Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. The disease is only contagious during outbreaks and infection control, safe sex, and proper hand washing needs to be practiced during this time. It is possible that antiviral medications taken during outbreaks may help prevent disease transmission as well, but cannot be counted on. Herpes has three phases of infection. When teaching patients, the most important concern is when herpes is contagious and how to prevent transmission. Herpes is a life-long disease with no cure and it is important to understand infection control. The three phases of herpes infection include: • Primary phase: During this phase, there may be no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) and the patient may unknowingly infect others. There may be slight feelings of burning pain and a few lesions in the oral or perianal area. It is important to understand the lesions are filled with the virus and, if they break open, are highly contagious. They can also be severely painful. These new lesions last from two to three weeks and then crust over and heal. Even after healing, the virus remains in the body. • Latent phase: During this period, there are little or no symptoms. The virus invades the nerves of the sensory areas and can be reactivated at any time if the body experiences stress. • Reactivation phase: In response to something, the virus reactivates inside the body and a breakout occurs. Symptoms may or may not return and if they do are less severe in nature than the first outbreak. Because the virus plants itself into the sensory nerves, there could be a great deal of burning and pain with outbreaks. Signs and symptoms of herpes simplex: • Fever • Throat pain (pharyngitis) • Lesions (oral, throat, perianal, penis, and vagina) • Muscle and nerve pain • Fatigue • Lymphadenopathy • Burning pain near lesions • Itching Nursing assessment for herpes simplex: • Head to toe general assessment o Assess skin, oral cavity, and perianal area for lesions o Ask about symptoms like pain, fever, fatigue, severity, andduration o Check temperature • Inquire about history of exposure o Sexual partners o Household members with herpes simplex • Review laboratory reports o Blood testing for Herpes Simplex o Culture of lesions

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