Herpes in Throat

Herpes in throat is a relatively rare condition. This disease can be caused by either of the two virus which are involved with herpes - Herpes Simplex Virus-1(HSV-1) or Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2), depending on the source of infection. However, herpes in throat may also occur if the virus is transmitted by oral sex from infected genitals. Although the symptoms associated with herpes in throat are similar to symptoms seen in oral herpes, this form of herpes may be a bit more serious and it could have a tendency to spread.

Oral herpes: Oral herpes is mostly caused due to HSV-1. This condition exhibits symptoms such as cold sores and small blisters, which are restricted to areas like lips, tongue and the palate. It's mostly transferred by kissing, smooching and other intimate forms of contact.

Genital herpes: Genital herpes is caused due to HSV-2. There are small blisters seen in the genital areas which are accompanied by itching or burning sensations. It's mostly transferred by sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Thus, oral and genital herpes are the most common types of herpes seen. Herpes in throat and herpes in brain (which is called herpes simplex encephalitis) is mostly seen in immunocompromised patients like AIDS patients, cancer patients which are on radiation and chemotherapy treatment or in organ transplant patients. Thus, herpes in throat is a relatively opportunistic infection compared to oral herpes or genital herpes.

Transmission of Herpes in Throat
Herpes in throat can occur if there is oral sex between a male who has genital herpes and a female. Sometimes if a person has genital herpes, he may touch the lesions and if he does not wash his hands properly, the disease may spread to the lips, oral cavity and the throat. It can also occur if there is further spread of oral herpes. Normally, this mode of transmission is mostly seen in immunocompromised patients.

Symptoms of Throat Herpes

• There may be general symptoms like fever, malaise and headache
• Cold sores in the form of small boils or blisters seen near the palate, close to the uvula. These may burst leading to painful scars along the palate. This is one of the main symptoms of throat herpes
• There may be difficulty in eating and swallowing
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• In certain severe cases, the patient may even complain of stiff neck or difficulty in breathing

Treatment of Herpes in Throat

• The first line of treatment would involve the use of antiviral drugs like acyclovir and famvir which will be helpful in herpes treatment and herpes cure
• Use of topical antiviral creams will also help in treating herpes in throat symptoms
• A good and nutritious diet with lots of water is necessary to stay hydrated. There are also certain natural herbs to cure herpes

Precautions to Prevent Disease

• Avoid performing oral sex on a person infected with genital herpes
• Also, avoid receiving oral sex from a person showing signs of oral herpes
• Use of condom during sexual intercourse helps reduce the risk of transmission of herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Do not share toothbrushes or any other items with an infected person
• Avoid having multiple sex partners

It is very difficult to treat symptoms of throat herpes, as there is yet no final and definitive cure for herpes in throat. So like they say, prevention is always better than cure. Better be safe than sorry!