Herpes

Herpes
What is it?
*Blisters of the skin-Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster
*Causes infectious mononucleosis-Epstein-Barr virus
*Causes roseola infantum- Herpesvirus 6
*Cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma in people with AIDS- Herpesvirus 8
*Cold sores on the lips or eyes- HSV-1
*Sexual contact with genital herpes- HSV-2
Who does it affect?
*HSV-2 can be transmitted to the fetus if occurred in the last
3 months of pregnancy
*People with AIDS infections of the skin can be severe and persistent with
inflammation of the esophagus and intestines, ulcers around the anus,
pneumonia, nerve abnormalities
What are the Symptoms?
*Recurring episodes of small, painful blisters on the skin or mucous membranes
*Can serve as a source of infecting other people
*Eruptions may be triggered by overexposure to sunlight, physical or mental stress,
fever, certain medications, certain foods, suppression of the immune system,
and other factors unknown
*Itching and blisters- that form in clusters that are painful
What do I need to do?
*See your Physician
*Increase fluids
*Eat healthy and see a Registered Dietitian if necessary
*Keep infected areas clean
*Treat and prevent bacterial infection