How antiviral medications can help reduce asymptomatic viral shedding in herpes?

How antiviral medications can help reduce asymptomatic viral shedding in herpes

?

Herpes is an infection that is transmitted from one person to another by physical contact. Herpes simplex virus type-2, commonly known as HSV-2, causes genital herpes. Most people do not experience any symptoms for days or even months after getting infected with HSV-2. This is because herpes simplex virus can remain dormant or inactive in the body without showing any symptoms. It resides in nerve cells and other tissues. But when HSV-2 becomes active, it travels nerve pathways up to the surface of skin and cause outbreak of symptoms.

Herpes symptoms

Usually, the first outbreak of herpes develops within 2 to 20 days after physical contact with an infected person and can continue up to 2 weeks. These symptoms are sometimes so mild that they often go unnoticed. The first outbreak of genital herpes symptoms includes skin ulcers, painful red blisters, fever, pain while urinating, and genital discharge. Later outbreaks are less severe as compared to the first one and include blisters and ulcers, burning sensation around the genitals, and red sores.

What is viral shedding?

During an outbreak of herpes, herpes simplex virus-2 surfaces to skin and viral shedding occurs. Usually, shedding of virus occurs at the site of infections. It is during this period that the herpes virus is considered contagious and can therefore be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. But it is also possible that the herpes virus could be actively shedding at the site of infection without showing any symptoms. This condition is referred to as 'asymptomatic viral shedding.' Let's look at some of the facts about herpes viral shedding:

Herpes simplex virus-1 that mainly causes oral herpes is less likely to shed compared to herpes simplex virus-2 that causes genital herpes.

If you can avoid skin-to-skin contact with the infected area, the chances of spreading the virus because of viral shedding is low.

Some people never show any symptoms of herpes, but can still transmit the virus to others.

In half of the symptomatic cases, herpes viral shedding is estimated to occur in 7 days before and after an outbreak of symptoms.

How to reduce risk of viral shedding?

The shedding of herpes simplex virus at an infection site cannot be eliminated, but it can be reduced with some precautions and antiviral medications. In between outbreak of symptoms, latex condoms should be used during sexual intercourse to protect against viral shedding. But if there are any visible signs or symptoms of outbreak, any contact with the infected area should be avoided.

Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed for treatment of first outbreak of symptoms and controlling later outbreaks. Valtrex (valaciclovir) is a prescription antiviral medications recommended for genital herpes treatment. It reduces the growth and spread of herpes simplex virus and thus help fight off the infection. For genital herpes, a dosage of Valtrex 500mg is prescribed for 5-10 days. For cold sores, Valtrex pill should be taken for 3 days and for shingles, it should be taken for 7 days. If you miss a dose of Valtrex, you should take the missed dose as soon as possible.

POST COMMENT

Iron Gym Achieving Back Health because of this Easy & Useful Way Coffee against Cellulite The Best Anti Cellulite Products Americans Have Poorer Health than the British The McKenzie Method Eases Low Back Pain Contrast Shower is the Healthy Habit Body and Scalp Acne – Truly Embarrassing Problems and Remedies Male impotence: cure 100% effective and healthy Homemade Body Scrub tips Commitment Tips For A Bodybuilding Training Diet Signs and Symptoms Of Panic And Anxiety Attacks Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety And Panic Disorders How To Get Rid Of Cellulite useful tips