From November 16 to 23, several countries around the world are celebrating International Herpes Week, aimed at raising awareness about this disease and its types of infection. Special attention is given to genital herpes. This event is held annually at the initiative of the International Herpes Alliance — an organization that unites people with herpes and healthcare professionals to combat the disease.

The first occasion took place from November 18 to 25, 2000, under the slogan: "Herpes is not a reason for discrimination." Nearly 90% of people worldwide are infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and individuals often come into contact with this virus at an early preschool age within their family.

The history of herpes as an infectious disease dates back to the 5th century BC. The earliest mention of the term appears with Herodotus, where he used it to describe a fever. The name "herpes," which in Greek means "creeping, crawling skin disease," and the description of the illness itself first appear in the works of Hippocrates. The labial type of the virus is also mentioned in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." References to genital herpes are found in 17th-century chronicles, where it appeared as an epidemic, particularly in women with mild symptoms in France. Since ancient times, knowledge of a condition called shingles (herpes zoster) existed, with Hippocrates describing its medical history. However, it was only in the late 20th century that neurologists Landor and Erb first announced that this ailment has an infectious origin.

Herpes is a viral disease characterized by a rash of grouped blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, airborne droplets, transplacental (from mother to child), and even contact routes (such as handshakes, household items, or kissing).

Currently, the classification of herpes viruses includes 8 types:

Type I: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) – causes characteristic lesions on the lips and other mucous membranes (labial, orofacial herpes);

Type II: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2) – causes characteristic lesions on the mucous membranes of the genital area (genital herpes);

Type III: Varicella-Zoster Virus – causes chickenpox and shingles;

Type IV: Epstein-Barr Virus – causes infectious mononucleosis;

Type V: Cytomegalovirus – causes cytomegalovirus infection;

Types VI and VII: suspected links to the development of sudden exanthem syndrome and chronic fatigue;

Type VIII: suspected link to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma.

The most widely distributed are the viruses of the first three types.

The population's infection rate with herpes virus is very high. Carrier prevalence is widespread everywhere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), herpesvirus infection ranks second among viral diseases in humans (the first is influenza). Both children and adults, regardless of gender, are susceptible to the disease. Epidemiological studies conducted over the past 10 years have shown that by the age of 15, 80% of children are infected, and by the age of 30, 90% of the population have antibodies to herpes viruses of various types. The most common herpesviruses are types 1 (which causes cold sores) and 2 (which causes genital herpes).

Genital herpes often occurs without visible symptoms, which can lead to the infection of healthy individuals. Genital herpes can develop if partners with "cold sores" on the lips engage in oral sex. A characteristic feature of all herpes viruses is their ability to persist in the human body for life. This infection can occur in a hidden form. All herpes viruses are dangerous for the fetus and newborn during a flare-up of the infection in pregnant women. The involvement of herpesvirus infection in the formation of malignant tumors has been proven. In cases of significant immunodeficiency (such as HIV or cancer), herpes family viruses can cause widespread damage to all organs and tissues.

Currently, modern medicine lacks methods that can completely eliminate viruses from the body. However, some antiviral drugs can suppress viral reproduction, reduce the frequency and duration of disease recurrences, and help develop an adequate immune response to eradicate the infection.

In 1977, American pharmacologist Gertrude Ellian and her colleagues discovered the world's first effective drug against herpesvirus infection — acyclovir. Acyclovir is active not only against HSV-1 and HSV-2 but also effective against Varicella-Zoster and Epstein-Barr viruses. Subsequently, a number of drugs with even greater efficacy against specific types of herpes have been developed based on acyclovir.

In addition to antiviral chemotherapeutic agents, interferons and their inducers are increasingly used in recent times for treating herpes infections, as they exert an indirect antiviral effect.

To protect yourself, or at least reduce the risk of herpes virus infection, you should follow several recommended rules:

Wash your hands after being outdoors and after contact with someone with herpes.

Use personal hygiene items, including utensils; this is especially important during periods when a virus carrier experiences an outbreak.

Be responsible when changing sexual partners and remember to use individual protective measures.

Stay vigilant, get tested for herpes infection at the first opportunity, follow the above-mentioned rules of conduct, and stay healthy!

How is herpes awareness week conducted around the world:

In France, the first National Herpes Day was held, organized by the French Herpes Association. The gathering took place at the French Senate, where deputies and journalists discussed the issue of genital herpes spread in France.

In Taiwanese media, during the international herpes week, a series of articles about this unpleasant disease were published.

In Sweden, the event was supported by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. With the company's funding, a social advertising block discussing herpes aired on Swedish television, and postcards dedicated to the disease were distributed in all public places in Stockholm.

The American Public Health Association (ASHA) prepared and distributed numerous informational notices for printing, and also launched an online chat for people with herpes.

In England, over 900 employees of GlaxoSmithKline participated in street distribution of condoms, anti-herpes postcards, and keychains.

At the Department of Dermato-Venereology, presentations are planned for students, interns, and clinical residents, and in collaboration with the country's chief specialist, free consultations will be held in remote areas of our country.

Valieva M.S. – C.M.S, Associate Professor of the Department of Dermato-Venereology