An infection caused by the herpes virus, characterized by the eruption of painful blisters on the skin is called Herpes Simplex. Herpes simplex virus can lead to the outbreak of infections on the lips, mouth and face (Herpes Simplex Virus type1). This condition can also cause genital lesions (Herpes Simplex Virus type 2) as well as chicken pox and shingles (Varicella-zoster virus). HSV infections can be very annoying because they can reappear. The sores are usually painful and unsightly and for chronically ill people and newborn babies, the viral infection can be serious but rarely fatal.

Symptoms for herpes simplex type 1 and type 2:

• Cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth (HSV-1) lasting for a few days to a few weeks.
• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen glands.
• Muscle pain.
• Painful sores on the genitals or anus.
• Symptoms of the flu.
• Genital lesions in the case of HSV-2
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin.
• Vaginal discharge may also occur at times.
Symptoms for zoster virus: are not restricted to the following and may include the above as well.
• Burning pain, tingling or extreme sensitivity in one area of the skin.
• Appearance of a red rash on the sensitive side of the skin.
• Blisters filled with pus or dark blood.

Adopting the following measures can prevent Herpes Simplex:

• Avoid direct contact with the infected lesion of a person suffering from this condition.
• Practice safe sex (use condoms) and avoid close physical contact with an infected person.
• Pregnant women with herpes simplex should receive weekly viral cultures of the cervix and external genitalia as the delivery date approaches. At the time of delivery, if active lesions are present, or the viral culture is positive for herpes, then a cesarean delivery is recommended in order to avoid infecting the new born.
• Stress reduction techniques like medication and yoga have been known to prevent herpes simplex outbreaks because many believe that this condition is related to emotional stress.
• A vaccine that reduces the risk of varicella-zoster infection is available and appears to be effective in preventing varicella following exposure.

Herpes Simplex can be caused by at least eight distinct DNA viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1; herpes simplex virus type 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and three newly described human herpes viruses, types 6, 7 and 8. The herpes virus proliferates by spreading to nerve cells within the body and then to other mucosal skin surfaces. It remains dormant in the body after a primary infection and can reoccur after some time. Herpes Simplex virus type 1 usually manifests itself in the form of cold sores inside the mouth and inflamed gums. It is common in children between 1 and 3 years old and is usually transmitted through oral and respiratory secretions like coughing and sneezing. Herpes Simplex virus 2 causes genital sores caused by sexual contact with an infected person. Varicella-zoster virus produces severe illnesses in adults causing chicken pox and shingles. Infections can lead on to pneumonia as well.

Generally, the herpes simplex virus is identifiable by the characteristic lesion: a thin-walled blister on an inflamed base of skin. If the diagnosis is uncertain, more tests will be needed. Patients diagnosed with genital herpes should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.
Viral Cultures;
Although the lesions of herpes simplex virus are distinctive, they can be confused with other skin infections. An accurate diagnosis of HSV is best made by taking a fluid sample from the lesions as early as possible (ideally within the first three days of appearance). A viral culture from the sample is almost 100% accurate if lesions are still in the clear blister stage. Results usually take a few days; although new technology exists that can shorten this period to 24 hours (if cases of infection are severe). Such tests are not as effective for older ulcerated sores, recurrent lesions, or latency, since at these stages the virus may not be active enough to reproduce sufficiently to produce a visible culture.

Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings:
Quicker but less reliable tests use scrapings from lesions, which are then stained and microscopically examined. Findings of specific giant cells with many nuclei or inclusion bodies (distinctive particles that carry the virus) indicate HSV infection. It should be noted that this test is only accurate in 50% to 70% of cases, and it cannot distinguish between the HSV types or between herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

Immunologic Tests:
Other tests are occasionally performed that make use of the properties of the immune system and the genetic make-up of the virus. One test produces specific antibodies that hunt out and identify the herpes virus and often differentiate between types. These tests have been only 80% to 95% as sensitive as viral cultures and are especially weak in detecting viral shedding in asymptomatic patients. Their accuracy is improving however. A test called ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is 85% accurate in detecting the herpes virus and 100% accurate in determining the relevant strain. Results are available in two hours. This test appears to be very promising; particularly for newborns at high risk for HSV-although experts do not advise using this as the sole diagnostic test.

Add more cultured foods to your diet for 2 days with fresh apples and apple juice. Then eat a low fat mild diet with plenty of soluble fiber but low roughage. Include fresh fruits green leafy vegetables and olive oil and lemon dressings also eat oatmeal brown rice.

Apply nutrition resource nutribiotic grapefruit seed extract spray to sores as needed. Apply ice packs frequently followed by vitamin E.

Emotional stress and all kinds of tension are the number one cause of all diseases and should be avoided for the benefit of the mind and body.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.