Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is especially dangerous because it can remain latent within the body allowing people to spread it without showing signs or symptoms. Scientists have been researching different ways to eradicate this viral infection because the current antiviral medications are not always effective and they cannot completely eliminate the disease. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found a possible treatment for the Herpes Virus through, “using human fibroblast cells infected with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV,) they have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disrupt not only actively replicating virus but also the far-harder to reach dormant pools of the virus.” This is an exciting break-through because it could prevent an extremely common and consequential virus.
I find all of the possibilities of gene editing to be fascinating because this method could revolutionize treatment for viral infections. However, as of right now, there are only several ways to treat Herpes. The most common form is antiviral treatment to ease the signs and symptoms. It is also important to take care of the sores by applying cream or ice to the wounds. I realize that sometimes it is difficult to refrain from touching painful lesions, but these sores should NOT be popped because it will cause further irritation and pain in those areas.
Herpes is a very confusing virus because it can exist in an active and latent form. Most people do not realize that signs and symptoms can show up years after the disease has been transmitted to them from a previous sexual partner. Stress or a compromised immune system are among a variety of things that can cause latent Herpes to reactivate. The symptoms vary from person to person in length and severity. Although Herpes is not life-threatening, it is very important for people to remain educated about its effects on their bodies and their partners. This virus can have severe effects on children if pregnant women do not take the proper precautions.
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