#. Lee Geon-woo (29, pseudonym), a self-employed student, has recently felt stressed and fatigued due to overtime work and friction with acquaintances. He later discovered blisters around Mr. Lee’s lips as he was getting ready for work. Mr. Lee who thought he was insignificant because it was a blister that occurred whenever he was tired. However, Mr. Lee’s co-worker, who discovered the blister, said it was highly contagious ‘herpes’ and even avoided lunch with Mr. Lee. This reaction from a co-worker is just shocking to Mr. Lee.
With the onset of summer, the incidence of viral diseases is increasing as the temperature rises. Stress and weakened immunity can also cause it.
An example is ‘herpes’.
Herpes is a viral disease that occurs in the human nervous system by the ‘Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)’. Infection occurs by penetrating damaged skin or mucous membranes. After the incubation period, small blisters appear on the mouth or genitals. It is typically divided into type 1 and type 2.
Although the fatality rate is low, the transmission rate is very high, and it is known that a cure is impossible.
First, type 1 occurs as herpes simplex in the mouth or around the lips, mucous membranes in the oral cavity, nose, hands, back, and navel. In the case of type 2, it appears around the genitals. It can be displaced by simple contact or friction.
However, recently, type 1 is often found around the genitals or type 2 is often found around the mouth, so it cannot be definitively determined. In addition, cross-infection can occur regardless of type 1 or type 2 when sexual contact occurs between men and women.
Herpes symptoms can range from mild symptoms such as tingling, rash, blisters, pain, and itching on the skin to severe cases of encephalitis or meningitis. At the same time, symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph glands may appear.
In particular, it has a high recurrence rate and is highly contagious when blisters are formed. Even if there are no symptoms, it is known that 50-70% of transmission is possible through sexual contact.
In addition, if a pregnant woman gets herpes during pregnancy, it can be passed on to her fetus, so a cesarean section may be performed depending on the situation. It is known that if a newborn is infected with herpes, it can cause epilepsy, encephalitis, and brain damage.
Although the exact cause of herpes outbreak is not yet known, it is known that the cause is mainly due to lifestyle habits, overwork, and reduced immunity due to stress. To date, it is known that there is no cure for herpes infection. Also, the onset of symptoms may occur months or years later. It is known that even when symptoms occur, they are mild and pass by.
The only treatment method is to improve symptoms using antiviral drugs such as oral medications or ointments when symptoms develop.
In order to receive an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to undergo an examination through an obstetrics and gynecology or urology department equipped with a proven facility and professional medical staff.