Herpes simplex – praktyczny angielski

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection caused by both herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2. The most common form of infection is oral herpes, also known as cold sore or fever blisters. The sores are located on the face or mouth. The second most common form of infection is genital herpes, also called herpes. More serious disorders occur when the virus infects the eye and causes its damage (herpes keratitis), or invades the central nervous system, damaging the brain (herpes encephalitis). The virus attacks also other parts of the body: fingers, thumbs, toes, nail cuticles (herpes whitlow).
Herpes simplex viruses are contagious, even if one cannot see the sores. It is estimated that around 80% of the population have been exposed to the HSV-1. HSV-2 infections are less common. Usually it is thought that HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. However, the truth is that either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can cause all types of the disease. Many people with HSV-2 display no physical symptoms (subclinical herpes).
Prodromal symptoms, such as pain, itching, and tingling often precede the blisters by 1-2 days. Patients may also have a sore throat or swollen glands in the neck. After that stage, blisters appear. They may break open and leak clear infectious fluid. Then they crust over. The sores can last from 7 to 10 days.
Once a patient becomes infected with a herpes virus, it never leaves the body. After the first outbreak, the virus moves from the skin cells to neurons. The virus stays there forever-even if the symptoms pass. It lives in a dormant state, but may become active again, especially in patients with suppressed immune system. Some things can trigger the virus: stress, illness, sun exposure, or menstruation.
We do not know any method to eradicate herpes virus from the body, but antiviral drugs are able to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks. Analgesics may reduce pain and fever associated with the infection. Topical anesthetics can also bring a relief. Vaccines for HSV are undergoing trials.

QUESTIONS (Choose TRUE or FALSE)
1. HSV-1 infections are more common than HSV-2 ones.
2. Either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can cause oral herpes.
3. The virus leaves the body after the remission.
4. Strong stress may wake up the virus from the dormant state.
5. Vaccines for HSV are already in use.

Glossary:
• herpes simplex [ˈhɜrpiz ˈsɪmplɛks] – opryszczka zwykła, opryszczka pospolita, zimno
• cold sore [koʊld sɔr] – opryszczka
• fever blisters [ˈfivər ˈblɪstərz] – opryszczka
• sore [sɔr] – owrzodzenie, rana, bolesne miejsce
• herpes keratitis [ˈhɜrpiz kɛrəˈtaɪtɪs] – zapalenie rogówki wywołane przez herpeswirusa
• herpes encephalitis [ˈhɜrpiz ɛnsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs] – zapalenie mózgu wywołane przez herpeswirusa
• nail cuticle [neɪl ˈkyutɪkəl] – skórka przy paznokciu
• herpes whitlow [ˈhɜrpiz ˈwɪtloʊ] – zanokcica wywołana przez herpeswirusa
• to display [tə dɪˈspleɪ] – okazywać, manifestować
• prodromal [ˈproʊdroʊməl] – prodromalny, wczesny
• to tingle [tə ˈtɪŋgəl] – swędzieć, mrowić
• to precede [tə prɪˈsid] – poprzedzać
• to leak [tə lik] – sączyć się, przeciekać
• to crust [tə krʌst] – zasklepiać się, pokrywać się twardą powłoką
• outbreak [ˈaʊtbreɪk] – rozpoczęcie, wybuch
• dormant [ˈdɔrmənt] – uśpiony
• to trigger [tə ˈtrɪgər] – wywoływać
• to undergo [tə ʌndərˈgoʊ] – przechodzić, ulegać, być poddanym

Correct answers: true, true, false, true, false