subject: Recognizing The Primary Herpes Infection Symptoms [print this page] It is often difficult to recognize the primary herpes infection symptoms. A lack of symptoms can lead to a further spread of the virus. Invariably, the major symptom for the disease is sores or viral shedding. These sores can appear orally on the lips, on hands and fingers as well in genital areas.
The virus is known as HSV-1 and HSV-2 scientifically, more colloquially Type-1 and Type-2. The virus can manifest itself through the sores or legions in the lip area or throat or genital area. Often, cases can appear asymptomatic and the disease will often remain for some time between outbreaks, in fact, it may never manifest itself. This lack of symptomatic behavior does not mean that the disease cannot be spread. Transmission occurs through oral mucosa and/or abraded skin.
The primary herpes infection symptoms of oral herpes Type 1, carries symptoms such as blistering. Blisters can appear in the throat and face (along with the mouth). In extreme cases, the Type 1 virus, known scientifically as HSV-1 can attack the central nervous system as encephalitis and can affect the eyes.
Type-2 is reserved for genital herpes. More often, Type-2 will be less symptomatic, making diagnosis difficult. While genital sores will occur in some cases, viral shedding might be a more likely indicator that the disease has been contracted. In both cases of the virus, a Doctor should be consulted for a proper and professional diagnosis.
Severe cases can arise due to a weakening of the immune system due to any number of factors such as immune system suppression, and transplant recipients. The virus can also adversely affect newborns. There are also indications that cases of herpes can lead to Bells Palsy, a type of facial paralysis and Alzheimer's disease. In these instances, it is considered that the genetic disposition of the individual is the cause for these cognitive diseases to arise.
Treatment includes antiviral medicines and topical creams. As stated earlier, there is no known cure for the HSV virus at this time, but outbreaks can be treated with a topical and even be slowed by the use of an antiviral. Currently in medical trial, there is a vaccine that could help in treatment and in prevention. Alternative medicines include dietary supplements such as echinacea, eleuthero and zinc, however, there is no evidence to prove that these supplements help prevent outbreaks.
The primary infection for herpes can lack symptoms altogether. It is a difficult disease to identify but when the primary herpes infection symptoms do occur, it is important to get a doctor's confirmation and receive treatment in order to keep the disease in control.
