Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) was first reported over 2,000 years ago by the Greeks who used the term herpes, meaning creepy or crawling (Drugge & Jackson Allen, 2008, p. 455). It is known today as an infectious organism that affects populations equally worldwide (Drugge & Jackson Allen, 2008). In 2004, reports showed that 60% to 95% of the older adult population suffered from HSV-1 and at least 40% of them had been infected since age fifteen (Drugge & Jackson Allen, 2008). ). It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States; approximately one million people become infected yearly (Ensor, 2005). The infection can appear in different areas such as the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, central nervous system and genital
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During the prodromal stage of the infection, symptoms such as tingling, burning, itching, and neuralgia of the area around the mouth or the oral mucosa may occur and can persist for several hours prior to the formation of lesions, commonly called “cold sores”(Ensor, 2005). These lesions first appear as blisters and shortly after dry to form crusts and ulcers (Ensor, 2005). Primary lesions are more severe than recurrent or secondary lesions, which are less painful and appear usually at the same site as the primary (Drugge & Jackson Allen, 2008). Other symptoms are fever, pharyngitis, headache and swollen gums and lymph nodes (Ensor, …show more content…
The infection has crossed borders and ethnic groups and has become one of the most ubiquitous infections in humans. Young populations would really benefit from an effective prevention method, perhaps a vaccine, but until then, education regarding modes of transmission is the best prevention strategy. Healthcare providers should stay sensitive and open to counseling and education to reduce the risks of transmission and to help patients with the management of the infection. Although HSV is not a life threatening infection, it has a great impact on patients’ lives and could become a burden difficult to cope with. Education needs to expand out of health institutions and go to communities, schools and workplaces to provide simple and easy to understand educational materials in order to promote prevention and prevent recurrence. It is crucial that more studies are directed toward finding a way to eradicate
During the prodromal stage of the infection, symptoms such as tingling, burning, itching, and neuralgia of the area around the mouth or the oral mucosa may occur and can persist for several hours prior to the formation of lesions, commonly called “cold sores”(Ensor, 2005). These lesions first appear as blisters and shortly after dry to form crusts and ulcers (Ensor, 2005). Primary lesions are more severe than recurrent or secondary lesions, which are less painful and appear usually at the same site as the primary (Drugge & Jackson Allen, 2008). Other symptoms are fever, pharyngitis, headache and swollen gums and lymph nodes (Ensor, …show more content…
The infection has crossed borders and ethnic groups and has become one of the most ubiquitous infections in humans. Young populations would really benefit from an effective prevention method, perhaps a vaccine, but until then, education regarding modes of transmission is the best prevention strategy. Healthcare providers should stay sensitive and open to counseling and education to reduce the risks of transmission and to help patients with the management of the infection. Although HSV is not a life threatening infection, it has a great impact on patients’ lives and could become a burden difficult to cope with. Education needs to expand out of health institutions and go to communities, schools and workplaces to provide simple and easy to understand educational materials in order to promote prevention and prevent recurrence. It is crucial that more studies are directed toward finding a way to eradicate