The Treatment Of Herpes Symptoms

The Treatment Of Herpes Symptoms

Much confusion exists about herpes. Because there are two main types of herpes, oral and genital. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if a person has herpes – as well as the best course of treatment for the specific type of herpes. One of the most vital steps in treating herpes is getting diagnosed with the virus. While this may seem obvious, a significant number of people with herpes may dismiss it as a simple cold sore or a slight case of the flu.

Cold sores can be quite common but how many people run to the nearest pharmacy for an over the counter recommendation to “treat” cold sores? How many people know that cold sores are one type of herpes? Similarly, those with body aches or a fever may wait for it to pass, not knowing that this is one sign of herpes and may have repeated bouts of inflammation and symptoms. These are reasons why diagnosis and treatment are important. With proper treatment, life can return to normal again and symptoms can usually be controlled.

Treating herpes: Symptoms Get Proper Diagnosis

Some people may not have symptoms. However, if a sexual partner has recently been diagnosed with genital herpes, it is a good idea for his or her partner to get tested. Other symptoms of herpes can include fatigue, joint pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes and sores that resemble blisters. Genital herpes can also result in discharge from the genital area.

Of course, not all herpes is transmitted sexually. Many children or young adults have cold sores. This usually means the virus was transmitted when by a simple kiss on the mouth or even near the mouth. It can even be spread by touching items used by someone else with herpes, perhaps a towel or glass. Genital herpes, however, is spread by sexual contact or activity. To complicate matters further, the infected person may not be showing signs of herpes and still be able to infect his or her partner.

Everyone should be aware of the most common symptoms of herpes and get tested if these symptoms arise. It is also important to realize that some people may feel quite ill and feverish but others may have symptoms that are easily dismissed and not bothersome. Even so, any discharge, pain or swollen lymph nodes in the genital area is reason for concern.

Treating Herpes Symptoms: Medications

Once genital herpes is diagnosed, a number of medications can be used to keep attacks and symptoms under control. Three medications are commonly used: Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex. Others are on the horizon or being researched but these three are among the first choice of medications. Zovirax is not only used to treat herpes but shingles and chicken pox. It has been shown to be effective for many people but (as is so often the case), some herpes medications may work better for some patients than others. Zovirax is an anitviral medication which can be used by pregnant women, lessening the chances that they will have active lesions when their babies are born.

Another medication, Famvir, is also an antiviral. Although it can’t cure herpes (no medication can actually cure herpes but only reduce symptoms), it has been a great help to many with herpes. However, it may not be the best choice for those with kidney disease or problems with glucose absorption. Like Zovirax, it can be taken by pregnant women. Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes so appropriate safe sex methods should be used.

Valtrex is a medication which can be used for both genital and non-genital herpes infections and is often used in children who have cold sores as well as adolescents or adults who may have genital type herpes. It is safe for pregnant women to take but should be avoided or used with caution in those who have HIV or immune system diseases as well as those with kidney conditions. A specialist can determine whether Valtrex is the appropriate medication.

In addition to prescription medications to treat herpes symptoms, there are also alternative therapies as well as nutritional supplements and dietary changes which may greatly reduce the symptoms of herpes. These options include diets high in lysine and arginine as well as those which strengthen the immune system.