I take Valtrex for cold sores. Just taking 2, twice a day for one day, and the next day it is gone. It is really a life saver. Anyone who has ever had a cold sore should really talk to your doctor about keeping Valtrex on hand.
I went to the doctor with a bottom lip full of cold sores. I was swollen beyond anything (anyone remember Bubba from Forest Gump?). The doctor prescribed Valtrex 1 gram, 3 times a day (every 8 hours). Well, 24 hours have passed, my swelling is down to almost normal, and I'm already in the scab stage. AMAZING! I will be keeping this on hand all the time. By the way, I have been suffering with cold sores for 20 years, and have used everything from Abreva to L-Lysine to other homeopathic remedies. These are the quickest results EVER. Definitely worth the money.
This drug is a miracle! I woke up with a full blown cold sore and went to the Doctor who gave me Valtrex. I was very skeptical because the cold sore was pretty big already, but 12 hours after my first dose, it looks much better and the pain is gone. Will never again waste my time or money on OTC cold sore treatments. This stuff really works!
poniedziałek, 5 listopada 2012
Reviews for Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores: My face started tingling while I was at work and I had a couple of little pustules starting to form. I put denavir on my cold sore until I could make it to the doctor. 9 hours later my cold sore was more full and I went to the doctor and received a prescription for valtrex. I took my first dose and went to sleep. Later that day I took my second dose and I noticed after my second dose the pustules started to dry up. I read a lot of material saying that you need to take Valtrex before the cold sore actually appears for it to be most effective, but I can truly say that it still works even if the cold sore is visible. I never new that I could get rid of a cold sore so fast. Definitely try Valtrex.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression: I take Valtrex for suppressive therapy. My daily life is so much more manageable emotionally and physically since taking Valtrex as a suppressive treatment. For those who suffer with this virus, you will understand how our lows are very low when experiencing regular outbreaks. Valtrex allows my condition to be a minor inconvenience and no longer a dark lonely place. I now experience an outbreak twice yearly.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression: I take Valtrex for suppressive therapy. My daily life is so much more manageable emotionally and physically since taking Valtrex as a suppressive treatment. For those who suffer with this virus, you will understand how our lows are very low when experiencing regular outbreaks. Valtrex allows my condition to be a minor inconvenience and no longer a dark lonely place. I now experience an outbreak twice yearly.
Tamiflu and Relenza
Controversy continues over the use of antivirals for treating seasonal influenza. According to a new report, none of the four newer antivirals routinely prescribed for seasonal influenza is entirely suitable.
The study by Tom Jefferson and colleagues of Cochrane Vaccines Field, a collaborative evaluation group based in Italy, was published by The Lancet (early online publication) and reported by MedPage Today on January 19, 2006.
Tamiflu (oseltamavir) and Relenza (zanamivir) have recently been found to be ineffective in treating seasonal influenza. However, just last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that Tamiflu and Relenza be prescribed in place of the more established antiviral agents, Symmetrel (amantadine) and Flumadine (rimantadine).
The CDC disagrees with Dr Jefferson et al's report's recommendations about the newer drugs, and has recently issued an advisory to doctors to prescribe Tamiflu and Relenza for seasonal flu. However, the CDC advises against prescribing rimantadine or amantadine, because the dominant influenza A strain rapidly becomes resistant to these drugs.
While the Cochrane group agreed with the CDC that "the use of amantadine and rimantadine should be discouraged," they went one step further, recommending that Tamiflu and Relenza also be reserved to fight a global influenza pandemic:
"Because of their low effectiveness, neuraminidase inhibitors [Tamiflu and Relenza] should not be used in seasonal influenza control and should only be used in a serious epidemic or pandemic alongside other public-health measures such as use of masks, gowns, gloves, quarantine, and hand washing."
In September 2005, the CDC reported that about 12% of influenza A strains worldwide are now resistant to amantadine and rimantadine-including avian flu strains in Asia that occur in poultry and people. The CDC and the Cochrane group agree that the older antiviral agents, amantadine and rimantadine, are not only ineffective against influenza, but can also cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and hallucinations.
The study by Dr Jefferson and colleagues found that Tamiflu and Relenza offer moderate relief from symptomatic influenza but do not relieve either asymptomatic influenza or on influenza-like illnesses. Moreover, these drugs reduce but do not completely stop viral shedding from the nose.
Despite these negative findings, the CDC still backs its recommendations.
"Our guidelines and our recommendations are pretty clear," said a CDC spokesperson, according to MedPage Today. "Tamiflu and Relenza have proven to be highly effective in laboratory studies that we've done, and when they are administered at the appropriate time, namely 24 to 48 hours after the onset of influenza symptoms, they have also proven to be effective."
Dr Jefferson and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis that included data from 52 randomized trials of amantadine and rimantadine, and Tamiflu and Relenza. The analysis examined the preventative effects of these drugs as a percentage of relative risk.
The results showed that amantadine prevented 61% of influenza A cases and 25% of influenza-like illnesses. It caused nausea, insomnia and hallucinations, and withdrawals due to adverse events.
"In treatment, amantadine significantly shortened duration of fever compared with placebo but had no effect on nasal shedding of influenza A viruses," the researchers wrote.
The study included fewer data for rimantadine, but these data showed its effects to be comparable to those of amantadine.
Trials comparing the efficacy of Tamiflu and Relenza with placebo showed that these drugs did not affect influenza-like illness, even at higher doses. Moreover, neither drug was effective against asymptomatic influenza. Relative efficacies for Tamiflu 75 mg daily and 150 mg daily were 61% and 73%, respectively, and efficacy of Relenza 10 mg daily was 62%.
Tamiflu proved about 50% effective in preventing post-infection transmission within households, and both Tamiflu and Relenza hastened symptom relief by about 30%, compared with placebo, if taken within 48 hours after symptom onset.
"We cannot explain how neuraminidase inhibitors can affect respiratory complications of seasonal influenza, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, while not preventing infection, and this effect should be further studied," the researchers wrote.
The study by Tom Jefferson and colleagues of Cochrane Vaccines Field, a collaborative evaluation group based in Italy, was published by The Lancet (early online publication) and reported by MedPage Today on January 19, 2006.
Tamiflu (oseltamavir) and Relenza (zanamivir) have recently been found to be ineffective in treating seasonal influenza. However, just last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that Tamiflu and Relenza be prescribed in place of the more established antiviral agents, Symmetrel (amantadine) and Flumadine (rimantadine).
The CDC disagrees with Dr Jefferson et al's report's recommendations about the newer drugs, and has recently issued an advisory to doctors to prescribe Tamiflu and Relenza for seasonal flu. However, the CDC advises against prescribing rimantadine or amantadine, because the dominant influenza A strain rapidly becomes resistant to these drugs.
While the Cochrane group agreed with the CDC that "the use of amantadine and rimantadine should be discouraged," they went one step further, recommending that Tamiflu and Relenza also be reserved to fight a global influenza pandemic:
"Because of their low effectiveness, neuraminidase inhibitors [Tamiflu and Relenza] should not be used in seasonal influenza control and should only be used in a serious epidemic or pandemic alongside other public-health measures such as use of masks, gowns, gloves, quarantine, and hand washing."
In September 2005, the CDC reported that about 12% of influenza A strains worldwide are now resistant to amantadine and rimantadine-including avian flu strains in Asia that occur in poultry and people. The CDC and the Cochrane group agree that the older antiviral agents, amantadine and rimantadine, are not only ineffective against influenza, but can also cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and hallucinations.
The study by Dr Jefferson and colleagues found that Tamiflu and Relenza offer moderate relief from symptomatic influenza but do not relieve either asymptomatic influenza or on influenza-like illnesses. Moreover, these drugs reduce but do not completely stop viral shedding from the nose.
Despite these negative findings, the CDC still backs its recommendations.
"Our guidelines and our recommendations are pretty clear," said a CDC spokesperson, according to MedPage Today. "Tamiflu and Relenza have proven to be highly effective in laboratory studies that we've done, and when they are administered at the appropriate time, namely 24 to 48 hours after the onset of influenza symptoms, they have also proven to be effective."
Dr Jefferson and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis that included data from 52 randomized trials of amantadine and rimantadine, and Tamiflu and Relenza. The analysis examined the preventative effects of these drugs as a percentage of relative risk.
The results showed that amantadine prevented 61% of influenza A cases and 25% of influenza-like illnesses. It caused nausea, insomnia and hallucinations, and withdrawals due to adverse events.
"In treatment, amantadine significantly shortened duration of fever compared with placebo but had no effect on nasal shedding of influenza A viruses," the researchers wrote.
The study included fewer data for rimantadine, but these data showed its effects to be comparable to those of amantadine.
Trials comparing the efficacy of Tamiflu and Relenza with placebo showed that these drugs did not affect influenza-like illness, even at higher doses. Moreover, neither drug was effective against asymptomatic influenza. Relative efficacies for Tamiflu 75 mg daily and 150 mg daily were 61% and 73%, respectively, and efficacy of Relenza 10 mg daily was 62%.
Tamiflu proved about 50% effective in preventing post-infection transmission within households, and both Tamiflu and Relenza hastened symptom relief by about 30%, compared with placebo, if taken within 48 hours after symptom onset.
"We cannot explain how neuraminidase inhibitors can affect respiratory complications of seasonal influenza, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, while not preventing infection, and this effect should be further studied," the researchers wrote.
Amantadine and Rimandatine Not Recommended for Influenza
While the primary strategy for preventing complications of influenza infections is annual vaccination, antiviral medications with activity against influenza viruses can be effective for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. Two classes of antivirals are currently available-the M2 ion channel inhibitors (i.e., the two adamantanes amantadine and rimantadine) and the neuraminidase inhibitors (i.e., oseltamivir and zanamivir). The neuraminidase inhibitors are effective for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B, while the adamantanes are only active against influenza A viruses. This alert provides new information about the resistance of influenza viruses currently circulating in the United States to the adamantanes, and it makes an interim recommendation that these drugs not be used during the 2005-06 influenza season. Amantadine is also used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and should continue to be used for this indication.
Viral resistance to adamantanes can emerge rapidly during treatment because a single point mutation at amino acid positions 26, 27, 30, 31, or 34 of the M2 protein can confer cross-resistance to both amantadine and rimantadine. The transmissibility of adamantane-resistant viruses is not impaired by any of these amino acid changes. A recent report on the global prevalence of adamantane-resistant influenza viruses showed a significant increase (from 1.9% to 12.3%) in drug resistance over the past 3 years. In the United States, the frequency of drug resistance increased from 1.9% in 2004 to 14.5% during the first 6 months of the 2004-05 influenza season.
For the 2005-06 season, 120 influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated from patients in 23 states have been tested at CDC through January 12, 2006; 109 of the isolates (91%) contain an amino acid change at position 31 of the M2 protein, which confers resistance to amantadine and rimantadine. Three influenza A(H1N1) viruses have been tested and demonstrated susceptibility to these drugs. All influenza viruses from the United States that have been screened for antiviral resistance at CDC have demonstrated susceptibility to the neuraminidase inhibitors.
On the basis of available antiviral testing results, CDC is providing an interim recommendation that neither amantadine nor rimandatine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States for the remainder of the 2005-06 influenza season. During this period, oseltamivir or zanamivir should be selected if an antiviral medication is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Testing of influenza isolates for resistance to antivirals will continue throughout the 2005-06 influenza season, and recommendations will be updated as needed. Annual influenza vaccination remains the primary means of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza.
Viral resistance to adamantanes can emerge rapidly during treatment because a single point mutation at amino acid positions 26, 27, 30, 31, or 34 of the M2 protein can confer cross-resistance to both amantadine and rimantadine. The transmissibility of adamantane-resistant viruses is not impaired by any of these amino acid changes. A recent report on the global prevalence of adamantane-resistant influenza viruses showed a significant increase (from 1.9% to 12.3%) in drug resistance over the past 3 years. In the United States, the frequency of drug resistance increased from 1.9% in 2004 to 14.5% during the first 6 months of the 2004-05 influenza season.
For the 2005-06 season, 120 influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated from patients in 23 states have been tested at CDC through January 12, 2006; 109 of the isolates (91%) contain an amino acid change at position 31 of the M2 protein, which confers resistance to amantadine and rimantadine. Three influenza A(H1N1) viruses have been tested and demonstrated susceptibility to these drugs. All influenza viruses from the United States that have been screened for antiviral resistance at CDC have demonstrated susceptibility to the neuraminidase inhibitors.
On the basis of available antiviral testing results, CDC is providing an interim recommendation that neither amantadine nor rimandatine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States for the remainder of the 2005-06 influenza season. During this period, oseltamivir or zanamivir should be selected if an antiviral medication is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Testing of influenza isolates for resistance to antivirals will continue throughout the 2005-06 influenza season, and recommendations will be updated as needed. Annual influenza vaccination remains the primary means of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza.
Antiviral Drugs Should Be Used Cautiously to Fight Flu
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza, which are effective in treating the H1N1 swine flu, should be taken only by people hospitalized with the flu or those at high risk for complications from the disease, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.
Those at risk include people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, as well as the very young, the elderly, and pregnant women, officials said.
Because the H1N1 swine flu remains mild for the vast majority of people who get it, most people won't need these medications at all, according to new guidelines for antiviral drug use issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Antiviral medicines are a critical part of our tool kit in countering influenza, both the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and seasonal flu strains," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during an afternoon news conference.
But, Schuchat added, "most children, adolescents and adults who have influenza-like illness do not need antiviral medicine."
One reason why: If too many people take antiviral medicines it could increase the risk that the virus would become resistant to these drugs, Schuchat said.
"We have seen a bit of antiviral resistance already with the 2009 H1N1 strain, and we hope this won't take off," she said. "A critical feature is to use these antivirals very carefully so they can have benefit and not lead to problems."
Because most people who get the flu -- whether H1N1 swine flu or seasonal flu -- will not be tested to see what type of flu they have, the new guidelines are based on symptoms, not a particular flu strain, Schuchat said.
"A key point of the antiviral guidance is that hospitalized patients who are suspected to have influenza need prompt treatment with antiviral medicines," she said. "That can be a very important way to reduce the severity of illness. We don't want providers to wait until test results are available, but we want them to start antivirals when you suspect influenza."
The new guidelines also recommend that, when high-risk people have been in contact with someone who has the H1N1 swine flu, doctors should wait to see if flu symptoms develop before starting treatment with antivirals.
"Instead of starting antivirals, we give providers an option we call 'watchful waiting,' and wait and see if fever develops," Schuchat said. "And, when fever or respiratory problems develop, give antivirals then."
Another key to the best use of antivirals in people at risk for complications is to start the drugs as soon as flu symptoms appear, Schuchat said.
She stressed, however, that the new guidelines leave room for judgment and discretion on the part of doctors. "Every patient is different, and we want clinicians to have that opportunity to customize care for each patient," she said.
The recommendations include:
Treatment with antivirals is recommended for people at higher risk for complications. These include children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions, such as patients on chemotherapy, and people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Treatment should not wait for lab tests because testing can delay treatment and a negative rapid test for flu does not rule out influenza.
For some high-risk patients, doctors may choose to give them antiviral prescriptions that can be filled should symptoms appear.
Schuchat noted that cases of H1N1 swine flu -- now the predominant flu strain in the United States -- have already started to increase, especially in southeastern states. "The H1N1 flu never went away this summer," she said. "It is not surprising that we are seeing this uptick in cases."
The good news is that the H1N1 virus still hasn't mutated into a more dangerous form, which means that the vaccine currently being tested should be a good match, she said.
The first 45 million doses of the vaccine are expected by mid-October.
Those at risk include people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, as well as the very young, the elderly, and pregnant women, officials said.
Because the H1N1 swine flu remains mild for the vast majority of people who get it, most people won't need these medications at all, according to new guidelines for antiviral drug use issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Antiviral medicines are a critical part of our tool kit in countering influenza, both the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and seasonal flu strains," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during an afternoon news conference.
But, Schuchat added, "most children, adolescents and adults who have influenza-like illness do not need antiviral medicine."
One reason why: If too many people take antiviral medicines it could increase the risk that the virus would become resistant to these drugs, Schuchat said.
"We have seen a bit of antiviral resistance already with the 2009 H1N1 strain, and we hope this won't take off," she said. "A critical feature is to use these antivirals very carefully so they can have benefit and not lead to problems."
Because most people who get the flu -- whether H1N1 swine flu or seasonal flu -- will not be tested to see what type of flu they have, the new guidelines are based on symptoms, not a particular flu strain, Schuchat said.
"A key point of the antiviral guidance is that hospitalized patients who are suspected to have influenza need prompt treatment with antiviral medicines," she said. "That can be a very important way to reduce the severity of illness. We don't want providers to wait until test results are available, but we want them to start antivirals when you suspect influenza."
The new guidelines also recommend that, when high-risk people have been in contact with someone who has the H1N1 swine flu, doctors should wait to see if flu symptoms develop before starting treatment with antivirals.
"Instead of starting antivirals, we give providers an option we call 'watchful waiting,' and wait and see if fever develops," Schuchat said. "And, when fever or respiratory problems develop, give antivirals then."
Another key to the best use of antivirals in people at risk for complications is to start the drugs as soon as flu symptoms appear, Schuchat said.
She stressed, however, that the new guidelines leave room for judgment and discretion on the part of doctors. "Every patient is different, and we want clinicians to have that opportunity to customize care for each patient," she said.
The recommendations include:
Treatment with antivirals is recommended for people at higher risk for complications. These include children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions, such as patients on chemotherapy, and people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Treatment should not wait for lab tests because testing can delay treatment and a negative rapid test for flu does not rule out influenza.
For some high-risk patients, doctors may choose to give them antiviral prescriptions that can be filled should symptoms appear.
Schuchat noted that cases of H1N1 swine flu -- now the predominant flu strain in the United States -- have already started to increase, especially in southeastern states. "The H1N1 flu never went away this summer," she said. "It is not surprising that we are seeing this uptick in cases."
The good news is that the H1N1 virus still hasn't mutated into a more dangerous form, which means that the vaccine currently being tested should be a good match, she said.
The first 45 million doses of the vaccine are expected by mid-October.
Antibiotics and Alcohol
It is common to see “Avoid Alcohol” labels on prescription bottles. Many patients are concerned about mixing antibiotics with alcohol contained in beverages or other medications. In general, most antibiotics can be taken safely with small amounts of alcohol. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while fighting an infection may not be wise, can lead to dehydration, and may hinder the body’s natural ability to heal itself, as well.
In general, alcohol should be avoided when taking these antibiotics. Many over-the-counter medications (OTCs), such as cough or cold syrups may also contain alcohol in the formulation. The inactive ingredient listing can be checked to determine if alcohol is present, the label on the OTC bottle can be checked, or ask your physician or pharmacist. Prescription medications may also contain alcohol. Patients should check with their physician or pharmacist each time they receive a new prescription to determine if there are important drug interactions. A drug interaction checker to review drug combinations can give additional information.
One of the most common alcohol-antibiotic interactions is with the antimicrobial agent metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is used for a variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, joint and respiratory tract infections. Taking metronidazole with alcohol may result in a reaction called a “disulfiram-like reaction”. A “disulfiram-like reaction” may include nausea, flushing of the skin, stomach cramps, vomiting, headaches, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.[1] A similar reaction may occur with other antibiotics.
Certain antibiotics may also lead to central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such drowsiness, sedation, dizziness or confusion. Alcohol is also considered a CNS depressant. When alcohol is combined with antibiotics that also have a CNS depressant effect, additive effects may occur. These effects can be serious if driving, in the elderly, and in patients who may take other CNS depressant medications, such as opioid pain relievers, anxiety or seizures medications, among others.
Alcohol is metabolized (broken down) in the liver by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 2C9. Some drugs are also metabolized by the 2C9 enzyme. Depending upon how often and how much alcohol is consumed, this enzyme may affect how drugs are metabolized. When an intoxicating, acute amount of alcohol is consumed, the 2C9 enzyme is “inhibited”, meaning that it cannot metabolize drugs that require this enzyme as efficiently as normal. The levels of the drug in the body may increase because it is not fully metabolized and excreted. This could lead to drug toxicity and side effects. Alternatively, when alcohol is abused chronically, as may occur with an alcoholic, levels of the 2C9 enzyme may become “induced”, meaning that metabolizing is occurring at a more efficient rate, and drug levels may decrease. The therapeutic effect that is desired may not occur with lowered drug levels in the body.
In general, alcohol should be avoided when taking these antibiotics. Many over-the-counter medications (OTCs), such as cough or cold syrups may also contain alcohol in the formulation. The inactive ingredient listing can be checked to determine if alcohol is present, the label on the OTC bottle can be checked, or ask your physician or pharmacist. Prescription medications may also contain alcohol. Patients should check with their physician or pharmacist each time they receive a new prescription to determine if there are important drug interactions. A drug interaction checker to review drug combinations can give additional information.
One of the most common alcohol-antibiotic interactions is with the antimicrobial agent metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is used for a variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, joint and respiratory tract infections. Taking metronidazole with alcohol may result in a reaction called a “disulfiram-like reaction”. A “disulfiram-like reaction” may include nausea, flushing of the skin, stomach cramps, vomiting, headaches, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.[1] A similar reaction may occur with other antibiotics.
Certain antibiotics may also lead to central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such drowsiness, sedation, dizziness or confusion. Alcohol is also considered a CNS depressant. When alcohol is combined with antibiotics that also have a CNS depressant effect, additive effects may occur. These effects can be serious if driving, in the elderly, and in patients who may take other CNS depressant medications, such as opioid pain relievers, anxiety or seizures medications, among others.
Alcohol is metabolized (broken down) in the liver by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 2C9. Some drugs are also metabolized by the 2C9 enzyme. Depending upon how often and how much alcohol is consumed, this enzyme may affect how drugs are metabolized. When an intoxicating, acute amount of alcohol is consumed, the 2C9 enzyme is “inhibited”, meaning that it cannot metabolize drugs that require this enzyme as efficiently as normal. The levels of the drug in the body may increase because it is not fully metabolized and excreted. This could lead to drug toxicity and side effects. Alternatively, when alcohol is abused chronically, as may occur with an alcoholic, levels of the 2C9 enzyme may become “induced”, meaning that metabolizing is occurring at a more efficient rate, and drug levels may decrease. The therapeutic effect that is desired may not occur with lowered drug levels in the body.
Genital Herpes. What Is It?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause blisters and skin ulcers in the genital and anal area. It can be caused by either of two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 or HSV-2. HSV-2 is the more common cause. HSV-1 more commonly causes sores on the face and mouth.
HSV spreads from person to person through kissing and skin-to-skin contact, as well as through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. An infected person often transmits the virus when skin blisters or ulcers are visible, but the virus also can be spread when there are no symptoms or skin sores at all. Herpes virus can be transmitted by people who don't know they are infected.
In a pregnant woman with HSV infection (usually HSV-2), the virus can pass to the baby during delivery, causing infections of the newborn's skin, mouth, lungs or eyes. If the herpes virus spreads through the baby's bloodstream, it can cause serious infections of the brain and other vital organs.
Many people with genital herpes infection have no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include:
Itching, burning, soreness and small blisters in the genital or anal area
Small ulcers (skin sores) when the blisters break
Local pain if urine touches the genital ulcers
Enlarged or painful lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the groin
Headache, fever, muscle aches and a generally sick feeling
Less common problems related to genial herpes include:
Urinary retention. Difficulty urinating when the virus affects the nerves to the bladder
Encephalitis. Herpes infection that has spread to the brain causing headache, fever, confusion and sometimes seizures.
Meningitis. Inflammation of the lining around the brain. It can be recurrent, a condition known as Mollaret's meningitis.
Proctitis. Inflammation of the rectum or anus that can involve pain, bleeding, fever and chills, usually related to unprotected anal sex.
The first episode of herpes symptoms usually has the worst symptoms. When symptoms develop, they can occur from a few days to a few weeks after contact with an infected person, but sometimes an infected person might not have any symptoms for years. Almost everyone with symptomatic genital herpes will have at least one recurrence. In people who have repeated herpes episodes, symptoms can be triggered by physical or emotional stress.
Newborns infected with herpes around the time of delivery usually develop symptoms 5 to 9 days after birth. Symptoms can include blisters on the skin, eyes and mouth. If the virus spreads through the baby's bloodstream to the brain, there can be sleepiness or irritability, and seizures. The virus can also spread to the baby's liver, lungs and other organs, causing disseminated (wide-spread) disease. Herpes in a newborn can be from either HSV-1 or HSV-2, but HSV-2 tends to cause more severe disease.
HSV spreads from person to person through kissing and skin-to-skin contact, as well as through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. An infected person often transmits the virus when skin blisters or ulcers are visible, but the virus also can be spread when there are no symptoms or skin sores at all. Herpes virus can be transmitted by people who don't know they are infected.
In a pregnant woman with HSV infection (usually HSV-2), the virus can pass to the baby during delivery, causing infections of the newborn's skin, mouth, lungs or eyes. If the herpes virus spreads through the baby's bloodstream, it can cause serious infections of the brain and other vital organs.
Many people with genital herpes infection have no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include:
Itching, burning, soreness and small blisters in the genital or anal area
Small ulcers (skin sores) when the blisters break
Local pain if urine touches the genital ulcers
Enlarged or painful lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the groin
Headache, fever, muscle aches and a generally sick feeling
Less common problems related to genial herpes include:
Urinary retention. Difficulty urinating when the virus affects the nerves to the bladder
Encephalitis. Herpes infection that has spread to the brain causing headache, fever, confusion and sometimes seizures.
Meningitis. Inflammation of the lining around the brain. It can be recurrent, a condition known as Mollaret's meningitis.
Proctitis. Inflammation of the rectum or anus that can involve pain, bleeding, fever and chills, usually related to unprotected anal sex.
The first episode of herpes symptoms usually has the worst symptoms. When symptoms develop, they can occur from a few days to a few weeks after contact with an infected person, but sometimes an infected person might not have any symptoms for years. Almost everyone with symptomatic genital herpes will have at least one recurrence. In people who have repeated herpes episodes, symptoms can be triggered by physical or emotional stress.
Newborns infected with herpes around the time of delivery usually develop symptoms 5 to 9 days after birth. Symptoms can include blisters on the skin, eyes and mouth. If the virus spreads through the baby's bloodstream to the brain, there can be sleepiness or irritability, and seizures. The virus can also spread to the baby's liver, lungs and other organs, causing disseminated (wide-spread) disease. Herpes in a newborn can be from either HSV-1 or HSV-2, but HSV-2 tends to cause more severe disease.
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