Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is a disease resulting from the activation of the virus that stayed in the human body after chicken pox carried earlier. The disease is characterized with fever, general intoxication, pains and vesiculation along sensorial nerves,

Causes

With herpes zoster are diseased people in nervous system of which remains chicken pox virus for life. The disease usually affects older people.

How virus is activated?

Lowered with age immunity or severe diseases may activate chicken pox virus and causes nerves inflammation where the virus lives. Via sensorial nerves virus spreads into skin and mucus membranes where inflammation develops.

Symptoms

The disease starts acutely with increase of body temperature and full-blown burning pains, inch in spots of future rash. Pains appear on spots of affected nerves (often intercostal) and has one-way belting character. Sometimes pains become intolerable, they do increase when touching the skin, movements, cooling. In 3 – 4 days skin on pain spots becomes red and there appear groups with rare bladders filled with transparent liquid which soon becomes turbid. With appearing of cutaneous eruption, pains usually become less intense, but every second patient suffers from these pains for a month. In 3 – 5 days bladders dry up and turn into crusts.

The total duration of the disease is 7 – 10 days. However, in people with significantly lowered immunuty the disease courses more severe and long.

When in process get involved cranial nerves, pains and rash may appear on facial skin, mucus membranes of eyes and nose, earflap or acoustic meatus.

Complications

Almost in 10% of patients with herpes zoster pains in affected area last for more than one month. In some patients pains return back after one year of recovery.

Recognition

The appearing of one-way vesiculation with pains along intercostal space helps to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

It is necessary to start herpes zoster treatment after first disease manifestations (first days of rash appearing). All patients (especially people younger 20 years) must examine in order to find the reasons for immunity lowering.

Preventive measures

Healthy lifestyle.

Ways Of Hepatitis Diagnostication

Q: When it is necessary to make examination after unprotected sex?

A: It is necessary to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 10 days after having unprotected sex. Antibodies test will give information only in 1-3 months.

Q: Is it possible to get recovered more rapidly if PCR detected virus in blood immediately after infection?

A: Test will show if you are infected or not, and also will help your partner to vaccinate. However, for the treatment is not so important when diagnosis was made – in several days or weeks after infection. It was proved that treatment delay even for a few months never aggravates the result but it is virulent to delay treatment more than one year.

Frequently, doctors choose waiting game when they meet hepatitis B. Acute hepatitis B in adults without immune deficiencies in 95% cases ends up with autorecovery. And acute hepatitis C in 60-85% cases becomes chronic.

Q: How to know from test results whether treatment is needed or not?

A: Any type of hepatitis reqiures treatment if liver damage is significant. Biochemical test and biopsy, which detects fibrosis (when liver cells are replaced with connective tissue), will show it. In hepatitis B are taken into account viral loads – the more virus is in blood, the more probability is for the disease to progress.

When viral load is low and bioorganics indicators are normal, you may live in security and once a year undergo examination. Remember that in this period you may infect people around you via blood or sexual intercource that is why your relatives should vaccinate. The effectiveness of vaccination is 98%.

Q: What are the treatments for chronic hepatitis?

A: Hepatitis C may be treated with interferon alfa and ribavirin. Hepatitis B may be ctreated with interferon alfa or nucleoside analogues that are build into virus structure preventing it from reproduction. However, small persentage of patients get recovered from hepatitis B. Stopping virus reproduction helps to reduce significantly probability of complications.

Q: Are there any false-positive test results for hepatitis?

A: Yes, only in case of mistakes in the laboratory. In order to avoid such results, in good laboratories is made additionally check analysis.

Hepatitis Glossary

Antibodies are protective proteins which produce our immune cells in reply to contacting with virus antigenes.

Antigens are particles of the virus.

Viral hepatitis is hepatitis caused by a viral infection.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver tissue.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a high-strung test which allows to detect in the blood genetic material of the virus (its DNA or RNA). PCR detects virus in blood in 10 days after infection.

Viral load is the amount of virus in 1 ml of blood.

Additional examinations

1. Ultrasonic examination not detects hepatitis but at the stage of cirrhosis it shows first signs of changes. By the way, large liver mass is not a sign of hepatitis.
2. Genotyping is an examination of virus for the choice of treatment strategy. Different genotypes of virus C are treated with different effectiveness. Detecting of genotypes of virus B has no impact on the treatment effectiveness.
3. Liver biopsy detects the degree of inflammation. This is required when other analysis are not clear.

What Is Hepatitis?

A person may catch hepatitis and recover from it, not even knowing about it. A person may live with chronic form of hepatitis many years and discover it when the disease is on cirrhosis stage.

What viruses cause hepatitis?

Viruses A and E may cause acute hepatitis called “the disease of dirty hands” because people often get infection while traveling in the African and Asian countries. Viruses B, C, D may be agents of chronic hepatitis. Those viruses are transmitted via blood or during unprotected sex. In some cases chronic viral hepatitis after 10-30 years may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

What are hepatitis symptoms?Acute hepatitis has the same symptoms as simple cold with food infection symptoms। In case yellow plague is not developed, people often recover successfully without knowing what disease they had। So acute hepatitis C in 95% of cases is unnoticed and hepatitis B is unnoticed in 70%. The main symptom showing chronic form of disease is constant fatigue.

Who and when should make tests for hepatitis?
# patients with chronic kidney failure who are on hemodialysis
# persons after operations and endoscopic procedures
# spouses and children of persons with hepatitis
# if the blood biochemical test shows liver damage
# drug addicts
# after unprotected sexual intercourse
# after making tattoo, piercing, manicure or pedicure in salon
# after visiting countries with high prevalence of hepatitis: South-East Asia, Central Africa

What tests should be made at the first suspicion?

To detect hepatitis, biochemical test of blood is made. This test is cheap, informative and available in most laboratories. The most important indicators for the diagnosis of hepatitis is the level of enzymes SPGT (alanine aminotransferase) and ACT (aspartate aminotransferase). In case they are out of normal level then it means the patient has hepatitis. Then the next step is to go to gastroenterologist and infectiologist that do specialize on hepatitis.

How to check for hepatitis B and C?

The most rational way is to do a blood test on the most important markers of chronic hepatitis B and C. In case were found HbsAg (membrane antigen of B virus) and antibodies to to hepatitis C virus, you should go to the doctor. He will say if it is necessary or not to make other tests to detect virus antigens. Such profound examinations are made in special laboratories. You may at once make blood test for RNA and DNA of viruses B and C. If they will be detected then you should anyway make antigen and antibodies test in order to find the best treatment.

How To Improve Your Immunity?

In autumn, winter and spring many of us complain on immunity lowering. We become more vulnerable to different diseases and we may catch any virus.


First of all, what is immunity?
Immunity is body resistance to everything heterogenes. Immune system protects body from penetration of dangerous for its life activity matters such as bacteria, viruses and fungi and other harmful micro organisms.

If infection enters human body, then infection starts to reproduce and human condition breaks down. Do appear first symptoms: sneeze, cough, high body temperature. If a person has good immunity then comes breaking point and in the blood start to produce antibodies – matters that destroy infection in the body.

Humans have special cells called lymphocytes. They act as soldiers protecting their state, in other words, they along with antibodies destroy infection acting as aggressors.
There exists species immunity when cats and dogs do not get infected with human diseases and vise versa.

Natural acquired immunity appears after past disease. Artificial immunity appears after flu shot. Everybody know that some people get diseased frequently and some quite rarely. That's a shame. So what to do?

The answer is quite simple – it is necessary to improve your immunity. It is not so difficult as it seems at first sight, although it requires some efforts. Alcohol, smoking, stress, poor ecology, unhealthy food and water, great mental and physical stress do lower immunity.

For most of us it is much easier to take a modern pill than to come down the sofa. Today modern human moves less and less, because civilization brings him a number of things literally on the plate. That is why those who want to iimprove their immunity should increase their physical activity. It may be gymnastics, aerobics, swimming. outdoor games, working in the garden, walking.

Quenching and yoga help in immunity strengthening. Healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, cereals, coarse bread, legumes, vegetable oils, honey, lactate products) also help to increase immunity. Vitamins should always be presented in your diet. Make your habit to drink vitaminic mineral assemblage. It is healthful to take each morning a spoon with honey when your stomach is empty.

Green tea and mate positively work on the immunity. Stress usually is resulted from overfatigue that is why you should rest good. So, you will reduce chances to get infected. And in case you get infected, you will recover from disease much easily. It is better to improve immunity in late spring, summer and early autumn.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the agent called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes virus:

I herpes virus type affects mainly skin and mucous coat of lips, eyes, nose (HSV-1)

II herpes virus type affects mucous coat of genital organs (HSV-2)

However, genital herpes may be developed under the influence of mixed infection of type I and type II.

Ways of transmission:
1. sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection;
2. genital oral contact;
3. autoinfection, when diseased person carries the virus from center of infection on uninfected parts of the body, for example, from face to genital organs;
4. vertical way of transmission is possible when during pregnancy occurs infection of baby from his mother (fetal infection) or during childbirth
5. domestic mode of transmission occurs extremely rarely and is completely excluded if the virus containing the secret dries.

The main source of infection in men is the urogenital tract, and in women - cervical canal.

Course

Infection with the herpes virus does not always cause manifestation of the disease, often it may have hidden character. In this case people do not know they have this virus disease, so they become source of infection for their sexual partner. A characteristic feature of herpes infection is duration of staying of the virus in the body (herpes virus may stay in the body whole life) and predisposition to aggravation. Undercooling, stress, overfatigue, infective disease (influenza, sore throat, respiratory viral infection) may cause aggravation of herpes.

Common manifestation: high temperature, headache, muscle pain, nausea.

Local manifestations occur in vulva area, vesical cervix area, urine. Typical sign is appearing of numerous small bladders with liquid, redness and edema of affected areas. When those bladders do burst, on their spots appear sores which do heal during 2-3 weeks. Along with bladder eruption and sore appearing patient can experience itch, pain, burning, lower abdomen severity.

Diagnostics of herpes infection is based on detecting the virus and its antibodies in the blood and in swabs from affected area.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Treatment takes quite long time. Genital herpes treatment is directed on stoppage of virus reproduction in human body and elevation of body defenses. Remedies acting directly on virus are not still found. Doctors prescribe such medications as Zovirax (Aciclovir), Neovir, specific zoster immunoglobulin. Ointments are used to shorten time for sores healing on affected areas.

In order to rise immunity doctors prescribe immunostimulants and vitamin and mineral complexes.

Taking Zovirax (Aciclovir) during several months helps to prevent recurrence of genital herpes.

Complications caused by herpes virus during pregnancy:

# prematurity or premature birth
# development of fetus abnormalities
# transplacental infection

Swine Flu. Part Two

Should women stop breastfeeding if they do think they might have swine flu H1N1?

No, they should continue breastfeeding unless doctor advises them to stop. Continuing breastfeeding protects baby from getting infected by passing on maternal antibodies and boosting the immune system.

Should I take an antiviral drug in order to prevent swine flu H1N1?

No, you should not take antiviral drugs unless prescribed by the doctor.

Should I avoid traveling to flu affected countries?

Some health ministries have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flu affected countries. But the World Health Organization is not recommending travel restrictions because international travel will disrupt people's plans and schedules with little impact on the spread of the virus.

May I go to the work if I have swine flu H1N1?

No, it is recommended to stay at home if you have symptoms of swine flu. This is important to protect your friends and colleagues from becoming ill.

What is the treatment of swine flu H1N1?

Swine flu is responding to two antiviral drugs called oseltamivir or zanamivir. These are prescription drugs that stop the flu virus from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

Can I travel if I have swine flu H1N1?

If you have symptoms of swine flu, you should not travel. If you feel bad but cannot avoid traveling or contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with special mask.

What is the incubation period of swine flu H1N1?

The incubation period of swine flu is unknown but it could range from 1 to 7 days, and more likely 1 to 4 days.

WHO has declared a swine flu H1N1 pandemic. What does that mean?

A pandemic is an infectious disease that is spreading worldwide. If a disease is declared a pandemic, it means that it is spreading rapidly across the world. When the WHO declared a swine flu H1N1 pandemic, the flu virus had already been reported from 70 countries and cases were occurring in multiple parts of the world.

How long does influenza virus remain alive on surfaces such as tables and doorknobs?

Influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Swine Flu. Part One

Swine flu is a viral disease caused by a new type of influenza virus that has never circulated before in humans. The new virus was first detected in the USA in April 2009. The virus was initially called swine flu because it is genetically very similar to viruses that normally cause flu in swine.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported in a number of individuals.

Is swine flu H1N1 similar to seasonal flu?

Seasonal flu occurs every year but many individuals have some immunity against it which protects them from getting sick. Vaccines against seasonal flu are available in many countries. The swine flu virus on the other hand is an entirely new agent against which most of us have little or no immunity.

Is swine flu H1N1 contagious?

Yes, the virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person. It appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza and is spreading fast among young people (from ages 10 to 45).

How does swine flu H1N1 virus spread?

Swine flu spreads from human to human in much the same way as seasonal flu. You can get infected if you inhale droplets expelled by an infected person during coughing or sneezing. Since the expelled droplets can also contaminate hands and other surfaces, you may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or nose.

Can I get swine flu H1N1 from eating?

No, swine flu virus does not spread through food. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork. The flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, which is commonly used for cooking meat.

How severe is the disease caused by swine flu H1N1?

The severity of disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe diseases that can result in death. A large proportion of individuals who get infected with the virus experience mild disease and recover without hospitalization or antiviral treatment.

Who is at risk of severe swine flu disease?

Pregnant women, individuals with previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of flu-related complications such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and those with weak immune systems are more likely to experience severe disease caused by flu infection.

How to protect youself and your family against swine flu H1N1?

First of all, vaccinate against A (H1N1). You can protect yourself from getting infected by avoiding close contact (minimum distance of about one meter if possible) with individuals who have flu-like symptoms. Plus, the next measures can protect you:

1. avoid crowded places or reduce the time spent in crowded places
2. improve ventilation by opening windows at home or at your job
3. avoid touching your mouth and nose
4. wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub several times in a day
5. maintain general good heath, get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and stay physically active