Many people are able to recognize ordinary herpes these days, and almost everyone is starting to worry about whether they will infect relatives or not. Worried about this, people eliminate not only bodily contact with loved ones, but also stop using shared accessories. But how competent is this approach to such a common disease?
general characteristics
Herpes, translated from Greek, means "creeping skin disease." This is a skin disease that is viral in nature. This virus is characterized by rashes in the form of many bubbles on the mucous membranes and skin.
The causative agent of herpes is the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is inherent in 90% of the world's population, but appears only in 5%. Based on these data, we can conclude that in 85% of people this disease does not appear in any way, although they are its carriers.
So is herpes contagious or not? This disease in itself does not represent anything serious, but it should be noted right away that it is the first sign of malfunctions in the body, moreover, it is the causative agent of a recurring disease or any dangerous infection.
Kinds:
- herpes simplex;
- genital herpes;
- herpes zoster.
What causes cold sores?
Often, herpes affects one specific area, such as lip rims, nose wings, sometimes found on the forehead and cheeks. The most common area for herpes is the lips. Despite this, in medicine there were cases when in all these areas the manifestation of this virus was immediately observed at the same time. It should be noted right away - herpes on the lips is contagious in the same way as in other parts of the body.
So, the virus can manifest itself on:
- eyes and skin (e.g., conjunctivitis);
- mucous membranes of the organs of the reproductive system;
- mucous membranes of the face.
Etiology of the phenomenon
In a dry climate, the herpes virus lives on average about a day, while with constant contact with liquids or in a humid climate, its life span is from three to five days.
When asked whether herpes is contagious to others, experts give an affirmative answer, or rather, the infection process occurs when the patient’s mucous membranes come in contact with the healthy skin of an uninfected person. Even with the complete absence of visual symptoms in the patient, he is a danger to others.
How much herpes is contagious - giving an exact answer is not easy. Each patient has his own incubation period, which depends on immunity. Definitely, herpes on the lips is contagious in the continuation of the acute phase, that is, on average about five days. Then, when the wounds begin to heal, herpes will no longer be contagious.
The methods of transmission of this infection are very diverse:
- use of a public toilet;
- sex, regardless of what kind of person it resorts to;
- kisses, which once again answers the question posed - is herpes contagious on the lips;
- hypothermia or overheating.
Avoid contact with loved ones if herpes is in an acute stage. Now it became almost clear how many days herpes is contagious, but how to reduce this period or prevent the manifestation of the disease at all?
Symptomatic manifestations
The most common symptom, and at the same time the most recognizable, is the formation of a group of vesicles in any area of the skin. However, herpes is rich in other manifestations that people without a medical education remain unidentified, but speak of a more complex form of infection:
- pain in the muscles of the muscles, as well as in the joints;
- weakness, a constant feeling of lack of sleep;
- temperature is above normal;
- periodic headaches;
- itching, burning in certain areas of the skin;
- violation in the frequency of urination.
Herpes Zoster
This type of herpes is considered the most dangerous to the health of the patient. Another name for this ailment is tinea versicolor. In a special risk group are those people who suffered from chickenpox in childhood. Provoking factors are stress, weak immunity, severe diseases of a different nature and other pathologies. A clear symptom of infection with this particular type of herpes is pain along the nerve channels. After a few days, groups of painful vesicles from which a clear liquid oozes spread through this zone.
The weaker the patient’s immunity, the larger the herpes distribution area. For herpes zoster, a rapid development of the disease is characteristic. It can go from a simple form to a heavier one:
- Hemorrhagic period. With it, the bubbles are characterized by bloody contents.
- Gangrenous form. With it, bursting vesicles are crusted and ulcers form.
- Generalized period. The last stage of the disease, which is the most dangerous for the patient, since with it the internal organs are covered by such neoplasms.
Treatment principles
If the first signs of deprivation are detected, patients raise an alarm - what should be the treatment of herpes zoster, whether it is contagious.
There is no definite treatment, however. Symptomatic therapy is the only thing that specialists resort to. The only thing that is prescribed to patients is antipyretic and painkillers. In the case of the development of any inflammatory processes, antibacterial agents are recommended in parallel with this.
The treatment of herpes is fundamentally different from the treatment of any other viral disease. Doctors identified some criteria for the treatment of herpes:
- Drugs aimed at treating herpes, as a separate disease, have not yet been developed.
- Antibiotics also do not affect the course of treatment of herpes.
- To get rid of herpes or, in other words, it is impossible to cure it, since it remains forever inside the body.
- Usually people do not focus on the manifestations of herpes, as they tend to appear and disappear on their own. However, complications, which are extremely rare, prompt patients to go to a specialist.
Of course, there are a number of ointments that are aimed at dulling the symptoms of the disease, but they cannot cure the disease as a whole.
With shingles, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, since this type of herpes quickly spreads over the skin and passes into more severe forms. If the eye turned out to be damaged, then before the manifestation of serious consequences on the organ of vision itself, you should visit the office of the ophthalmologist. However, if the patient suffers from gingivitis or stomatitis, which, in turn, were the consequences of a severe form of herpes, he should consult a dentist.
Based on this, it can be concluded that the treatment of each type of herpes is carried out by a certain specialist, however, only some types of herpes can be cured on their own, the rest go into severe forms, which are dangerous for the health of not only the patient himself, but also for those around him, therefore, when detecting minimal signs This ailment should immediately consult a specialist.
Herpes Myths
This disease has its own temperature scale - herpes practically does not appear in the dry period. There is a simple explanation for this - in a humid climate, the virus spreads rapidly, and the bubbles do not dry out, instead, a process of constant hydration takes place. Another climatic category acceptable for herpes is coolness, or rather, even cold, since this disease develops rapidly with weakened immunity, which happens in the winter season. However, this is not the only fact about this disease:
- Herpes is a contagious disease. Even from mother to baby, this infection can be transmitted during childbirth.
- Herpes is independent of other diseases, a cold also does not affect its presence.
- Herpes can not be cured, even with complete elimination of the rash, it will always remain in the body.
- Infection can occur not only in the acute, but also in the latent period.
- Even condoms cannot be guaranteed to protect against infection.
- Herpes takes the second place in the number of deaths due to an infectious cause.
ethnoscience
First of all, it is important to recall that not a single "grandmother's" remedy is able to get rid of this ailment, the only thing that folk medicine affects is immunity. But to abandon the folk and all your favorite means is not worth it, as they have an extremely beneficial effect on the body. There are a number of herbs whose healing properties have been known for centuries:
- Chamomile. She helps during a cold in its various manifestations. It is an excellent tool that enhances immunity.
- Licorice (its root). This plant also has properties that restore the body's immune defense, but it is worth noting that with excessive consumption of tea from these roots, the risk of poisoning increases.
- Tansy. This is the only plant that should be consumed in moderation in finished form, that is, you need to eat two flowers a day. The effect is not long in coming.
It must be remembered that before preparing and using any traditional medicine, it is recommended to consult a specialist in order to exclude the manifestations of allergies.
Preventive actions
The main and most competent way to increase immunity are vaccinations. You can resort to them only during the period when the disease is in the latent phase. It is important that a certain period passes after the last manifestation of the virus. Namely, at least two weeks should pass.
Another condition on the way to eliminating the ailment is the use of special ointments that have an antiviral effect.
These minimum safety methods will help a person prone to this infection to get around the disease. However, this is far from all precautions. The following points should also be noted:
- It is necessary to minimize the number of visits to public places - toilets, saunas, pools.
- It is advisable to reduce the number of sexual partners. Ideally, you need one partner.
- Try not to expose yourself to stressful situations.
- Minimize contact with infected people, even if they are family members.
- Avoid hypothermia or overheating of the body.
We must not forget that this disease does not make itself felt for a long time. In addition, at first it does not scare infected people. In fact, the virus itself is a serious danger with all its consequences.
Immunity
Whatever treatment method and prevention the patient resorted to, herpes can always remind himself, so the only way to eradicate it is to strengthen the immune system. No matter how trite it may sound, but an incorrect and sedentary lifestyle leads to a weakening of immunity. In addition, vitamin D deficiency, polluted air, and unbalanced nutrition are important factors to consider. All this leads to a weakening of the body and, accordingly, complicates the treatment.
It is also necessary to pay special attention to the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If the gallbladder does not work properly, the body is damaged from the inside, as a result of which it weakens. The general condition is affected by the diet and medication. Special attention should be given to antibiotics, the task of which is the fight against bacteria. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates should be included in the nutrition of both the treated person and absolutely healthy. They are the ones who maintain the balance of immunity.
Another condition for recovery is a careful attitude to rashes:
- Do not touch them, even if the patient is convinced that his hands are disinfected.
- Do not peel off the crusts on the formations. It takes quite a bit of time for them to burst themselves.
- Squeezing out the bubbles is also unacceptable.
- The patient must use exclusively personal hygiene products.
Conclusion
In fact, herpes is contagious. However, if you follow simple safety rules, avoiding infection by others, it turns out, is not so difficult. In addition, getting rid of the symptoms of herpes or eliminating its consequences also does not constitute serious difficulties, the main thing is to follow all the recommendations of a specialist and discard attempts at self-medication.