Herpes Simplex Virus (A double stranded DNA virus)
People worry a lot about HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV) and there are instances when it should be of great concern. Newborns may experience severe infection if his mother acquires nonprimary Herpes (HSV) near delivery. Herpes keratitis is the second cause of corneal blindness in the United States. The Immunocompromised or those with Aids are at risk of serious disease.
In immunocompetent, Herpes rarely causes widespread systemic infection that may lead to meningoencephalitis.
There are two strains of herpes virus and are known as HSV Type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV Type 2 (HSV-2).
There are three recognized types of infections:
1. First Infection (Primary)
2. Nonprimary Infection
3. Recurrent Infection
If a person has immunity to one type of Herpes, it confers some immunity to the other type and disease is usually less severe and can be subclinical.
Immunocompromised, newborns, and malnourished patients are at risk of severe systemic disease. The typical lesions may not be present.
In the video, you can see an infant with ACUTE HERPETIC GINGIVOSTOMATITIS, severe. Infant recovered.
We have antiviral agents that include ACYCLOVIR (NOW GENERIC), and VALACYCLOVIR (advertised on television as its brand Valtrex®).
I do not recommend long-term suppression against genital herpes with Valtrex® in otherwise healthy patients. Though asymptomatic immunocompetent patients may choose to take Valtrex® "to reduce risk of heterosexual transmission," they can still shed the virus and transmit the infection to a susceptible host.
(Rarely do healthy adults acquire severe primary disease. One man I treated was exposed to genital herpes. His girlfriend had no symptoms. He developed a severe herpes stomatitis (mouth/oral mucosa) and commented, "but I didn't see anything." I reminded him that viruses are lifeless and invisible particles. He recovered.)
This information is for medical providers. Patients should not self-diagnose nor treat themselves. A professional opinion is important. How do we provide all Americans with a Universal Health Care Plan with Choice when there are so many competing commercial interests that want to be in the healthcare business?
Luis Lomeli MD
Tags: Herpes Labialis Stomatitis Valtrex versus Acyclovir sexually transmitted diseases Healthcare Reform Luis Lomeli MD
