Herpes Simplex, Controlling and Discussion about A Cure
Herpes is the given name of an assemblage of viruses. The herpes virus leads to very excruciating sores and blisters. One variation of the herpes virus is HSV or herpes simplex virus. It causes two things:
- Cold sores around the mouth
- Genital herpes, which are sores around the sexual organs
Herpes isn’t discriminatory as it affects both men and women. Another kind of herpes is herpes zoster, which can cause both shingles and chickenpox.
If You Think You Have Herpes
If you think that you might have herpes you should be sure to go to the doctor ASAP. When you have sores present it’s much easier to get diagnosed as they’re able to take a culture of the sore and the blood tests aren’t quite as accurate. Also the sooner that you’re able to get to the doctor to be diagnosed the sooner that you can start your treatment and that well lead to less pain that you’re going to have with the infection.
What about a Cure
So you found out that you had herpes and you’re wondering if there is a cure. Unfortunately there is no cure for herpes at this time. With that in mind though there are some medications that can help. One such medication is called Acyclovir. This medication is something that can speed up the healing as well as lessen the pain that most people get from herpes.
The Acyclovir pills are able to treat both recurrent and primary herpes infections. It can also lessen and in some cases even stop herpes recurrent outbreaks. This medication is one that also comes in a cream that you’re able to put on the sores during the primary infection or during the recurrent infections.
Pain Soothing Tips
Although there is no cure there are ways to help soothe the pain of the infections until they go down. The following are some tips to do so:
- Take acetaminophen or aspirin, also can take an ibuprofen
- Put cool or lukewarm at most on the sore areas
- Take lukewarm baths
- Keep t the area clean and dry always
- Wear cotton underwear
- Wear loose fitting clothes
The one piece of advice for the woman that’s in the tub is if you’re having problems and pain urinating then you need to consider urinating in the tub at the end of your bath before you get out so it can lessen your pain. This happens through the water diluting the urine as it’s coming out.
Avoiding Herpes Spread To Others and Other Parts of Your Body
Genital herpes is something that spreads very easily. Through contact with an infected person the virus is able to enter into the body through breaks in the skin of the:
- Mouth
- Penis
- Vagina
- Urinary tract opening
- Cervix
- Anus
The herpes virus will spread most easily when there are blisters or sores that are able to be seen on the infected person. It’s able to spread at any one time even if the person that has herpes isn’t currently showing any symptoms of an outbreak.
Genital herpes will spread from one person to another most often through sexual intercourse, this even includes oral sex. Herpes is also able to be spread from one place on the body to another place on the body. For example, if you touch your genitals with your fingers and then put your finger to your eye or another part of the body you’ll spread the virus.
Due to the fact that there is no cure it’s especially important that you take extreme precautions when you’re having intercourse to not spread it to someone else and to make sure if you touch your sores that you immediately wash with soap and water.
A herpes cure?
There may be no physical cure to rid the virus from your system, but if you suffer from depression, feelings that you won’t be able to find someone to love you, feelings of worthlessness, fear of being rejected, then you need a psychological cure for herpes, not a physical one. An occurrence of herpes is a whole lot more in one’s mind than simply a bump on the genitalia; it brings with it all the stigma that society has built up around it, all the things you have heard from the media and your friends and strangers alike, the demeaning jokes you’ve heard … so really the herpes occurrence is a very small physical trigger that represents all of this and sets off a huge psychological reaction.
What is key here is to recognize this first before letting your mind go off the deep end an assuming the worst about this little virus. Don’t let herpes represent all of those horrible things to you. That’s your decision.
So yes, a cure for the most painful part of herpes is definitely close at hand. Or should I say it’s in your head. Start thinking in a way that is fair to you and your life. You deserve it.
Genital Herpes spread
Can you spread genital herpes from just having a breakout? or even if you have the virus you can spread it also?
I contracted the gh virus from my husband 6 months ago, and I am having a hard time dealing with it. My last breakout was when I first got diagnosed with the gh. I've been taking the valtrex daily because I wanted to prevent another breakout. Now I have noticed my hair has been shedding, so I want to stop the meds for a while and wait to see if i get another breakout and I will take it again.
I haven't left my husband, we've been married for 10 yrs and have 3 beautiful children. I haven't told anyone its just too embarrassing for me, but it is killing me inside. I love my husband dearly, he's expressed how sorry he is, but i just feel so betrayed and hurt. I know I have allot to think about and need some kind of counseling to see if I can make this marriage work. But i am having a hard time letting this go, i cant forgive him. I feel like I'm stuck, how do I move on from this? What if i wanted to leave him, how do I start over and tell someone i have gh. I would never want to spread this disease to anyone...I'm just all bugged out now, confused and hurt. I've kept this from my family and I feel like I'm living a lie?
Please reply
Contact the US Gvt and Ask For Increased HSV Research Funding!
Below are the contacts. They are on the decision making committee regarding how funding is allocated:
woodgs@od.nih.gov, copr1@palladianpartners.com,
smrb@mail.nih.gov, askDPCPSI@od.nih.gov
A good letter you can send is:
I'd like to inform you about the Herpes Simplex Virus, HSV-1 (Cold Sores, Genital HSV-1 and Ocular Herpes) & HSV-2 (Genital Herpes which can become Oral Herpes). In an article by Webmd.com, they state that those infected with herpes are more at risk of contracting HIV.[1]
HSV-1 affects 90% of people by age 50 nationwide[2] HSV-2 affects approximately 45 million people[3]. Here's a cure and vaccine option to show interest in. Imagine the amount of people with and without health care insurance who would be freed of getting suppressing herpes medicine monthly. This would free up hospitals greatly and allow doctors to focus on other medical issues. Herpes plays a role in the spread of HIV. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection[4]&[5]. No longer shall those affected by this virus accept suppression as the norm.
90% of people infected show no signs or symptoms of being infected. After initial infection, the virus moves in the trigeminal ganglion (HSV-1) and cranial nerves near the spine (HSV-2), where it's resides as a life-long, latent virus. Though many don't experience signs or symptoms including outbreaks[6], they're able to pass the virus to others. If you have sex, even kiss someone with no cold sores present[7] (HSV-1 spreads at times when there are no visible symptoms due to what is known as herpes viral shedding) you have a chance of getting herpes. Condoms are not 100% effective against herpes. The herpes sore or lesion is not always located in an area covered by a condom[8]. Many people who get tested may believe herpes testing is included, it is not. Herpes is not included in the routine Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) testing.[9]
HSV-1 commonly affects the mouth and eye region. HSV-1 is now being linked to Alzheimer’s. A sad debilitating disease many of us at one point in our life encounter. Either we become ill by this disease or a loved one becomes victim to it.
A team discovered that the HSV1 DNA is located very specifically in amyloid plaques: 90% of plaques in Alzheimer's disease sufferers' brains contain HSV1 DNA, and most of the viral DNA is located within amyloid plaques. The team had previously shown that HSV1 infection of nerve-type cells induces deposition of the main component, beta amyloid, of amyloid plaques. Together, these findings strongly implicate HSV1 as a major factor in the formation of amyloid deposits and plaques, abnormalities thought by many in the field to be major contributors to Alzheimer's disease.[13]
Now, let’s look into the Alzheimer’s statistics and how everyone is being affected by this virus. Directly or indirectly all of us are affected because millions of tax dollars are being used to treat our older population who become victim to this disease.
Key facts about Alzheimer's disease
5.3 million people have Alzheimer's
172 billion dollars in annual costs
7th leading cause of death
10.9 million unpaid caregivers
With a rapidly aging baby boomer population, Alzheimer's will continue to impact more lives. From 2000-2006, Alzheimer's disease deaths increased 46.1 percent, while other selected causes of death decreased. Strategic investments in other diseases have resulted in declines in deaths, and we need to see the same type of investment for Alzheimer's.[14]
Source: Alzheimer's Association 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
Just when you thought there could be nothing more detrimentally than herpes being linked to Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately it’s well known that herpes does affect the eyes. This is what is referred to as Ocular Herpes (HSV). Now, let’s look into ocular herpes statistics. Once again we are all directly affected and healthcare cost is continuously rising.
Approximately 20,000 new cases of ocular HSV occur in the United States annually, and more than 28,000 reactivations occur in the United States annually. It is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in the United States with 500,000 people experiencing HSV-related ocular disease.[15]
International
HSV infection is ubiquitous, with an estimated one third of the population worldwide suffering from recurrent infections.[15]
Mortality/Morbidity
HSV keratitis is the most frequent cause of corneal blindness in the United States and is a leading indication for corneal transplantation. HSV keratitis is also the most common cause of infectious blindness in the Western world.[15]
Age
Most HSV eye disease occurs in adults, and it occurs many years after the primary infection. However, herpetic keratitis in children almost always involves the corneal epithelium and is marked by a disproportionate risk of binocular disease, a high recurrence rate, and amblyopia.[15]
Life-Long Inhibition - Professor David Bloom at University of Florida has created a way to cut the virus’ RNA to prevent reactivation. By designing special enzymes called “hammerhead ribozymes”, he's able to target a so-called “late” gene that releases its protein product relatively late after infection. With late genes, partial corruption of the genetic material is sufficient to shut down virus production, as opposed to “early” genes, which would require total inactivation to hinder the process.[10] When administered by a single injection after the initial infection, the therapy provides life-long inhibition of recurring outbreaks.
Cure - Professor Bryan Cullen at Duke University is figuring out how to switch the virus from latency to its active stage. After it's active and a cold sore appears, it's treatable with the drug acyclovir, which kills replicating HSV-1. Cullen believes that a drug could be developed to block the microRNA that suppress HSV-1 into latency; once it's active, acyclovir can be used to destroy the virus permanently.[11]
Vaccine - Professor David Knipe of Harvard Medical School studies the molecular and cellular biology of herpes simplex virus productive and latent infection and the mechanism of the host immune response to HSV. They've also have been studying a candidate genital herpes vaccine that they've developed, and are constructing and studying HSV recombinants as vaccine vectors for AIDS, SARS, West Nile and anthrax vaccines.[12]
Sincerely,
__________________________________________________ _________________________________
References
Ref: [1] All About Genital Herpes: If You Have or Are at Risk for HIV
http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/risk-hiv
Ref: [2] How common is oral herpes?
http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes...alherpes.cfm#2
Ref: [3] Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet (How common is genital herpes?)
http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-herpes.htm#common
Ref: [4] Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet (What are the complications of genital herpes?)
http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFac...#complications
Ref: [5] Scientists Learn Why Even Treated Genital Herpes Sores Boost the Risk of HIV Infection
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsr.../herpesHIV.htm
Ref: [6] How common are cold sores?
http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/cold...are_cold_sores
Ref: [7] How is the cold sore virus spread?
http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/cold...e_virus_spread
Ref: [8] Steps to greatly reduce the risk of infection
http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/...to_reduce_risk
Ref: [9] Herpes is NOT included in routine STD screening.
http://centralcalihfriends.org/?ShowPage=1
Ref: [10] University of Florida - Potential new herpes therapy studied
http://news.ufl.edu/2009/02/03/herpes-2/
Ref: [11] Duke University - A Cure for Cold Sores? Times Article
http://www.time.com/time/health/arti...819739,00.html
Ref: [12] Harvard Medical School - Knipe Lab
http://knipelab.med.harvard.edu/default.html
Ref: [13] University of Manchester (2008, December 7). Cold Sore Virus Linked To Alzheimer's Disease: New Treatment, Or Even Vaccine Possible
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081207134109.htm
Ref: [14] Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s Association.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_figures.asp
Ref: [15] Keratitis, Herpes Simplex. eMedicine from WebMD
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1194268-overview
Worried
I recently discovered that I have genital herpes (given to me by my boyfriend who did not know he had it). He woke up one night in a lot of pain and had a large blister-like sore on his penis. A week or two later, I was having horrible burning sensations while I was urinating. I used a mirror to take a closer look at myself (as I was told it was a UTI, but UTI's had never burned like this before) and I saw a bunch of little sores. I had flu-like symptoms and went to the doctor who told me that she thought I was probably right in that it was herpes. I haven't heard back yet if the test came out positive.
I am worried about having another outbreak. I have been very stressed and I am currently menustrating (which I read can cause an outbreak in women). Now my groin muscle area (the same area that was killing me because it was so tender last time) is starting to hurt again. I don't know if I should go to the doctor or what?
I am still feeling very emotional about having herpes...I don't like talking about it and feel like the pharmacy glares at me when I pick up meds for it. I am very scared about having another outbreak- the first one was extremely painful and made me very ill. What can I do to deal with this? It doesn't seem to effect my boyfriend as badly as it does me.
Finally we have small children and my worst fear is passing on the Herpes to them. I think that all I have in genital herpes, I don't get cold sores, however my boyfriend says that he gets cold sores quite often. Does this mean that if he kisses the kids goodnight they could get herpes too? I am so worried about all of this. I take a lot of pride in my cleanliness and can't believe that this is happening to me, but I am trying very hard to suck it all up and figure out how to handle it. Can somebody please give me some advice or point me in the right direction?
Positivemate.com
Have herpes/HIV/HPV or other STDs? Try the most trusted site Positivemate.com, it was created to help people find useful, up-to-date information about prevention and cure for herpes, HPV, HIV, find safe dating with STDs.
Genital Herpes spread
I take it your hisband caught this from someone else, and that's why you feel so betrayed. So I don't blame you for not wanting to forgive him, if that's the situation. Because you're doubly hurt - by the cheating and by the disease.
I do think counseling would be really helpful. This is not the kind of thing a person can sort through in their heads, and frankly, friends can give pretty crappy advice in these situations!
Have you explored different ways to manage your symptoms? Because that could also make you feel a little less awful about the situation. There are blogs all over the Internet that address peoples' results with a variety of treatments, from natural herbs to prescription medicine.
I have had gential Herpes for several years, and compared to some other people mine's relatively mild. On the other hand, having Herpes never feels like a small thing, physically or mentally.!
My experience with trying different treatments/suppressions was that a mineral-based drug called Resolve has worked the best for me. The symptoms were a little tough during treatment, but I've not had a breakout ever since I completed the 2 month course of the drug.
If you have any questions about it, I'd be glad to tell you more about my experience and the different things I've tried.
You Can do it!
Eight years ago, I too was given genital herpes by my husband. I was completely undone by it and went into a severe depression making it difficult to cope with the disease which for me gave a lot of what seemed like nerve pain, plus my husband's betrayal, and my two boys, both teenagers at the time.
My best friend didn't know exactly what was wrong but she knew I needed help dealing with it and she insisted I see a counselor. In fact she made the appointment and drove me to the office. It didn't happen overnight but I started taking medication for my depression and baby step by baby step I started getting a grip on my life an inch at at time. I did research and I decided to try everything that other people had found helpful for their herpes. Unfortunately I didn't do well with the anti-virals and other herpes prescriptions. I found that a high lysine diet helped as did getting a solid 8 hours of sleep every day. but I still did get outbreaks, particularly as stress is a big trigger for me. And my relationship with my husband had become very stressful, I just could not feel like I once had about him . I just couldn't. Finally last year we called it quits. I can't say it's been easy since, but for me it was what I needed to do. Some women can forgive, I used to wish I could be one of them but I've now accepted who I am and that's okay. I needed to get my own house in order. I went on attempting to be my best self when it came to my herpes as well, and continued my search for what remedies, what alternatives I could put into play to help me have the fewest number of herpes outbreaks. I too tried the Resolve Herpes mineral approach and so far fingers crossed I've been outbreak free for two months.
I did come to a place of stasis in my life, I promise, you can too if you engage all of you that there is in the struggle. (Some of you might just be a little rusty after years of taking care of others. Wake it up. You can!) Get some help. If you can't afford counseling talk to a good friend. Change pharmacies! Engage your heart , your brain, your hands to do good for yourself so later you can also do for others.
Help is on the way =)
Hi sweetheart, it's been a little while since you've posted--but if you've come back to check up on your post at all I have some advice for you. I've dealt with pharmacy technicians several times. I'm only 24 and most of the time they are at or around my age. I hate that I'm being judged by my peers and it makes the pain even worse. I thought about going the postal route to circumvent the problem, but I decided to go all natural and try ResolveHerpes instead. It's a 50 day program with a few undersirable side effects that can be minimized if you follow a close plan. I've been outbreak free for over a year when I used to get them every 3 months without fail. Also, I would be extra careful around the kids when either of you are having an outbreak. Take special care to keep yourself clean and your sores covered. This is one of those instances where it's great to have a single physician for the whole family. I know that it's hard to handle everything that is happeneing emotionally--please take this journey with your boyfriend. Neither one of you deserves to go this route alone.
Re: Worried
Hi sweetheart, it's been a little while since you've posted--but if you've come back to check up on your post at all I have some advice for you. I've dealt with pharmacy technicians several times. I'm only 24 and most of the time they are at or around my age. I hate that I'm being judged by my peers and it makes the pain even worse. I thought about going the postal route to circumvent the problem, but I decided to go all natural and try ResolveHerpes instead. It's a 50 day program with a few undersirable side effects that can be minimized if you follow a close plan. I've been outbreak free for over a year when I used to get them every 3 months without fail. Also, I would be extra careful around the kids when either of you are having an outbreak. Take special care to keep yourself clean and your sores covered. This is one of those instances where it's great to have a single physician for the whole family. I know that it's hard to handle everything that is happeneing emotionally--please take this journey with your boyfriend. Neither one of you deserves to go this route alone.
a very hurt girl
well im 20 years old i got it from a ex boyfriend, i just recently found out now when im in a new relationship ... does he have it? i havent had any bad outbreaks since we had sex not that i know of but if i knew i had this i would have just kept to myself and never everr have tryed to have a boyfriend im soo hurt and stressing i would never ever wanna pass this on to anyone.. ever.. i dont want him to hate me i didnt know i had it...?? i dont know what to do ???
Post new comment