Running head: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Jocelyn Gonzalez

West Los Angeles Colleges / University of Southern California

Author Note

First paragraph: Definition

Second paragraph: Symptoms

Third paragraph: Ways of attracting the virus

Fourth paragraph: How to diagnose and treat

Fifth paragraph: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in the dental setting

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 2

Abstract

My initial reason for choosing the topic, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 was

because the curiosity on what exactly it was. Though I did have prior knowledge to the

virus I was not entirely sure on the dangers it withheld and therefore made me ignorant

in the way I did not care for I believed that it could go away once infected.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 also known as oral herpes is the type in which

can cause blisters around the mouth. The virus is contagious therefore is passed from

person to person through direct contact. The best way of diagnosing the virus is through

a physical exam consisting of a doctor checking for symptoms of the virus and it is

recommended to be treated to reduce the risk of spreading. When dealing with oral

herpes in the dental office it is not recommended to treat a patient with the virus for it is

easily transmitted and even with the proper PPE, transmission of the virus can still

occur.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Herpes is the term used to describe the rupturing of the skin with later results in

blisters. The virus s one of the most common in the world for many cases people do not

notice that they are infected with the virus for they quite possibly do not experience the

symptoms. Worldwide 67% of the people younger than 50 years of age already are

infected with the virus, according to the World Health Organization, as for the United

States 54% of the ages between 14 through 49 have the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 3

Definition

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 is a virus in which is characterized by small blisters

which are formed in clusters. The clusters are usually evident on the lips and face

however, if not treated properly can spread throughout, resulting to infection in the eye

which can later cause visual impairment.The occurrence of lesion can result to scabs

forming as well itching and burning, however upon six to ten days normal skin can grow

back therefore healing properly in fourteen days. Those who are infected with herpes

are usually children or young adults therefore when infected with the virus it is highly

recommended for the patient to be treated, for as long as the pathogen is surviving in

the cells the virus will never heal even with antiviral drug as a result, long term treatment

are needed to avoid the possibility of outbreaks however, it is possible for a person with

the latent virus to only experience an outbreak once or twice in their lifetime but this is

not always the case.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the oral herpes virus includes painful blistering sores in the

mouth, open sores located in and around the mouth however they can appear

anywhere in the skin. Sores located on the lips are usually referred to as “cold sores.”

Those infected usually experience some sort of tingling, itching, or burning prior to

actually having sores appearing around the mouth. Once a person have the herpes

virus the blisters can erupt and ooze a white fluid which later forms into a crust before it

heals. Herpes can recur periodically after the first infections however the number of

recurring infection can vary person to person. Without the proper treatment of the virus,
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 4

spreading can occur which can later result to flu like symptoms such as fever and

swollen lymph gland in the neck. In severe cases such as eye infections can occur with

the symptoms including pain, light sensitivity, gritty feeling of the eye and much more,

without the proper treatment this can result to blindness.

Methods of attracting the virus

Oral herpes is usually transmitted through oral-to-oral contact. There is a much

more likelihood to be infected with the virus from a direct contact with sores, saliva, and

the surfaces in and around the mouth. There is also a chance of catching the virus if

made in contact with oral or skin surfaces that appear “normal” and when no symptoms

are evident such as moments when the virus is latent in the cell. The greatest possibility

of receiving the herpes virus is when coming in contact with an active sore or blister.

There is however a likelihood of receiving the virus if coming in contact with a surface

such as a counter containing the saliva of a person infected with this virus for the

infection can be latent in the cells and when coming in contact with new cells can result

to an outbreak for the new carrier.

Diagnosing and Treatment

The oral herpes virus is commonly diagnosed through a physical exam from your

main doctor, the doctor will examine the facial cavity for sores and question the

symptoms the patient has experiences prior. Another possible way for a doctor to

diagnose whether or not a patient has the virus is through a testing called herpes

culture only if necessary. Due to the symptoms of fever occurring with oral herpes many

medications for treatments include reducing fever and not necessarily focusing on the
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 5

virus itself. A typical anesthetic used to relieve pain that comes with oral blisters and

lesions are viscous lidocaine which includes dilocaine, nervocaine, etc. Some

preventive treatments include avoiding direct contact with other people, avoid sharing

items in which can cause the virus to pass around such as cups, utensils, makeup, etc.,

and make sure to wash hands thoroughly and apply medication to the sores.

Herpes in the Dental Setting

When facing patients who has oral herpes a patient is allowed to be treated

however, it is very important to practice proper infection control to avoid the spread of

the virus. Due to the pathogen being able to survive for long periods of hours there has

been evidence of healthcare workers being infected through transmission from patients.

This is quite possible due to gloves not being a complete protection from the virus for

the pathogen can enter small defects in the gloves therefore infect the health worker

after removing the gloves. As well, the pathogen can survive for great deal of hours in

fluids and surfaces such as counters and dental charts. These are not the only things

which can be seen to be contaminated with the virus for dental handpieces have been

noted to leading to possible transmission. The the best decision to make when dealing

with treating a patient with an active infection is simply not see the patient at all for it is

preferable to avoid the possible transmission of the virus through the dental setting

however, if it absolutely necessary then proper infection control should be practice in an

everyday scenario. As well, when coming across a patient with the herpes virus it is

important to never treat them different from any other patient.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 6

Conclusion

Through my research of the herpes simplex virus type 1 I was able to gain a

greater understanding on the actual danger of the virus. As well, I found out the

methods of identifying the herpes virus through the symptoms the patient may have. It is

important for patient be treated properly when visited in the dental office therefore, it can

not be stressed enough the importance of infection control. By following the infection

control guidelines it keeps both other patients and staff safe from the virus therefore

giving the patient adequate care in the office as well safety to others.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 7

References

Dock, E. (2017). Herpes Simplex. Retrieved from

http://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-simplex

Herpes Simplex. (2017). In ​Encyclopedia Britannica. ​Retrieved from

http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/herpes-simplex/40211

Kelsch, N. B., RDHAP. (n.d.). Infection Control and Herpes Simplex. Retrieved from

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-33/issue-3/columns/infection-control

-and-herpes-simplex.html

Konkel, L. (2016). What Is HSV-1? Retrieved from

http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-sores/guide/hsv-1/

Watkins, Jean. (2007). Clinical: At a Glance - Oral Herpes Simplex Vs SCC of the Lip.

GP: General Practitioner​, p. 17. EBSCO​host​. Retrieved from

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmh&AN=27276057&site=chc

-live​.