Genital herpes: symptoms, causes, prevention, treatment

More than 90% of people on our planet are carriers of the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. This means that vaccination against herpes is necessary for almost every person who has no contraindications. Vaccination against herpes is the administration of an antigen vaccine with the aim of inducing immunity that will prevent the disease or reduce its negative consequences.

At the ON CLINIC International Medical Center, the high-quality drug “Vitagerpavak” is used for vaccination - the world’s only polyvalent vaccine for the treatment of chronic herpesvirus infection (CHI) of the first and second types. Vaccination against the herpes virus will help reduce the frequency of recurrences of herpes infection. A vaccine containing an inactivated virus is injected into the body. As a result of vaccination, long-term resistance (resistance) of the body to herpes viruses is formed.

Who needs vaccination against herpes

Vaccination against herpes virus types 1 and 2 is indicated:

• patients with frequent relapses of herpes (up to four to six or more times a year);
• patients with a generalized nature of the disease with the spread of the rash to new areas of the body;
• women planning pregnancy, if they have a history of frequent relapses of infection;
• patients without clinical manifestations of herpes, but with a high titer of antibodies to the virus according to a blood test.

Vaccination with Vitagerpavak suppresses the activity of the virus and it goes into a “dormant” state, which prevents the appearance of rashes on the skin, mucous membranes and the development of complications. Often after vaccination, the manifestations of the disease completely stop. If manifestations of herpes do occur, the disease proceeds in a milder form, the rashes disappear faster, and the intervals between relapses of the disease increase significantly.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

Transmission of HSV-2 usually occurs through close contact with a patient or virus carrier or through genital, oral-genital, genitorectal contact. The virus penetrates through the mucous membranes of the genital organs, urethra, rectum or microcracks in the skin. Asymptomatic and unrecognized forms of infection play an important role in the transmission of HH. The possibility of developing genital herpes in adults due to non-sexual infection through the oral mucosa cannot be ruled out. It is known that dissemination of HSV-2 occurs mainly through the hematogenous route and, to a lesser extent, along the nerve fibers.

Fact In couples where one partner is infected, the probability of infection of the second partner within a year is 10%.

Incidence of genital herpes:

Individuals who are affected by the following factors are at increased risk of infection:

• Gender (women get sick more often than men, which is probably due to larger areas of the mucous membranes of the external genitalia);
• Age (the age of maximum sexual activity accounts for the maximum number of cases of HS);
• Race (in persons belonging to the black race, GG is recorded more often);
• Time of onset of sexual activity (early onset of sexual activity in adolescence) and sexual activity (number of partners);
• Sexual orientation (herpes in the intimate area is more common among homosexuals than among heterosexuals);
• A history of sexually transmitted infections;
• Socio-economic status.

How is vaccination against herpes carried out?

The vaccine against herpes infection is administered intradermally into the inner surface of the forearm in a single dose of 0.2 ml. The main vaccination cycle consists of five injections, which are given at intervals of one week. A repeat cycle is carried out after seven to ten days according to the same scheme. Six months later, a second course of vaccination is carried out, which consists of two cycles of five injections.

Patients with a severe form of herpes infection (when relapses of the disease are observed monthly or once every two to three months) are vaccinated against the herpes virus at intervals of at least ten days.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a distinction is made between primary infection and exacerbation of a previously suffered herpes infection, to which the body has already developed protective antibodies. Symptoms of genital herpes during pregnancy do not differ from those in women without pregnancy.

Exacerbation of recurrent genital infection in pregnant women is possible in any trimester of pregnancy, since pregnancy occurs against the background of a physiological decrease in the body’s immunoreactivity.

Herpes infection in pregnant women is accompanied by viremia (circulation of the virus in the blood), which creates favorable conditions for transplacental penetration of the virus into the fetus. A study of the influence of herpetic infection on the course of pregnancy, the development of the fetus and newborn showed that a serious danger in any trimester of pregnancy is the primary infection, the first clinical episode of herpes and generalized forms of herpetic infection.

The danger of genital herpes for pregnant women lies in the development of a number of pathologies:

• pregnancy pathologies: recurrent miscarriage, polyhydramnios, threatened miscarriage, non-developing pregnancy, intrauterine infection of the fetus with the formation of malformations;
• complications of childbirth: premature birth, prolonged labor, long anhydrous period, weakness of labor, fetal asphyxia;
• complications of the postpartum period: sepsis, mastitis, endometritis.

Obstetric pathology in pregnant women infected with HSV-2 is registered 5-10 times more often. Herpes viruses cause up to 30% of spontaneous abortions in early pregnancy and over 50% of late miscarriages.

In terms of its ability to negatively affect the normal formation of the fetus, the herpes simplex virus type 2 ranks second after the rubella virus. Herpes of newborns, in addition to the risks of developmental pathology, can be a life-threatening condition for the baby. That is why the detection of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins to herpes simplex viruses (regardless of types 1 or 2) in pregnant women is included in the mandatory pregnancy management program.

Infection of a newborn can occur:

• during childbirth - when passing through an infected birth canal, neonatal herpes may develop;
• after childbirth (aerogenously or through contact with infected medical personnel, instruments, in violation of the sanitary and anti-epidemic regime, through milk).

A particular danger for a newborn is neonatal herpes - a disease that occurs when passing through the mother's birth canal infected with the herpes virus during childbirth (in 90% of cases) and during an ascending infection - after premature rupture of amniotic fluid (in 10% of cases). The mortality rate of newborns reaches 70%. Timely detection and treatment reduces mortality by up to 20%. The risk of developing neonatal herpes is especially high when HSV appears in the mother's birth canal during primary herpes in late pregnancy, the first episode or recurrence of herpes before childbirth and in the first days after birth. Women who have had genital herpes before pregnancy have an extremely low risk of transmitting HSV to their children. With primary genital herpes in the mother in late pregnancy (6 weeks before birth), 50% of children are born with signs of focal or generalized herpes, and with relapses of herpes - only 3-5% of children.

There are 3 forms of neonatal herpes , differing in the severity of clinical manifestations and prognosis of the disease.

A localized form of neonatal herpes (NGH) affecting the skin, eyes and mouth occurs in 20-40% of cases. 7% of children subsequently develop neurological and other complications.

A more aggravated form of NG is the form with damage to the central nervous system . Herpetic encephalitis occurs in 30% of cases and is registered at the 2-3rd week of life. 40-60% of children do not have specific rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. With the development of encephalitis, the mortality rate is 50%; in surviving children, progression of central nervous system disorders is possible.

The most severe form of NG is the disseminated form of the disease involving many organs (liver, lungs, various glands, brain), which occurs in 20-50% of cases, is registered on the 5th - 10th day of life, and is characterized by a lack of specificity of clinical symptoms. The mortality rate is 90%, and surviving children have certain complications.

From the above, it becomes clear how important it is to take measures to eliminate all risks, and urgently, at any stage of pregnancy, as soon as symptoms of herpes appear, to begin treatment and preventive measures. Intimate herpes is treated by the doctor managing the pregnancy.

If you are planning a pregnancy and are afraid of a recurrence of genital herpes during it, you should:

• lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, actively engage in sports;
• undergo regular examination by a gynecologist before planning a pregnancy;
• carry out timely treatment of all infections and hormonal disorders;
• undergo a laboratory examination together with your husband (partner) to identify HSV and other STI pathogens;
• before planning pregnancy, in case of recurrent herpes, undergo a course of anti-relapse treatment;
• inform your obstetrician-gynecologist about the presence of recurrent herpes or the fact of infection with HSV;
• systematically and correctly use barrier contraception;
• use emergency prevention means (miramistin, chlorhexidine, etc.) in case of unprotected sex, sex with a new partner, etc.;
• maintain personal hygiene;
• avoid factors that reduce immunity (hypothermia, stress, vitamin deficiency, etc.);
• refrain from sexual intercourse (including oral sex) during a recurrence of herpes in the intimate area (in your partner or in you), as well as before childbirth;
• if you are carrying the virus, do not have contact without a condom in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

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Side effects of the herpes vaccine

After vaccination, local and general reactions may develop. Locals make themselves felt by slight redness of the skin up to two centimeters in diameter, and a slight burning sensation may be felt at the injection site. General reactions to vaccination in rare cases are expressed in the form of a slight increase in body temperature and short-term increased drowsiness. All of these symptoms usually do not require medical attention.

If more pronounced local and general reactions occur or if herpes worsens, you should consult a doctor. Repeated stages of vaccination are carried out only after the complete disappearance of side effects.

Prevention of Varicella Zoster in children

The American vaccines described above are generally used to vaccinate patients over 50 years of age.

Young people, as well as children, are offered the drug Varivax as an alternative as a method of preventing Human herpesvirus 3.

Varivax is a vaccine intended for active immunization of children 12 months and older.

Directions for use: Varivax is administered in the form of 0.5 ml by subcutaneous injection into the outer shoulder or thigh area.

These are the most optimal areas for administering such drugs.

Intramuscular or intravenous administration of the vaccine is not recommended.

The vaccine is intended for subcutaneous administration only.

Evidence suggests that inadvertent intramuscular administration of Varivax, while not increasing side effects, does produce a short-term immune response.

Viravax is not recommended for use in patients who are hypersensitive to gelatin or neomycin.

The vaccine is also contraindicated in cases of active febrile infection, tuberculosis, immunodeficiency, and leukemia.

Immunosuppressive therapy and pregnancy are also contraindications to the administration of the drug.

Like other known vaccines, Virovax cannot provide 100% protection for all patients against naturally acquired Human herpesvirus 3.

But, nevertheless, it showed impressive results in research.

Clinical trials assessed efficacy 6 weeks after a single dose in individuals under 12 years of age and 6 weeks after a second dose in older patients.

In the first case, the effectiveness of the vaccine was 86%, in the second - 98%.

Vaccination may be considered as a preventive method for patients with immunodeficiencies.

When the benefits outweigh the risks (eg, asymptomatic HIV, IgG deficiency, congenital neutropenia, chronic granulomatous disease).

If it is impossible to vaccinate with Virovax, in Russian pharmacies it is possible to purchase an analogue of the drug Varilrix.

The composition of the vaccine is absolutely identical; the medicine is produced in the UK.

British vaccines are distinguished by their effectiveness and reduced risk of side effects.

Complications of herpes

According to World Health Organization estimates, a continuously relapsing form of herpes with clinical manifestations six times a year occurs in 60% of infected people and can lead to the development of secondary immunodeficiency. Complications can affect almost all systems and organs, causing the following diseases:

• keratitis, iridocyclitis, corneal opacity;
• esophagitis;
• pharyngitis;
• encephalitis;
• meningitis;
• peripheral neuritis;
• herpetic urethritis, herpetic cervicitis, erosion of the anterior urethra;
• herpetic pneumonia, herpetic hepatitis.

The development of these diseases can be prevented by timely vaccination against herpes infection.

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Genital herpes symptoms

Genital herpes is clinically manifested by signs typical of GI of another localization. Symptoms of genital herpes include painful blisters (rarely sores) in the infected area. After the initial infection, the blisters may recur periodically. The frequency of their occurrence varies among different people, but the place of occurrence is the same each time and is called “Locus minoris.” This sign of genital herpes

is a feature of the disease.

Symptoms of herpes type 2:

• subjective sensations (burning, itching, tingling, etc.) in areas of the mucous membranes and skin where rashes will appear in the future;
• general intoxication (malaise, fever, chills, etc.);
• the appearance of edematous erythema;
• the appearance of blisters and swelling;
• crust formation;
• healing;
• unstable pigmentation.

Genital herpes in men is manifested by:

• foreskin
• Coronal sulcus
• Scaphoid fossa
• Heads and bodies of the penis
• Urethra
• Scrotums
• Perianal area, buttocks and thighs

Genital herpes in women affects the following areas:

• Labia minora and labia majora
• Vaginal vestibule
• Vulva, clitoris
• Cervix
• External opening of the urethra and bladder
• Pubis, perineum
• Perianal area, buttocks and thighs

Genital herpes recurrence

The state of immunity determines the development and severity of the disease and the frequency of subsequent relapses of HS.

In men, more often than in women, relapses of genital herpes are triggered by sexual activity. Frequent genital herpes in women can have a clear connection with the menstrual cycle, occurring before the start of each menstruation. How often can genital herpes flare up? Herpes virus type 2 can reactivate repeatedly, causing typical lesions with varying frequencies: from 1-4 times a year to or every 2 weeks. The appearance of herpetic lesions no more than 4 times a year is regarded as a favorable prognostic sign, especially if the rashes are fixed in the same place and are moderately expressed. Relapses that occur more frequently (once every 3 months, monthly or every 2 weeks) indicate a significant defect in the immune system, which requires careful examination and treatment of the patient. In some patients, a continuous course of the disease is possible, when old elements have not yet resolved, but new ones are already appearing.

Fact The recurrence rate of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 is 8-10 times higher than the relapse rate caused by HSV-1.

The frequency of relapses of genital herpes in men and women is the same, but the manifestations of relapses are different. In men, relapses last longer and are characterized by the presence, as a rule, of several lesions. In women, clinical symptoms are more acute than in men.

Genital herpes typically manifests itself during relapses. Within 12-48 hours, patients usually recognize the onset of an exacerbation by the appearance of subjective sensations of burning, itching, tingling, discomfort in areas of the skin where rashes will appear in the future, less often by the appearance of neuralgic pain radiating to the lumbar region, lower extremities with moderate fever , general infectious syndrome, regional lymphadenitis, caused by viremia (headache, chills, malaise, low-grade fever).

Fact The clinical picture of recurrent genital herpes resembles that of primary herpes.

Recurrence of genital herpes is characterized by the classic development of the lesion: the repeated appearance on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and adjacent areas of the skin of grouped vesicular (bubble) elements arising on an erythematous background (redness of the skin). Subsequently, the elements undergo the same changes as during primary herpes (erythema, formation of vesicles, development of erosive-ulcerative elements, epithelization). At the site of the former rashes, secondary pigmentation remains, disappearing over time.

The lesions are usually limited, less common and localized in the same area of ​​the skin or mucous membrane - “Locus minoris”.

The most characteristic manifestation of recurrent genital herpes in 50% of men is recurrent balanoposthitis, in women - herpetic vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, a feature of the course of which is the addition of edema of the affected area. In some cases, swelling of the labia prevails over the erosive rashes that appear. The typical clinical picture of herpetic lesions of the upper genitourinary tract is manifested by symptoms of inflammation. The duration of relapse is less than the duration of the primary form of genital herpes and is 7–10 days.

It should be noted that genital herpes caused by HSV-2 can be asymptomatic, with symptoms that go unnoticed, and also atypical or abortive.

Atypical forms

genital herpes may be caused by a change in the development cycle of herpetic elements in the lesion, as well as by the unusual localization of the lesion and the anatomical features of the underlying tissues. Therefore, erythematous, bullous, hemorrhagic, necrotic, itchy forms of recurrent genital herpes are distinguished.

Subclinical form

genital herpes is detected mainly during virological examination of sexual partners of patients with any sexually transmitted disease, or during examination of married couples. Symptoms in this form are mild or completely absent. The frequency of detection of subclinical forms of genital herpes can reach 20% of the total frequency of recurrent genital herpes.

Abortive form

occurs in patients who have previously received antiviral treatment and vaccine therapy. The lesion during an abortive course goes through some stages and may appear in the form of an itchy spot or papule that resolves in 1–3 days. Abortive forms of genital herpes include erythematous, in which there are no vesicular elements. Asymptomatic viral shedding is more often associated with HSV type II than type I. This form is of great epidemiological significance, since it is patients with the subclinical form of genital herpes that are most often the source of infection of their sexual partners and children (pregnant women with asymptomatic genital herpes).

Complications of recurrent genital herpes

may include involvement of the nervous system in the infectious process. Pain syndrome with recurrent genital herpes occupies a special place. Noteworthy is the frequent lack of objective data indicating inflammation of the internal genital organs. In this case, patients complain of local neuralgia, periodically arising nagging pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region and rectum, pain in the perineum.

Permanent genital herpes, or often recurrent, have a negative impact on the patient’s immune system, leading to the development of secondary immunodeficiency, manifested in frequent colds, impaired general condition, decreased performance, the appearance of low-grade body temperature, lymphadenopathy, and psychoasthenia. Recurrent genital herpes often causes discomfort and neuropsychic disorders.

HSV-2, being an agent that disrupts spermatogenesis and has the ability to infect sperm, can lead to infertility in a number of patients.

Recurrent herpes simplex virus type 2 is accompanied by the risk of:

• Infections of the sexual partner,
• Long-term persistence of symptoms (up to several months) in persons with reduced immunity,
• The appearance of a large area lesion or several lesions,
• Infection of other areas (eyes, fingers, mucous membranes),
• Attachment of a secondary bacterial infection,
• Acute urinary retention,
• Development of urethritis, colpitis, cervicitis, prostatitis,
• HIV infection.

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How to treat herpes in the intimate area?

How to treat genital herpes is known to those patients who have suffered from it at least once. After completing a course of treatment, they try to forget about this episode of their life, but HS is a disease that can remind itself again and again. Therefore, special attention is now paid to therapy aimed against relapses of HS.

How to cure genital herpes? It should also be noted that currently there are no drugs for herpes that can remove the virus from the human body and lead to a complete cure. Therefore, treatment of genital herpes is aimed at suppressing the virus in the body and, most importantly, restoring the immune system.

Each case of primary or recurrent herpes on the lips requires mandatory treatment in order to:

• prevent complications
• prevent relapse of the disease,
• to prevent transmission of the virus and infection of children, loved ones, sexual partners, work colleagues, etc.,
• prevent a decrease in quality of life,
• prevent further weakening of immunity.

Drug treatment comes down to 3 stages:

• suppressing an outbreak or relapse of the disease with the help of antiviral (chemo) drugs, interferons;
• restoration of the body's defenses - immunity with the help of general strengthening agents, probiotics, vitamins, interferons;
• vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine "Vitagerpavak".

How to treat genital herpes?

Effective antiviral chemotherapy drugs for herpes are drugs such as acyclovir, as well as its more effective second-generation derivatives: valacyclovir, Valtrex, famciclovir, penciclovir. These drugs have a comparable mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness, they help to quickly and effectively reduce the severity of symptoms, subjective sensations, and the duration of relapse, but they cannot cure the infection (completely remove the virus from the body).

Acyclovir and its analogues act only on the active herpes virus, but do not affect viruses that are in a latent state. A common disadvantage of acyclovir-containing drugs is the inability to prevent relapses of the disease and infection with a related type of virus and a negative effect on the immune system. Further suppression of the immune system leads to the emergence of resistant strains of the virus. Antiviral chemotherapy drugs are used occasionally in a short course (5-10 days) for primary herpes or for relapses of herpes.

For herpes, it is possible to use antiviral agents topically. This helps lead to a significant reduction in the time of appearance and regression of rashes due to the high bioavailability of active substances at the site of the lesion. Acyclovir (ointment, cream) and the new drug Penciclovir (1% cream Fenistil® Pencivir) have proven themselves well. The effectiveness of Fenistil® Pentsivir is 20–30% higher than acyclovir-based cream. Fenistil® Pencivir cream can be used in patients over 12 years of age. If there is resistance to acyclovir-containing drugs, antiviral drugs with a different mechanism of action (foscarnet, isoprinosine, panavir, aloferon, etc.) are used.

During pregnancy, for the purpose of treatment and prevention of recurrence of genital herpes and infection of the fetus, herpes medications in tablets (Acyclovir, tablets) are prescribed starting from the second trimester of pregnancy in consultation with a doctor.

The presence of side effects from the use of chemotherapy drugs contributed to the introduction of modern, effective and harmless drugs - interferon drugs - into the treatment of herpes. The ability of interferons to suppress the replication of the virus in the human body explains the need for their administration (hyaferon). The effectiveness of Giaferon is 30% higher than the effectiveness of other drugs in this group, because also contains hyaluronic acid, an independent immunomodulator. Their use as antiviral agents and immunomodulators, stopping relapses of the disease and correcting immunity, allows them to be effectively used in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers, and to prevent intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Is it necessary to talk about the importance of treatment aimed at strengthening defenses and preventing relapse of genital herpes? In cases of moderate and severe forms of the disease (relapse once every 3 months or more often), to increase the effectiveness of treatment, treatment regimens, along with antiviral drugs, include immunocorrective drugs: immunomodulators, interferons, vitamins, restoratives, immunoglobulins and probiotics. It should be noted that immunotherapy leads to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity, allows you to shorten the duration of treatment, reduce the toxic effect of chemotherapy drugs on the body, prevent the formation of resistance to them and lead to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment of herpes virus infection, a group of virologists and infectious disease specialists led by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. V.A. Isakov* developed a step-by-step, comprehensive method for treating and preventing recurrence of the disease using the drugs described above:

• Stage 1 of treatment – ​​relief of the acute period of the disease (chemotherapy, interferons),
• Stage 2 – restorative therapy, immunocorrection,
• Stage 3 – specific immunoprophylaxis – vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak,
• Stage 4 – clinical observation.

Chemotherapy drugs and interferons only suppress the virus in its active stage, but the vaccine treats, normalizing immune defense, and therefore belongs to the group of therapeutic vaccines.

It should be noted that special attention is paid to restoring the body’s immunological reactivity with the help of medication and anti-relapse treatment using general tonic agents, vitamins, interferons, probiotics, and immunoglabulins. Immunoprophylaxis at the final stage of treatment with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak allows you to restore specific antiviral immunity, i.e. achieve suppression of the virus and normalization of immunity, leading to long-term (many years) remissions. This technique was called the “Russian method of treatment” in the West.

It is important to remember and consider that:

• Herpetic infections are a consequence of impaired immunity.
• In mild forms of the disease (exacerbation no more than once every 3 months), there is slight immunosuppression. Therefore, vaccination can be carried out immediately, without restorative treatment (7-10 days after healing of herpetic eruptions with an interval of 7-10 days, in the amount of 5 injections).
• In moderate and severe forms of the disease (recurrence once every 3 months or more often), it is necessary to eliminate severe immunosuppression by prescribing general tonic drugs, vitamins, immunomodulators, probiotics, and only then begin vaccination (10 days after healing of the rash with an interval of 10 days in the amount of 5 injections). It is necessary to carry out 4 courses of vaccination with an interval of 3 months under the cover of Giaferon (1 suppository 2 times a day rectally - 5 days).

The effectiveness of treatment is more than 86%, which is confirmed by the results of its use for 12 years and numerous studies of effectiveness conducted by leading scientists and clinicians of the Russian Federation in various fields.

The Vitagerpavak vaccine is used during the period of remission of the disease. The purpose of vaccination is to activate cellular immunity, i.e. its immunocorrection.

The use of the Vitagerpavac vaccine has a number of advantages over antiherpetic drugs, as evidenced by studies conducted in leading medical institutions in Russia.

Prof. N.S. Potekaev** and Associate Professor M.A. Samgin (Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University) studied the effectiveness of the Vitagerpavak vaccine in 233 patients with recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips . The treatment was the Vitagerpavac vaccine. It was shown that regular vaccination led to an increase in the period of remission to 1-3 years. Over time, 5 years after regular 4-year vaccination, 88 patients were examined: a positive effect was noted in 72% of patients with a recurrent form of herpes; complete cure - in 42 patients, significant improvement - in 24 patients.

In another study, the vaccine was studied in 3,000 patients with frequently recurrent forms of herpesvirus. Dynamic observation of patients over a period of 3 to 5 years showed that vaccine therapy led to a complete cessation of disease relapses in 1890 patients (63%), to a decrease in the frequency of relapses in 810 people. (27%). The lack of effect was detected in 240 (8%) patients (MD, professor, head of the department of skin and venereal diseases of the RUDN University, A.L. Tishchenko).

In a study conducted by Prof. Barinsky I.F. et al., **** at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Institute of Virology named after. DI. Ivanovsky" of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, it was shown that in patients with frequently recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips, 6 months after vaccine therapy (Vitagerpavak) a significant improvement (increase in the inter-relapse period by 3 times) was noted in 19 (31.1%) patients, improvement (increase in remission by 1.5–2 times) - in 35 patients (57.3%) and only in 7 (11.6%) patients the therapeutic effect was weak or absent. As a result of vaccination, the majority of patients (38 people) stopped treatment due to improvement. In 52% (20 patients) of them, clinical symptoms of recurrent herpes were completely absent.

Prof. Barinsky I.F. et al.,*** also conducted a comparative study of the effectiveness of the vaccine alone and in combination with the immunostimulant Giaferon in patients with frequently recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips. The means of treating herpes were: the polyvaccine Vitagerpavak and the immunostimulant Giaferon. Patients of group 1 (28 people) were prescribed the Vitagerpavac polyvaccine in combination with an immunostimulant. Patients of group 2 (25 people) received only the vaccine. Efficacy was assessed by reducing the duration and intensity of clinical manifestations of genital herpes during relapse and increasing the duration of the interval between relapses. When using the vaccine in combination with Giaferon, a positive result was noted in more than 96% of cases, when using one vaccine - in 84% of cases. The conducted studies demonstrated the advantage of the combined method of vaccine therapy and the immunostimulant “Giaferon”. The proposed combined treatment regimen made it possible to prevent relapses of herpes, including herpes on the lips.

Dynamics of clinical parameters in patients with recurrent HH during vaccine therapy

Of interest are the results of a study using the Vitagerpavac vaccine conducted by Prof. A.A. Kasparova et al. (Research Institute of Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), with the participation of patients with ophthalmoherpes caused by the herpes simplex virus. Of 114 patients with ophthalmoherpes with frequently recurrent forms, relapses of the disease completely stopped in 71 patients (63%), their frequency became significantly less frequent in 32 (27%) and did not change in only 11 people. (10 %). Analysis of the results revealed a 5-fold reduction in the frequency of relapses and a 3.2-fold reduction in the duration of relapses per 1 patient suffering from herpetic keratitis, keratoiridocyclitis and iridocyclitis. When studying the blood of patients with herpes using PCR and MFA methods, it was revealed that the use of an inactivated vaccine was accompanied by the elimination of viremia.

In the above-mentioned studies, it was also shown that vaccination was accompanied by a 3-4 times increase in specific reactions of T-cell immunity, against the background of a constant level of B-cell immunity reactions. The study of T-cell immunity reactions showed an increase in the specific T-killer activity of lymphocytes and the activity of NK cells. Vaccination contributed to the cessation of viremia both after the end of vaccination and in long-term follow-up (after 6 months). Vaccination using Vitagerpavak led to a pronounced immunocorrective effect, reducing immune disorders from degrees 3 and 2 to 1. After 6 months after vaccination, immune disorders corresponded to the 1st degree.

The above results of long-term studies of the Vitagerpavak vaccine indicate the reliable effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing relapses of herpes infections against the background of activation of cellular immunity reactions and specific desensitization.

If you are faced with the question “how to get rid of genital herpes”, and other methods have proven to be ineffective, then you should definitely pay attention to this method of preventing relapses of the disease.

How to treat genital herpes using the Vitagerpavac vaccine?

The basic vaccination regimen using the Vitagerpavac vaccine: 0.2 ml of the vaccine is injected intradermally into the flexor surface of the forearm. The vaccination cycle consists of 5 injections, which are carried out at intervals of 7-10 days. For a lasting preventive effect, repeated courses of vaccination are necessary. In case of herpetic rashes, the intervals between injections should be increased to 14 days. After 6 months, revaccination is carried out (5 injections). In severe forms of the disease, revaccination is carried out after three months, 4 courses over 1.5 - 2 years.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccine for the prevention of chronic herpes virus infection.
1 package – full course of treatment.
Vaccination course: 5 injections, given at intervals of 7-10 days. Store at a temperature of 2-8 ºС. The drug can be transported at a temperature of 9-18 ºС, but not more than 3 days.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent relapses of genital herpes in people with weakened immune systems, along with drug treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to strengthening the body's defenses. Particular attention should also be paid to the prevention of factors that contribute to decreased immunity and exacerbation of herpes infection.

Briefly about the Vitagerpavac vaccine:

Compound:

— The drug is a lyophilisate for preparing a solution for intradermal administration — Contains specific inactivated antigens of herpes simplex virus types I and II grown on a continuous cell line VERO, acceptable by WHO as a substrate for the production of vaccines

Indications:

• Patients with CGI are subject to vaccination.
• Preparing women with a history of recurrent chronic herpetic infection for pregnancy.
• HIV-infected patients in stages 1-2 of the disease.

Contraindications to the use of the vaccine:

• Active stage of herpes
• Acute infectious and non-infectious diseases
• Chronic diseases in the stage of exacerbation or decompensation
• Malignant neoplasms
• Pregnancy
• Presence of active AIDS symptoms