce fatigue, and increase resistance to diseases.”
It is important to strengthen immunity
According to L. Tamošauskienė, the symptoms of the mentioned disease are usually similar for different people – local rash, the appearance of watery and painful blisters, burning, itching, stinging, discomfort, sometimes the temperature may rise, muscle spasms.
“The intensity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, and so does the spread of herpes. Residual effects are not often recorded after herpes outbreaks. In more severe forms, in rare cases, a severe change in the condition of the eyes, post-herpetic nerve inflammation, and herpetic encephalitis may occur.
This viral infection is the most dangerous for pregnant women – fetal development defects, miscarriages, severe organ damage to the newborn baby may occur if Herpes the virus is transmitted during childbirth,” says the pharmacist.
Pharmacist Loreta says that a viral infection cannot be cured with either antiviral or antibacterial drugs.
“When symptoms appear, drugs are usually taken to stop the virus from multiplying, but we cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body. The main factor that provokes the remaining virus in the body is the weakening of the immune system, especially if you have suffered from immune diseases.
A more frequent occurrence of cold sores can also be caused by a lack of sleep and rest, a stressful work rhythm, stress, excessive heat, overheating in the sun or, conversely, excessive cold.
Therefore, the most important thing is to take care of a suitable work and rest regime, avoid overwork, do not forget a balanced diet, provide the body with the missing vitamins and minerals, especially iron, vitamin D and C”, – about Herpes the pharmacist tells about the virus.
