Herpes Simplex Symptoms and Treatment - Research Paper Example

Most infections by the virus do not produce recognizable symptoms. As such, approximately 10 - 25% of those infected with type 2 virus are not even aware that they have genital herpes (Harvey par 2). Symptoms of the very first infection include short-lived redness of the skin that often goes unnoticed, a sickly feeling with upped body temperatures, blisters on the lips or other parts of the body skin and/or swollen lymph glands. Recurrent blisters usually affect the same spots and combine with the aforementioned symptoms ("Herpes simplex (b)’ par 4).

Ocular herpes may cause sensitivity to light and scarring of the cornea ("Herpes simplex (b)” part 5). Many cases of the illness are mild and need no specific treatment. People with severe outbreaks, particularly those experiencing initial episodes as well as those with a weak immune system, are better off seeking antiviral medications as soon as possible. Acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir are known helpful medications in fighting the illness (Sabo par 9-10).