| Herpes
What is herpes?
Herpes is the name of a family of viruses. Herpes viruses cause
different infections and diseases in many people, whether they have
HIV or not. The viruses can cause cold sores, fever blisters, genital
sores, chickenpox and shingles. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
is another type of herpes that can cause serious illness in people with AIDS.
It is covered in a separate fact sheet.
What are the signs of herpes?
Here are the main types of herpes infections and their signs. If
you have had any of these signs, you should see your doctor right
away.
Herpes Simplex Virus I: People with herpes simplex I get
cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth or nose lasting for
a few days to a few weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue,
swollen glands and muscle pain. These signs can be considerably
more severe and longer-lasting in people with HIV.
Herpes Simplex Virus II: People with herpes simplex II
break out from time to time with painful sores on the genitals or
anus. They sometimes feel like they have the flu before and during
an outbreak. Once again, symptoms can be considerably more severe
and longer-lasting in people with HIV.
Herpes Zoster (better known as Shingles): People with shingles
get a painful skin rash that usually starts as fluid-filled blisters
on one side of the body. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes
singles. It is really a reactivation of an old chickenpox infection
that occurred many years before. Shingles outbreaks result from
declines in the body's immunity, such as from aging or HIV.
Can herpes infections be treated?
Yes, these infections can be treated, but the virus cannot be killed,
just held down. Starting treatment for an outbreak of herpes simplex
I or II within six days of the first signs can help it go away faster.
Herpes simples and shingles are usually treated with a medicine
called acyclovir (Zovirax), taken as pills or used as an ointment.
Other medicines effective for herpes include Valtrex and Famvir.
Can herpes infections be prevented?
Taking smaller doses of acyclovir may prevent reactivation of old
herpes infections. But casual use of acyclovir can breed herpes
viruses resistant to the drug. Ask your doctor if preventive medication
is necessary for you.
Ask your doctor about the following medicines, vitamins
and minerals for treating or preventing herpes infections:
Acyclovir (also called Zovirax) is available in
pill, ointment and injectable forms. Side effects are rare,
chiefly nausea and headaches.
Valacyclovir (also
called Valtrex) and famciclovir (also called Famvir), are other
drugs effective against herpes simplex viruses I and II. Common
side effects are headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Zinc
and vitamins C and E are thought to bolster the
immune response against herpes viruses.
Aloe vera extract
is thought to promote healing and may have antiviral effects.
Carrisyn is the brand name of a version taken by mouth.
Lysine (Some people have had good experience treating
or preventing herpes, especially cold sores, when taking 500
mg of this amino acid three times daily.)
There are also products and procedures you should
stay away from. They can actually make your herpes outbreak
WORSE:
•Ointments and creams containing cortisone or antibiotics
•Nonoxynol-9 applied to sores
•Light and red dye treatments
•Idoxuridine (IDU, Stoxil, Herpelx-D) applied to sores
•Ultraviolet light (including sunlight and tanning beds)
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Herpes simplex I and II spread very easily when sores are present.
Herpes I and II sores can also spread between the mouth and genitals
of different individuals during oral sex. Sometimes people have
the herpes viruses but don't show any symptoms. These people can
still spread the herpes viruses to others. Condoms and dental dams
probably reduce the chances of transmission during sex To keep herpes
infections from spreading to other parts of your body, do not scratch
or irritate fever blisters, and see your doctor as soon as you notice
an outbreak.
Many people think that herpes simplex outbreaks are related to
emotional stress. Practicing such stress-reduction techniques as
meditation or yoga, or learning better coping skills, may also help
prevent reactivation of old herpes infections.
There is some good news. Frequently, herpes simplex infections
become less and less intense each time they reappear and may disappear
over time on their own.
As for shingles, if you have never had chickenpox, you should
avoid contact with someone who has shingles. A vaccine for chickenpox
is available. Check with your doctor to see if this vaccine is right
for you.
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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