In the treatment of herpes simplex infections of type 1 and 2, the Vitagerpavak vaccine is used. Instructions for use, it is recommended to use the drug to prevent relapse of the disease. When ingested, the herpes virus invades the cells and causes an exacerbation when the immune system is weakened. Once infected, a person may suffer periodic manifestations of the disease throughout life. Vaccination will help to avoid this and extend the period of remission.
How is the infection transmitted?
Herpes transmission routes may vary. The Vitagerpavak vaccine acts against type 1 and 2 infections. The first strain of the virus is found in saliva and secretions from the nasal passages of the patient. You can get infected with a kiss, sexual contact, as well as through any object that an infected person came into contact with. Children often get the virus through toys. With type 1 herpes, a rash occurs on the face, most often around the mouth.
Herpes type 2 is transmitted sexually. The virus is contained in the discharge from the patient's genitals. The infection appears as a rash on the genitals. However, asymptomatic virus carriage is also possible, when a person feels healthy, but is a source of infection.
There are other ways of transmitting herpes types 1 and 2. Infection is possible with a blood transfusion or organ transplant. And also the virus is transmitted through the placenta or during childbirth from mother to baby.
If the infection has entered the body, then removing it is no longer possible. With a decrease in immunity or vitamin deficiency, an exacerbation of the disease occurs. But you can make the virus less active. The Vitagerpavak vaccine helps to achieve long-term remission in cases of type 1 and type 2 herpes infection.
The composition and effect of the vaccine
The active component of the vaccine is an inactivated antigen of viruses of type 1 and 2. The vaccine is available in the form of a lyophilisate for injection. Antigen is obtained from the kidney cells of animals. Then it is inactivated with formaldehyde. Next, sucrose, cellulose and an antibacterial substance - gentamicin sulfate are added to the preparation .
The herpes vaccine Vitagerpavak refers to immunobiological preparations. It increases the body's resistance to type 1 and type 2 viruses.
Indications for use
Vaccination using the Vitagerpavak preparation is indicated in the following cases:
- for the prevention of relapse of herpetic infection type 1 and 2;
- in old age (from 60-65 years) to prevent infection;
- with HIV infection before the development of active signs of AIDS.
With the introduction of the drug, immunity is activated, the resistance of the infection increases and the body is cleansed. It must be remembered that the drug does not act against other types of virus, except 1 and 2.
Contraindications
Inactivated vaccine may not be given to all patients. Instructions "Vitagerpavak" prohibits vaccination of the following categories of patients:
- If the patient has an acute stage of herpes with severe symptoms. It is possible to vaccinate only 2 weeks after the disappearance of the manifestations of the disease. With rashes on the eyes, the drug should be administered 1 month after the symptoms of the infection subside.
- Vaccination is contraindicated in any acute diseases (infectious and non-infectious) and during relapse of chronic pathology. Vitagerpavac is administered one month after complete recovery or disappearance of clinical symptoms.
- Oncological diseases are also a contraindication to the course of vaccinations.
- If the patient is allergic to Gentamicin and aminoglycoside antibiotics, then vaccination is canceled.
- If there are active signs of AIDS, vaccination is strictly contraindicated.
In addition, the introduction of "Vitagerpavak" is not allowed for pregnant women and nursing mothers. In childhood, the herpes vaccine is used with caution. The question of the possibility of vaccination should be decided by a pediatrician.
Unwanted effects
In some patients, administering a vaccine may cause unpleasant symptoms. Instructions "Vitagerpavak" reports the following side effects of the medication:
- redness of the skin and burning at the injection site;
- slight fever;
- general malaise, weakness.
Such phenomena do not require cessation of vaccine administration and special treatment. However, with a high temperature and a sharp deterioration in well-being, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a specialist can decide how serious the local and general reaction of the body to the vaccine is.
How is the vaccine administered?
1 vial (0.2 ml of the active ingredient) of the lyophilisate is dissolved in 0.3 ml of water for injection. The drug is administered intradermally into the inner surface of the forearm. During the course of vaccination, 5 injections are made, after each injection a week-long break is required (or two weeks with a complicated form of the disease). After six months, the vaccination is repeated according to the same scheme.
Instructions "Vitagerpavak" reports that the introduction of the vaccine is compatible with the administration of drugs. Drinking alcohol during vaccinations is prohibited, this can lead to an exacerbation of the disease. With herpes, in any case, alcohol should be excluded from the diet, since their intake adversely affects immunity.
Where is vaccination given?
Where to get the Vitagerpavak vaccine? The drug should in no case be administered at home. Only a healthcare provider in a hospital can vaccinate.
Vitagerpavak injections can be done at a clinic, clinic, hospital or medical center. Usually the vaccination is paid, the cost of the procedure is about 700 rubles. Vaccination is carried out as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician. During the course of injections of the drug, it is recommended to additionally take immunostimulants and vitamin-mineral complexes.
Storage, price and analogues
The vaccination product is recommended to be stored at a temperature not exceeding +8 degrees. The drug is suitable for use for 2 years. The prepared solution for injection should be consumed immediately, it is not subject to storage.
The price of the drug is from 1800 to 2100 rubles for 5 bottles. This amount is enough for 1 course of vaccination. The medicine is dispensed from pharmacies strictly by prescription.
Patients are often interested in analogues of Vitagerpavak. The most similar means for vaccination is the preparation "Gerpovax". It includes inactivated antigens of herpes viruses type 1 and 2. The cost of this tool is about the same as Vitagerpavak - about 2000 rubles.
Often patients are interested in which of these two drugs is best to be vaccinated with. Gerpovax is a structural analogue of Vitagerpavak and contains the same active ingredient. Their effect on the body is exactly the same. For vaccination, you can use either of these two drugs.
Vaccination Reviews
You can find many positive reviews of Vitagerpavak from patients suffering from herpetic eruptions on the lips. People note that if earlier they had relapses every 2-3 months, then after vaccination for a year there was not a single exacerbation of a viral infection. Netizens consider this tool reliable and wish to repeat the vaccination course after some time. The main drawback of the drug, patients consider only the pain of injections.
Vitagerpavak also helped patients with type 2 genital herpes. This disease is sometimes difficult to treat and requires long-term medication. The vaccination course allows patients to remain in remission. People say that vaccination is especially effective in combination with antiviral drugs, prebiotics, vitamins, and immunomodulators. The duration of remission in a recurring form of the disease is up to several months, after which the vaccination is repeated.
Negative reviews about Vitagerpavak are due to the fact that the vaccine did not help all patients. In some patients, remission after vaccination was very short and lasted only a month. If you analyze these reviews, you can identify that the exacerbation of the disease occurred after severe physical exertion, hypothermia or alcohol consumption, which is strictly contraindicated in cold sores. It must be remembered that vaccination does not preclude adherence to the regimen and diet recommended by the doctor.
You may find reviews of local and general side effects after the injection. Some patients experienced severe redness and fever after vaccination. Adverse events must be reported to your doctor. In such cases, the vaccination course is interrupted. You can continue the injection after the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.