By: Amrit Brar, Amrit Sandhu, Devon Dowler and Dionne Rodrigues Herpes The gift that keeps on giving! By: Amrit Brar, Amrit Sandhu, Devon Dowler and Dionne Rodrigues

Introduction Before Research Herpes can form in 2 types of virus, Herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes type 2. People infected with HSV often experience symptoms within days of exposure to the virus, but it is possible to live with herpes for a long period of time without being aware of having been infected. Before the research all of our group members didn’t have the greatest idea of what herpes really were. All we knew was that it was a virus that you could get when you have sex. Although we didn’t know what herpes really were we thought that we had a somewhat easy topic cause herpes seemed pretty common. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually the cause of cold sores or herpes in and around the mouth. The virus is transmitted via direct skin to skin contact. HSV-2 which is most commonly associated with genital herpes infections may also cause cold sores. Both symptoms in men and women are similar.

Virus or Bacteria? HSV= Herpes Simplex Virus. Herpes are a virus because virus last a lifetime and so do herpes! Herpes viruses are a leading cause of human viral disease, second only to influenza and cold viruses Dangers When herpes is left untreated, sores will appear every few weeks. Outbreaks that occur when you are under stress may be more severe. Before the sores appear, the surrounding area may itch or burn. Because you cannot predict when a herpes outbreak will occur, it can become an inconvenience. Sores can last a few days, then a scab will form over and the sore will heal without leaving a scar.

Identifying the Symptoms of Herpes Other symptoms include: Symptoms: a burning sensation in the genitals ● lower back pain ● small red bumps may appear in the genital area following earlier symptoms, later developing into painful blisters, which crust over, form a scab, and heal. ● usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact ● could continue up to 2 weeks ● may be so mild it goes unnoticed ● may take longer or be less severe in some people, especially in those with partial immunity to the virus from having facial herpes, e.g. cold sores. ● in the first attack sometimes causes visible sores ● last between 10 - 21 days

Statistics One out of five of the total adolescent and adult population is infected with genital herpes. An estimated 25 percent of American adults have genital herpes About 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes (cold sores). Since the late 1970s, the number of Americans with genital herpes infection has increased 30% Approximately two-thirds of people who acquire STDs in the United States are younger than 25 One in five Americans have genital herpes (yet at least 80 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it)

Questions….. How does herpes spread? Herpes is spread through direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Often the contact occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A person with a cold sore can pass herpes to the mouth of a sex partner by kissing, or to the genitals of a sex partner during oral sex. How will I know if I have herpes? Your doctor or other health-care provider will collect a sample of fluid with a small swab or take a scraping from a blister or sore during an exam and have it tested at a laboratory. Some facilities may be able to diagnose herpes using blood tests How is herpes treated? There are medications that can shorten herpes outbreaks, relieve discomfort, and make transmission less likely. Medication can also be taken on a daily basis to decrease the number of outbreaks a person has. Although herpes outbreaks are treatable, there is no cure for the herpes virus infection

More Questions…. Can you prevent genital herpes from spreading? Sure you can. In case you have an ongoing herpes outbreak, make it a point to wash your hands regularly. Also make it a point not to touch any infant or child, and those people you think who could be having a weak immune system, like people with AIDS, cancer or those who have undergone organ transplant. Just as you take care not to touch others, it is equally important not to touch your own eyes with a hand that has already touched a herpes infected part of your body. What is the difference between genital herpes caused by type 1 virus and the one that is caused by type 2 viruses? Type 1 is more likely to cause facial herpes. But type 1 can cause herpes in the genital area too. However these types of infections do not reoccur. In other words, type 1 will not cause re occurrence of herpes in the genital area. Type 2 is most likely to occur only in the genital area. Generally, it is the type 2 virus that is responsible for genital herpes. Genital herpes can only spread through sexual contact. As for the symptoms, there is not much difference in the symptoms of the infections caused by the type 1 and type 2 viruses.

Bibliography http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001861 http://chronicle.uchicago.e du/980402/herpes.shtml http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001861 http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/std/stdh2.shtml After research http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herpes/stats.html After research we found out a lot about herpes. We found out treatment, the dangers and that herpes is very dangers although it doesn’t compare to the worst. Overall we learnt that herpes can happen to anyone and that we have to be safe. http://worldbookonline.com/student/article/id=ar254565&st=herpes WARNING! We strongly advise you not to go on Google images to look at pictures of herpes, but if you do so we are not help responsible and have a vomiting bag beside you (based on personal experiences).