Herpetic fever

Herpetic fever (febris herpetica) is an infectious disease caused by the herpes virus. This virus, known as human herpesvirus, belongs to the Herpesviruside family and can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including herpetic stomatitis, genital herpes, herpes zoster and herpetic encephalitis.

Herpetic fever is usually spread from person to person through contact such as kissing, sharing utensils or sexual contact. After invading the body, the virus begins to multiply, affecting epithelial cells and nerve fibers. This leads to the development of characteristic clinical symptoms.

One of the most common manifestations of herpetic fever is herpetic stomatitis, characterized by the formation of painful ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips. Patients with herpetic stomatitis may experience fever, general weakness and pain when eating.

Genital herpes is another common manifestation of herpes infection. It is characterized by the appearance of painful vesicles on the genitals. Genital herpes can cause discomfort, itching, pain and ulcers, which significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. In addition, herpetic genitalis has a risk of transmitting the infection to the newborn during childbirth, which can have serious consequences.

Shingles, or herpetic zoster, is another type of herpes infection, although it is caused by a different herpes virus, varicella zoster. This disease is characterized by the appearance of a blistering rash, which is usually located along a specific nerve. Shingles is accompanied by severe pain and can leave behind postherpetic neuralgia - chronic pain in the area of ​​the affected nerve.

Herpetic encephalitis is a rare but serious complication of herpetic infection. The virus enters the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain. This can lead to serious symptoms such as headache, seizures, changes in consciousness and loss of consciousness. Herpetic encephalitis requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization.

Various methods are used to diagnose herptic fever, including clinical examination, blood tests, and molecular diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Treatment of herpetic fever is aimed at reducing symptoms and speeding recovery. In most cases, doctors prescribe antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir. These drugs help reduce the activity of the virus and speed up the healing of ulcers and rashes. Analgesics and antiviral ointments may also be used to relieve pain and symptoms.

Prevention of herpes fever includes practicing hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected people during outbreaks, and using condoms to prevent transmission of genital herpes. There is also a vaccine against genital herpes that may be recommended for people at increased risk of infection.

In conclusion, herpetic fever is a common infectious disease caused by the herpes virus. It presents with a variety of clinical symptoms, including herpetic stomatitis, genital herpes, herpes zoster and herpetic encephalitis. Early consultation with a doctor and proper treatment will help cope with the disease and prevent its complications. Hygiene and preventive measures also play an important role in preventing the transmission of infection.