Online Herpes Videos and Herpes Articles Resources You Can Use

The internet has a wealth of information about herpes, in the form of websites, videos and articles. With videos, there is a huge variety, from videos with mean herpes jokes, to medical videos which are highly technical. The internet also has videos with personal herpes stories, and practical videos which give help on preventing outbreaks. With articles, there are many written by doctors and medical experts, as well as articles by people sharing their own experiences with herpes, and how they are dealing with herpes outbreaks and relationships. This article will describe some of the types of video and article resources regarding herpes which you can find on the internet.

I will cover videos first, and mention those with cruel and mean jokes. I believe they are produced by ignorant people who know little about herpes, and they attempt to raise their own self-image by belittling the dignity of others. The ironic thing is, some of those people actually have herpes and don't know it. I mention it because it is important for those of us with herpes to be constantly thinking positive thoughts, so that we can raise our own self-esteem and have better lives. For this reason it is wise to seek out positive people in all areas of our lives, and to ignore those who make jokes about herpes.

Some videos have personal stories, and they may include information about how the video presenter overcame their initial anger and despair, and how they learned to prevent outbreaks and have a good relationship. Some of these types of videos are promoting or selling a product for herpes. But rather than just dismiss such videos as a sort of infomercial, it can be useful and enlightening to watch them, and take the practical knowledge that some of them contain. You can then implement some of that knowledge and experience into your own life.

Other herpes videos are by doctors or medical authorities. Many of these videos are very technical and boring, and unfortunately the presenters often have poor speaking skills. To get all of what they are presenting, you have to watch the whole video. To quickly get just the information you want, articles are much quicker, as you can scan the articles until you find what you want, or click and find another article.

This brings us to the topic of herpes articles. Most articles are written by authors with good writing skills, and they are short, concise, and to the point. Articles can save you a lot of research time compared to videos. You can search for articles with key words, and quite quickly find the information that you are seeking. Like videos, they may have highly technical information, or very practical information, as well as personal stories concerning the author's trials and tribulations with herpes. Both videos and articles can be inspiring, and give you hope, which is something that anyone who is new to the herpes experience will appreciate.

I help people with herpes and I have made a webpage with 7 herpes articles and 4 herpes videos. The webpage is confidential. You can quickly scan the articles and watch the videos and learn a lot about herpes relationships, and how to prevent herpes outbreaks and lots more.

http://futurenewsnow.tv/Herpes.html

I have herpes, so I know what it's like.

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When Will There Be a Cure for Herpes?

Will there ever be a cure for herpes? And if so, when? Many people are asking these questions. With over 20% of the adult population with herpes now, a cure for herpes will certainly be big news. This article addresses the possibility for a cure, and when it might happen, and what to do in the meantime.

Research has been ongoing for many years, and a lot of progress has been made. It seems that the herpes virus is sneaky. When the virus is not on the surface, causing an outbreak, it seems to hide itself. When it is hidden, it is impossible for any drug or treatment to effectively kill the virus. But researchers have found the part of the viral genome codes that allow the virus to hide out during latent periods. They think they may be able to develop a drug that will make the virus come out of dormancy so that it can be eradicated by antiviral drugs. This drug would cause a massive herpes outbreak, but it would mean that the virus could be destroyed, once and for all.

This is a lot more complicated and stressful on the body by comparison to a flu shot for example. But learning how herpes embeds itself into the cells, and how it eludes treatment, is an important first step in finding a cure. For this reason, researchers are now confident that they are closer to creating drugs that could cure herpes.

Despite the large percentage of the adult population who have herpes, there is relatively little funding for research. Why, this is is not clear. It may be because herpes is usually not life threatening, while cancer and other diseases are. Funding for herpes is mostly by governments, whereas for cancer research it is government funding along with a lot of private funding, raised by donations and events such as Run for the Cure and other community fund raising drives.

It is estimated that an actual cure is still a long ways off. If the first found of tests on animals are successful, most experts feel it will still be 10 to 20 years until the cure would be available for humans. And none of them can say that the first animal trials will be successful for sure. While the researchers are hopeful, for most people with herpes, 10 to 20 years is a long time to maintain hope, and life goes on in the meantime.

The best thing for anyone who has herpes now is to learn to live with it, and this is best done by learning how to keep the virus in remission to eliminate or reduce outbreaks. It should be known that over half the people with herpes, do not have outbreaks at all. To anyone who is having regular outbreaks, this should be a good incentive to find out how these other people avoid outbreaks, and how they can join this group.

I have been helping people with herpes prevent outbreaks for over 16 years, and I offer free consultations by email. To email me, use the email address on my website:
http://www.herpesgone.com/
This free service is completely confidential.

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How Do You Get Herpes?

There is more public awareness about herpes these days, and people who don't have it, are wondering how you get herpes, and what they can do to avoid getting it. And people who have recently got herpes often are not sure how they got it, and wonder about the different ways that you can get herpes. Also, many people have heard that you can get herpes from hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, towels and toilet seats. This article addresses all of these issues.

First, I will address all of the possibilities that do not include sexual contact. It is possible to transfer the virus through non sexual contact, though this is the least likely method of transfer of the herpes virus. To understand why, you need to know the characteristics of a virus. The herpes virus needs a host to survive and multiply to cause an infection. They get their "nourishment" or "food" from the fluids in a warm body. Outside of a body, the virus can temporarily survive for a brief period. This period of time can be only a few seconds, or up to about 4 minutes under ideal conditions. Ordinary soap kills the herpes virus. So if you use a towel after someone else with herpes has used it, there is only a very small chance that you would become infected. Presuming the other person used soap there would be very few if any viruses on the towel. As the viruses start to die within seconds, the odds of you getting infected start diminishing right away. Regarding hot tubs, chlorine kills the virus, so there is little chance of you getting infected in a hot tub is chlorine is used.

Here is a scenario where you might get herpes through non sexual contact, and it could apply to toilet seats, or the benches in a sauna or steam room, or sitting on the edge of a hot tub that is not chlorinated. First, someone with herpes would have to sit down, and through sweat or urine, "leak" some viruses from their genitals or an open wound. Then, you would have to sit in the same spot, almost immediately, and have a cut or open wound that the virus could enter through. The use of swim suits would make this almost impossible. The odds of it happening are very remote indeed.

Kissing or oral contact can spread herpes. Herpes could enter you through a cut or through the mucus membranes of your mouth or genitals. This means that oral sex can definitely spread herpes.

This brings us to the final possible way that you can get herpes, and it is through vaginal or anal intercourse. Intercourse like this is by far the most likely way of getting herpes. The kinds of herpes that people are most concerned with are vaginal herpes, penis herpes and anal herpes. Using condoms will reduce the risk of these kinds of herpes, but not eliminate the risk completely.

You can also get herpes on your arms, legs, abdomen and buttocks as well as your face. By noting the different ways that you can get herpes, you can gain some peace of mind, and also plan your life regarding activities around hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and the use of towels.

If you do get herpes, it does not mean that your sex life is over. Having sex with herpes is the topic of another article, but suffice it to say that learning how to prevent outbreaks is a big part of having a good sex life if you or your partner has herpes.

I help people with vaginal and penis herpes eliminate outbreaks, and I answer herpes questions through the email address on my website. The website is completely confidential.

http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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Herpes - Don't Let the Herpes Virus Control Your Life, Control Your Herpes Instead!

Herpes Simplex Virus is the name given to the viral infection which typically produces 'cold sores' or blisters around the mouth and/or genitals.

The herpes virus most commonly comes in two variations - Herpes Simple Virus#1 (common cold sores) and Herpes Simplex Virus #2 (commonly genital herpes.) The herpes virus can also cause chicken pox, shingles, Cytomegalovirus,encephalitis. We will concern ourselves with Herpes #1 and #2 in this article. Also, be aware a herpes viral infection is life-long, and incurable, at the time of this writing.

The symptoms are similar regardless of type.Typically a cluster of small, painful, itchy blisters on the mouth, or in the genital area.When the blisters burst they form a soft, open sore which is usually acutely painful, and contagious!. You may also experience feverishness, and general feeling of un-wellness (flu like symptoms) and swollen glands.

Genital herpes is usually sexually transmitted and can be transmitted to others even if no active symptoms are even present (called viral shedding.) Both variations of the herpes virus can be spread through skin on skin contact, especially if are present.

Women contract it more often than men, and often experience feelings of anger and embarrassment, sometimes depression. Because you haven't built up any antibodies your first attack will normally be the worst and an untreated outbreak will last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks.You must avoid any sexual activity whilst you have sores or you may transmit the virus to your sexual partner.

Predisposing or triggering factors contributing to outbreaks may include localised irritation/trauma, sunlight, stress, hormonal disturbances including menstruation and pregnancy. Emotional trauma or other infections can contribute to a lowering of resistance and an increased likelihood of an outbreak.

Treatment with herbs can be highly beneficial as it is possible to address all the contributing factors with a synergistic combination of Herbal ingredients.

One herb that warrants special mention is St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum). It has a particular affinity for the nervous system and the pain associated with inflamed nerve endings.The herb can be taken internally and can also be applied externally. As mentioned previously you may suffer from feelings of depression and St Johns Wort has been clinically proven to assist with depression. I believe there may be a direct link between the herpes virus and depression. Other herbs to consider are Echinacea, Cleavers, Pokeroot, Red Clover, Myrrh, Calendula and Golden Seal or Berberis.

You might consider removing any processed/ denatured foods from your diet as these tax your digestive system, which indirectly places a strain on your immune system as well. Drink 6 glasses of spring water daily if you can and cut out any alcohol, coffee or caffeinated/carbonated drinks.

If you are overworking or stressed try and slowdown and become aware of your breathing. Most of us breathe shallowly when we are stressed. Practise taking your breath down into your belly and holding for a count of 4 before breathing out as slowly as you can. Do this for a few minutes 2 to 3 times daily and you will feel your whole body relax.

You could also try using essential oils (Aromatherapy) to aid healing and relaxation. Bergamot, Lavender, Tea tree, Geranium, Chamomile,Thyme and Lemon are all useful.

You can add them to your bathwater or you can dilute them in a carrier oil such as Almond oil / Olive oil and dab them directly onto the affected area. Remember the skin around your genital area is quite sensitive so I would suggest a dilution of 1 drop essential oil to 2mls of carrier oil.Try and combine at least 3 of the above.If you are new to Aromatherapy then go and smell the oils and choose the 3 you most like.

Cell Salts are also useful and I would recommend Natrum Mur. Just use as directed on the bottle.

The amino acid Lysine is has also been shown to assist with herpes outbreaks. As soon as you notice any symptoms start taking the Lysine as directed on the bottle.Some people find it beneficial to take a daily tablet on an ongoing basis to help prevent is also very useful to boost immunity and you can usually buy a product which combines lysine and zinc and perhaps Vit C, just do a search while at Amazon.com.

If you think you've contracted the Herpes Virus the first thing you should do is visit your personal health care practitioner, to be diagnosed.

Want more information on the herpes virus? Visit my main page at: Herpes Virus Natural Remedies

Also you'll want to join my newsletter for the latest herpes treatment options sent straight to your inbox. You'll find a sign-up form at the top left of any page on my site.

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Unusual Facts and Myths About Herpes

Herpes affects a lot of people, but because it is so personal, it is not talked about a lot. Talking about in a restricted manner, like it is a taboo subject, leads to misconceptions, myths, and half truths. This article will present some facts about herpes and a few myths too.

The fact is about 20 percent of adult males have herpes, and about 25 percent of adult females has herpes. The reason more females have herpes is because women are more susceptible to getting it because the female genitals have more areas with cells that are moist with body fluids than men. This means if a woman has sexual intercourse with a man with herpes, she is more likely to get it than a man who has sexual intercourse with a woman who has herpes.

More people in New York City have herpes than the national average. It is not likely that anyone can say conclusively why this is so, but a logical assumption would be that there is more promiscuity there than the national average. A myth is that condoms provide complete protection against the spread of genital herpes. The fact is condoms provide only partial protection from herpes virus infections. Condoms reduce the risk, but they do not entirely remove the risk. This is because condoms cannot cover all the areas where the herpes virus may be present.

Here is a myth: Herpes is a dangerous infection that only affects people with very active sex lives, or people who are very promiscuous. The fact is herpes affects people of all backgrounds, income levels, education levels and ethnic groups. People with very few sex partners can get herpes. And regarding the danger, for most people the symptoms are so mild that about half the people with herpes do not even know they have it. It cannot cause death, unless it is a complication in a more serious infection, especially with someone with a severely compromised immune system.

Fact: In the heat of the moment, about 32% of people with herpes will lie about it and say they do not have herpes. For this reason it is better to plan in advance to be honest, and bring the subject up before going that far. And it is a myth that oral sex is safe sex. Cold sores, which are a form of herpes, can be transmitted from the lips to the genitals, and vice versa.

Here is a myth about monogamous relationships: If you are in a monogamous relationship and you get herpes, then your partner must have cheated on you. The truth is you or your partner may have contracted the virus a long time ago, and the symptoms may have been so mild, or misdiagnosed as something else, that you or your partner did not know you had it. But due to stress or other factors, you or your partner had a more severe outbreak, and then either of you infected the other. This is a possibility, however, there is also a good chance that your partner cheated on you.

And lastly, it is most unlikely that herpes can be transmitted by a toilet seat. There are no known proven cases of someone getting herpes from a toilet seat.

The fact is anybody can get herpes, and the question is, if you have herpes, what are you going to do about it, and what are you going to do about getting on with your life? I have had herpes for over 16 years, and now I help others learn how to prevent outbreaks, and have relationships with herpes. I offer a free service where I answer questions about herpes by email. You can visit my website to ask a question about herpes, and learn how you can prevent outbreaks: http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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Preventing Herpes Outbreaks - Using Prescription Drugs or Herbal Formulas

If you are experiencing herpes outbreaks, you probably want to learn how to prevent them, and you may have heard of prescription drugs and herbal products which do this. Drugs and herbal products work differently from each other, and there are pros and cons to either, which include safety, side effects and cost. This article addresses all of these issues, so that you can decide for yourself which is right for you.

I will first discuss the prescription drug approach to preventing herpes outbreaks. The prescription drugs are antiviral medications which can be used to shorten the duration of outbreaks, or they can be taken on a continuous basis, to suppress the virus so that no outbreaks occur. These drugs go by various brand names, some of which are advertised on TV. To keep the virus suppressed, they are taken from one to three times daily. They work by blocking viral replication, and suppressing viral shedding. They are available by prescription only, and can cost up to $2500 per year. There are known side effects, which affect the liver and users are advised to stop taking them after a year. An analogy that can be used to understand how these drugs work, is to think of a lawn with dandelions growing in it. You can use a herbicide to spray on the lawn, which will kill the dandelions and not the lawn. You can think of it as a selective poison. While it will kill the dandelions, the herbicide also gets on the lawn grass, and soaks into the soil. It has the desired effect of killing the dandelions, but it also poisons the soil, and eventually washes through the soil, and finds it's way into storm drains, and then creeks and rivers, polluting the environment. Similarly, the prescription drugs suppress the virus, but they also pollute your personal environment, which is your body. The side effects can be minor for some people, and serious for others.

The herbal formulas for herpes work in a different way. They strengthen the immune system, so that the body's own natural defence mechanisms can keep the virus in remission. About half the people with herpes have immune systems which are naturally strong enough on their own to keep the virus in remission. For other people, the herpes herbals boost their immune system so that it is then strong enough to keep the virus in remission. There are no side effects, or minimal side effects. The cost for a years supply can be between $200 and $400, and no prescription is needed.

I have had herpes for over 16 years. At first, I used to have regular outbreaks, but I don't anymore. I discovered a natural herbal formula that prevents outbreaks, and I offer it on my website. On my site, I also answer questions about herpes. This service is free, and completely confidential: http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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How to Start Feeling Better About Having Herpes

If you are depressed about having herpes, this article will cheer you up. After you read it, you'll still have herpes, but you'll feel better. You'll feel better, because you will realize you are not alone, and that there are lots worse things that could happen to you.

If you do a search on the internet for a list of celebrities with herpes, you will find some long lists, with famous sports superstars, movie stars, rock stars, and even a guy who used to work at the White House! The point is, anyone can get it. Herpes knows no social boundaries, and it doesn't matter if you are highly educated or not, or what your spiritual beliefs are or what race you are, or if you are promiscuous or not for that matter. And, it doesn't mean you are a bad person if you have herpes.

The fact is millions and millions of people in the world have herpes. About one in five adults in North America has herpes. In New York City, it is one in four. Think about that next time you are in a check out line at a grocery store or drug store. Someone in front of you or behind you, or the maybe the cashier has herpes. When sitting in a movie theatre, you are surrounded by people with herpes.

Having herpes can be a big distraction in your life, or it can be a minor inconvenience, or no inconvenience at all. The choice is yours. I know this will be hard to believe if you are having frequent outbreaks at this time in your life, and if you have just had a relationship end because of herpes or if you are alone and discouraged about finding a mate. But it is possible. The first thing to know, is that half the people with herpes never have outbreaks. Many do not even know they have it, which is one reason it spreads so easily. The good news is you can learn to be in the fifty percent who do not have herpes. It involves taking good care of yourself emotionally and physically. When you do this, your immune system actually starts to work better, and when your immune system is strong, it keeps the virus in remission and you don't have outbreaks. The worst thing you can do is to isolate and feel sorry for yourself. Studies have shown that when a person with herpes comes out of isolation, and starts to make more social contact, their outbreaks diminish. Also, there are herbal formulas which help strengthen your immune system. Having your immune system strong is your key to reducing or eliminating herpes outbreaks. Then, you can start to think again about having sex and a relationship, and you will start to feel much happier. Many have done just that, so it is possible.

Herpes will then become a minor concern in your life. There are many things that could happen to you which are worse, such as getting a disease that causes you to lose the use of your legs, or getting injured and loosing a hand or a finger for instance. You can think of other examples, and by comparison, herpes is minor.

One of the main causes of depression is longing to change things and not being able to do so. Once we accept what is, and stop wishing we could somehow turn back the clock, we become much happier. Many many others have learned to accept what is, and to get on with life, and as a consequence they are much happier. You can do so too!

I have had herpes for over 16 years, and now I rarely think about it. It was not like this at first of course. But I learned how to prevent herpes outbreaks, and now I help others do the same. I answer questions through the email on my websites, which also tell how to prevent outbreaks.

http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

I know what it is like to feel depressed about it, but I promise you you will feel better.

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Herpes Treatment - Keeping Herpes Infections at Bay

While herpes is supposedly an incurable disease, modern technology has provided many avenues and ways of containing the infections. This is done mostly by suppressing the virus and preventing it from multiplying during the active lesion phase. This treatment and containment is extremely important in ensuring ones health.

Herpes treatments work to ensure that the virus, which is actually in a latent (inactive) state, does not infect other healthy cells when the bodies immune system is weak.

Generally speaking, herpes medications come in two distinct forms:

a) Episodic Herpes Treatment

Usually, this involves taking action within a 24 hour time frame of seeing. Apply treatment as soon as you see signs of an infection cropping up.

b) Suppressive Herpes Treatment

This mode of treatment is common and recommended for those people who encounter frequent episodes of infections. In this case, one basically takes medicine on a regular (usually daily basis). This helps to suppress the virus and minimize any chances of recurring symptoms. Suppression treatment works effectively in flooring the number of outbreaks and greatly contributes to reducing the chances of virus transmission.

Today, there are many types of herpes solutions available in the market. Usually, the best solution for one depends on the frequency of outbreak. Episodic herpes treatment would be best suited when the occurrences are well spaced while suppressive herpes anti-viral drugs would be the better alternative where frequency of occurrence is much more often.

In order to motivate the virus-containment efforts of the herpes medication, there are many things that one can do. These activities have been recommended by health specialists and should be certainly observed:

i. Strengthen your body immune system - this can be done by observing healthy dietary routines, taking time to exercise and resting.

ii. Keeping the infected area clean - during herpes treatment, keep the infected areas as clean as can be. This greatly aids your natural healing processes.

iii. Use warm showers to cleanse the infected parts and keep them clean - creates unfavorable conditions for the multiplication of the herpes virus.

iv. Tight fitting undergarments and other clothing are discouraged as they would otherwise lead to undesirable chaffing.

v. Use a towel to dry the area - by gently employing a towel, you should always dry the affected parts appropriately. This is another way of disrupting viral reproductive tendencies and thus complementing the action of herpes treatment agents.

There are many other actions you can take to help alleviate the herpes symptoms but ideally, it is best to take action and use a proven herpes solution.

Dynamiclear Reviews What is Dynamiclear?

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Don't Suffer Symptoms of Genital Herpes: Professional Treatment Can Make Life So Much Better

You get dressed to the nines and you're looking slick. You have a little mousse in your hair and a strut in your step. A new pair of shoes and an even newer haircut-and you're ready to rock your town. Too bad you have genital herpes and you're too nice a guy to keep the lights shut while you notch another one on your bedpost. (Cue sad music here.) Look, first things first: you should always have safe sex. Safe sex is good and keeps a lot of bad things from happening to you. But if you have already become infected with herpes it's time for treatment to keep those outbreaks under control.

Yeah, herpes of any sort is a bummer to be sure. Genital herpes probably takes the cake for bummer STD. (We're not counting HIV here, but if you were able to become infected with herpes you may have opened yourself up to an even more terrible STD like HIV.) The fact is that there are over twenty five different viruses, diseases and illnesses that can be categorized as an STD, so if you are currently having sexual encounters you should know what to be on the lookout for and know what treatment is available.

You should also be practicing safe sex with condoms, rubbers, Jimmy hats-whatever you want to call them, you should be using them. With that said (like a stern parent waving a gnarled and wrinkled finger at you), we know that many times you are not going to use a condom. Why? "It feels better without one" or "I didn't have one"... all hogwash! Get with it and begin to incorporate safe sex procedures into your life. You could be saving yourself a lifetime of genital herpes treatment-or far worse.

What exactly is genital herpes? Well, herpes itself is a vast array of differing strains of a similar virus which includes everything from cold sores to chickenpox. However, most people are referring to HSV 1 and 2 when they speak of herpes. HSV 1 is your traditional run-of-the-mill lip herpes, the common cold sore, and it is thought that one in four Americans are positive for this virus. (Astounding numbers, we know!)

HSV 2 is the sister-strain to HSV 1 and it is better known as genital herpes. Sores, scabs, and the like, that break-out and form beneath the belt, so to speak. Thankfully, treatment is available for both of these infections.

Any certified STD clinic can help you diagnosed and treat any form of herpes you have been unfortunate enough to catch. Believe it or not, you are not alone. The numbers of people infected with this virus is way too high. Safe sex, early diagnosis and genital herpes treatment are the best ways to combat these unbelievable statistics.

What are the symptoms for genital herpes? They are series of painful blisters that turn into painful scabs and sores. Before these outward symptoms appear, you may feel very tired, get flu-like symptoms including a high fever and upset stomach. Remember that not everyone who becomes infected with herpes show symptoms; some infected individuals are just carriers. They remain asymptomatic yet can go on and on infecting the people they sleep with one after another like snowballs at a bus window. In some weird ironic twist of fate, the individuals infected through these symptomless carriers will need much more treatment, as they are much more likely to break out in these horrible sores than if they were infected by an individual who shows symptoms.

What is the genital herpes test procedure? In the United States there are several different tests for herpes 1 and 2. They include the herpes viral culture, the herpes antigen test and the polymerase chain reaction test. Only a certified STD clinic can choose the best test for you. The testing procedure will be quick, painless and-believe it or not-affordable as well! Then treatment can begin. Leave it to the trained professional to recommend the best medicine and the best dose for you to help keep your genital herpes infection in check.

For those of us located in New York City or its surrounding boroughs log onto genital herpes testing NYC for more information on this professional and discreet certified Herpes treatment NYC clinic. They are located just a few blocks from Grand Central Station making them very easy to get to by subway and bus. Dial 1-212-696-5900 for arrange an appointment today.

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The Emotional Aspects of Having Herpes - Feeling Angry, Feeling Sad

It is natural to feel very emotional when you discover you have herpes. It is common to first feel angry, and then to feel sad or depressed. With the initial anger, you may want to get revenge on the person who gave you herpes. You may want to hurt them physically or emotionally, or take them to court and try to get money from them. This article explains how your emotions will change, and how you will gradually become happy.

After a while your anger will subside. And then sadness or even severe depression will emerge. It will diminish or go away sometimes, and then you will feel some pain or discomfort and the onset of another outbreak and it will be back again. This can go on for a long time, even years for some people. And when we are feeling this way, it is common to isolate and avoid friends and family.

Ironically, isolating and feeling sorry for ourselves can actually cause more outbreaks. It has been found that those who force themselves to go out and socialize start to have fewer outbreaks. By socializing, we start to connect with the world again, and we begin to realize that having herpes is not the end of the world. When we realize that one in five adults has herpes, we don't feel so alone. When I say socializing, I do not mean going to bars and drinking. Drinking, and staying up late, and neglecting proper nutrition and rest will cause more outbreaks. We have to start really taking care of ourselves, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

If we start a self care program encompassing the four mentioned aspects of our well-being everything will start to go better, and our outbreaks will diminish or even stop completely. Our emotional roller coaster will end and we will start to see herpes for what it really is. It is a viral infection that millions of people have. It is not something that defines us. To help you realize this, and to help you actually feel it, you may want to join a local support group. Such groups are anonymous, and people meet to share their feelings and experiences regarding herpes. You do not have to go forever. Going for a few weeks or a few months may be enough. You can find such local herpes support groups by searching for them on the internet. Some of them have social events as well, where you might even meet someone special.

I have had herpes for over 16 years, and now I help others with herpes. I learned how to prevent herpes outbreaks, and I share how I do it with others on my website: http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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The Myths And Facts Of STDs

Today, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are the most common infectious diseases in the United States, with at least 25 different types affecting both men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Types of STD

The many types of sexually transmitted diseases fall into three basic categories depending on the organism that causes them, which are either parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Bacterial STD, and the parasitic types, such as pubic lice or trichonomiasis, are able to be cured using medicine with an early diagnosis, but permanent damage such as scarring may still result. Many viral STD can never be cured, although some, such as herpes, can be treated or controlled with medication to reduce signs and symptoms.

Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today are:

- Chlamydia: The most common of all bacterial STD, and often referred to as "the silent STD" as there are usually no early warning symptoms for many people. Others may experience genital discharges, low-grade fevers, or painful intercourse, and or urination. Chlamydia, which is spread by any type of unprotected sex, is curable with antibiotic medication.

- Gonorrhea: Caused by a bacterium that thrives in moist, warm areas of the body, gonorrhea is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. With proper usage, condoms offer some protection against contracting gonorrhea, which is treatable with antibiotics administered either orally or via injection.

- Syphilis: Today, syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, such as penicillin, although this STD was once potentially fatal. Spread through any sexual contact, syphilis causes sores or open ulcers on the genitalia or mouth.

- Herpes: Herpes is spread through skin-on-skin contact and causes painful sores, itching, and flu-like symptoms. There is no cure for herpes and it is frequently contracted through contact with an infected person who has no visible symptoms.

- Human Papilloma virus (HPV): Genital warts, which may cause no outward symptoms, must be removed through freezing, laser treatment, or through the use of antiviral drugs. HPV is spread through sexual contact and may be detected during a gynecological examination.

- HIV/AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and currently, more than one million people in America are living with either HIV or AIDS. Flu-like symptoms are the most common, and there is no cure for AIDS, although several medications are used to slow the disease's progression.

Preventing an STD

Unfortunately, many people, teenagers in particular, never fully realize the risks involved with having unprotected sex and do not take measures to protect themselves. For example, an adolescent female is especially susceptible to certain diseases due to the fact that their cervix isn't yet fully developed, leaving the immature cells prone to becoming infected.

The 4 Most Common Myths About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1. Myth: You can't get an STD if you have oral sex.

Fact: This myth is one that's most often believed by misguided teenagers and often results in contracting an STD. The three ways that STD are spread are through vaginal and anal sex, as well as through oral sex.

2. Myth: Taking The Pill will protect you from some STD.

Fact: This particular myth is perhaps one of the most dangerous of all, and more than likely the reason for many new cases of STD every day. While taking the birth control pill may help to drastically reduce the chances of pregnancy, it does not protect against any type of sexually transmitted disease whatsoever.

3. Myth: You can only get herpes when your partner has a visible outbreak.

Fact: The fact is, the virus that causes genital herpes is actually transmissible for several days before any visible signs of an outbreak even appear. Also, while condoms do provide some protection from some other sexually transmitted diseases, the areas where herpes blisters are usually present aren't protected or covered by a condom.

4. Myth: I have no signs of an STD, so I must not have one.

Fact: If you are having unprotected sex, there's always the possibility of contracting an STD. Some people, especially many women, do not show any signs of a sexually transmitted disease, or mistake them for some other condition, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

10 Quick Facts of STD

- An estimated 65 million people are currently living with an STD in the US alone.

- There are roughly 15 million new cases of STD each and every year.

- One out of every four new cases of an STD occurs in a teenager.

- One out of every four Americans is infected with genital herpes.

- 80% of all people with genital herpes are unaware that they are even infected.

- Over the course of their lifetime, one out of every four Americans will contract an STD.

- Up to 15% of female infertility and 12% of male infertility cases are caused by an STD that was left untreated.

- Some STD in women may cause cervical cancer.

- A woman may pass an STD on to her unborn child during the delivery, or shortly after giving birth.

- It is possible to become infected with more than one sexually transmitted disease at a time.

The facts of STD are undeniable so always use caution. Although condoms offer some protection from STD, abstinence, or a completely monogamous relationship between two people who are not infected are the best ways of protecting yourself from contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

N. Curtis has written dozens of health articles and is the author of the Amazingly Informative and Extremely Entertaining Free Special Health Report "It's Your Body, You Can Die If You Want To!" Check it out now at http://www.youcandieifyouwantto.com/

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Are Cold Sores Herpes?

Many people have herpes and many people have cold sores. Both ailments are caused by viruses, and people who are infected often experience outbreaks in the form of a rash, pimples or sores that break open. There are differences in the two ailments, and there are many similarities too. This article will clarify any confusion you might have about herpes and cold sores.

Cold sores are technically called HSV type 1, HSV - 1, oral herpes, or herpes simplex, and outbreaks most commonly occur on the lips, though they can occur on the inside of the mouth, tongue and genitals too. In non medical terms, cold sores are also called fever blisters. Most people would rather call the outbreaks cold sores or fever blisters, rather than oral herpes.

The initial infection with the herpes simplex or cold sore virus, usually occurs in early childhood. A child can get infected by a kiss from an aunt or grandmother for example, and then a child can infect another child with a kiss or slobbering on the other child, or by sharing a cup or spoon. If you think back to situations you were in as a child, or situations you see children in now, you can see how easy it is to spread the infection. For this reason, it is estimated that up to 80% of the adult population has the cold sore virus in them. But for most people, the virus is dormant, and causes them no concern at all.

For others, outbreaks around the lips may be common or even frequent, and such outbreaks may tend to occur when the person is anticipating something which may be stressful, such as a date or a job interview. For some people, chocolate, nuts or sunshine can cause a cold sore to appear.

When the term herpes is used, it usually refers to any infections or outbreaks below the belt. It is technically called HSV type 2, or HSV 2, or herpes simplex 2. The virus is usually transmitted or passed along to someone else through sexual contact. The symptoms can include a tingling in the limbs and sores in the form of small pimples or larger pimples which usually break open, and then scab over and finally go away.

The viruses for HSV 1 and HSV 2, are similar, but not exactly the same, from a scientific standpoint. But from a practical standpoint, the sores and symptoms are similar. The cold sore, or HSV 1 virus, can be transferred to genitals through oral sex. And the herpes, or HSV 2 virus, can be transferred to the lips, also through oral sex.

As the viruses for both are very similar, the treatments for both are also similar. Treatments can include anti viral prescription drugs, or herbal formulas.

I help people prevent cold sores and herpes outbreaks with a herbal formula. My website explains how it works, and from my website, you can email me with any questions you might have. I answer emails confidentially, and you will not get on any mailing list.
http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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Vaginal Herpes - Symptoms, Mis-Diagnosis, Treatments and Childbirth

More women than men have herpes. Vaginal herpes is frequently mis-diagnosed, and therefore mis-treated, and there can be complications during childbirth. This article gives an overview of vaginal herpes, and what you can do to find relief and have a relationship with a good sex life.

Women are more susceptible to getting genital herpes than men. This is because their genitals have more areas with cells that are moist with body fluids than men do. This means that if a woman has intercourse with a man who has herpes, she is more likely to get it than a man who has intercourse with a woman who has herpes. For this reason, about 1 in 4 adult women have herpes, whereas for men it is about 1 in 5. Women suffer more with it too. For many women the first blisters are infectious and sore for approximately 3 weeks. For many men it is about a week less.

There are symptoms which occur before any blisters, rashes or sores appear. These symptoms are called prodromal symptoms and can include any or all of the following: Itching in the groin area, tingling or burning in the vagina, labia, anus, upper legs and buttocks, unusual vaginal discharges, swelling of the lymph nodes, feelings of pressure or bloating in the abdomen, urinary pain or difficulty urinating. There can also be flu like symptoms such as headache, nausea, fever, sore limbs, and muscle and joint pain.

After the prodromal symptoms, which can last 1 to 3 days, the actual herpes outbreak begins to appear. The outbreak can include sores or blisters that look like pimples, to larger sores, which burst and scab over as the outbreak continues. They can be alone or in clusters, and they can be on the genitals, anus, buttocks and thighs. Other symptoms can be an itching or burning rash, pain when urinating and vaginal discharge.

At this point most women will of course visit a doctor. Unfortunately vaginal herpes is often mis-diagnosed. For instance herpes blisters inside the vagina or on the cervix may be misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, or an inflammation of the cervix called cervictis. It can also be mis-diagnosed as pelvic inflammatory disease. Vaginal herpes can also be mis-diagnosed as a urinary tract infection or bladder infection. Vaginal herpes can produce symptoms on the cervix, but not on the outer vaginal area. This is especially true for outbreaks which come after the initial outbreak.

Herpes for a baby can be devastating and possibly fatal, but it is preventable. It is of course vital to be honest with your doctor about your herpes, even if you are not having an outbreak. Do not take it for granted that you are not having an outbreak. If your doctor knows you have herpes, then you will be monitored during your pregnancy, and checked again before delivery. If the herpes virus is not outbreaking at the time labor begins, a normal delivery is possible. If there is an active outbreak at the time of labor, the baby will be delivered by a caesarean section. This will keep the baby from getting herpes. This is why it is so very important to tell your doctor that you have herpes. It is simply not worth taking a chance. There is no need to feel any shame about telling your doctor. After all, 1 in 4 women have herpes, so you are not alone.

The psychological impact of vaginal herpes can be greater than the physical impact. Having herpes can include shame and depression, with a tendency to isolate. The good news is that herpes can be controlled or reduced, with the use of herbal formulas.

I help people prevent herpes outbreaks with a guaranteed herbal formula. I have had it for over 16 years, so I know what it is like. I answer herpes questions, free and confidential, through the email on my website: http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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Keeping America STD Free! Herpes Testing and Your Neighborhood Clinic

There are over twenty five separate diseases that qualify as STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are a huge problem in America. Huge. It is approximated that one in three people are positive for the virus that causes herpes. Think about that number. It's truly mind blowing. And yet on we go with our lives, only casually thinking about statistics such as these. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it's the only way to get from one day to the next. Another way to live stress free is to receive STD testing on a regular basis as to make sure we are healthy or at least keeping our infection in check with good healthy living and medicine.

Of all the STDs in America-and the world at large-there's a good argument to be made that herpes is one of the worst non-potentially fatal ones. Why? Well, while suffering through an outbreak it is possible that the world will know. Other diseases are not so obvious. With herpes, it is very possible that you will be wearing your infection on your sleeve, so to speak. Sort of like a twenty first century scarlet letter. And really, who wants that in their life? This is just one reason why testing is so important. Once one knows one's status, they can do their best to keep the illness from rearing its-quite frankly-ugly head.

Let's break it down, shall we? What exactly is it we are discussing when we discuss herpes? Herpes is a viral infection that includes a large variety of strains. For instance, how many people realize that chicken pox are a strain of herpes? What about shingles? Shingles are a strain of herpes, as well. However, today, when people discuss herpes, they are usually referring to two other distinct strains. And quick and easy testing is available for both.

The first one is called HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1). This strain is commonly known as oral herpes because it concentrates its symptoms in and adjacent-to the mouth. HSV 2 is generally known as genital herpes, as its symptoms are generally concentrated around the genital area, both inside and outside. This can include the shaft of the penis, the head of the penis, the outer or inner lips of the vagina and anywhere else "below the belt." Again, thankfully, testing is available at any certified STD clinic for these two rather popular strains of herpes.

What about the symptoms associated with herpes? There is no one exact science when it comes to symptoms. Symptoms vary in each and every individual. Sometimes, symptoms almost seem nonexistent. Although this is rare, it does occur and is another very good reason why testing is so important. Let's look at the common traits of the symptoms of herpes. The early, or first outbreaks, are typically more severe than the latter ones. Basically, as the disease matures in your system for longer and longer, the outbreaks become less and less severe. This is done very slowly. Do not believe that after several outbreaks the symptoms will no longer be obvious. This is just not the case.

Symptoms occur very quickly after infection takes place. In fact, be on the lookout for symptoms to appear just two to three days after initial contact takes place. These symptoms may be mild and difficult to detect, but the infected area of the body-either around your mouth or around your genital region-may be itchy, burning or tingly. This is followed by an outbreak of red blisters. Once these blisters break, they scab over, forming quite painful sores.

During this part of the infection you are very contagious. Be aware that even though the visible sores are such a big part of this virus that it is possible to infect someone else with herpes even when there are no sores present. It's hard to believe, but it's very true. Herpes test is the only way to definitively find out if you are infected with herpes. If the test comes back positive, there are many things you can do to protect against spreading the infection.

What about STD testing? Well, there are different means of testing available. These include a herpes viral culture, the herpes virus antigen test, and the polymerase chain reaction test. Only a certified STD clinic can recommend the right test for you. Whether testing the sore or a quick and easy blood test, results for herpes testing are highly accurate.

For those of us that who live in NYC there is an easily accessible certified NYC STD testing available to see new patients quickly-just log onto herpes testing NYC for more information. The clinic is located just several blocks from Grand Central Station and is highly professional and discreet. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. Let's keep America as healthy as possible.

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Article - What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection that affects the genitals, and the lips as well as other parts of the body. There are two types of the herpes virus. They are HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. This article explains the differences in the two types, and how they affect the body, their symptoms, and different treatment methods.

Genital herpes is usually HSV type 2, and generally affects any area below the belt. HSV type 1, generally affects any area above the belt, including the lips. HSV type 1 is usually called the cold sore virus. A person with HSV type 1 (cold sores) can transmit the virus through oral sex to another person's genitals. HSV type 2 causes sore in the genital areas and is transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It is more likely to happen from unprotected sex when infected skin touches the vaginal, anal or oral areas. It can sometimes cause sores in the mouth, and can be spread by saliva. You can see that both types can exist in multiple areas.

If someone is infected with herpes, there can be no symptoms at all, or there may be symptoms which cause very severe discomfort. The symptoms may include itching or pain in the legs or arms or other parts of the body. The pain may at first be thought to be a muscle pain, but upon reflection, the person may think back and realize there is no usual reason for the pain, such as a possible muscle strain during work, exercise, or sports. The pain is similar to a muscle pain, but slightly different. Besides this pain, or instead of this pain, there may be sores that appear about 1 to 7 days later. The sores start out as red bumps, that turn into red, watery blisters. It may be painful to urinate. The sores may open up and ooze fluid, and then heal in about 10 to 20 days. Other symptoms may be flu-like, including fever, and headaches. After healing, subsequent outbreaks will tend to be less sever, and heal a bit faster.

Treatment can be very simple, with frequent bathing, and thorough drying and wearing loose cotton underwear and clothing. It can also involve prescription drugs, or herbal formulas. Antibiotics are not effective against the virus, though they are commonly prescribed by doctors who mis-diagnose the symptoms as something else. Prescription drugs have side effects, and can affect the liver, and users are cautioned to not use the drugs for more than a year. On the other hand, herbal formulas can be just as effective, or even more effective, and most do not pose a health risk to other parts of your body, such as your liver. Herpes itself, does not usually pose a risk of death, unless perhaps the body is already suffering from other diseases, and the immune system is weak.

I have had herpes for over 16 years, and I help others reduce or eliminate their symptoms. I also offer a free confidential service where I answer questions regarding herpes. If you have a question about herpes, you can email me through the email link on my website:
http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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Herpes gal sues wealthy ‘drug abuser’ ex over her disease

A Manhattan businesswoman is suing her wealthy ex-lover, saying the disgraced Texas hand surgeon infected her with a sexually transmitted disease after wooing her into the sack.

Michael Glyn Brown, a high-society fixture in Houston who lost his medical license in 2006 for repeatedly testing positive for cocaine, is accused of keeping mum to his 30-something galpal about the sexually transmitted disease.

“Look, if you’ve got a disease and you don’t tell your partner, it’s illegal,” said David Jaroslawicz, a lawyer for the woman. “It’s also just not very nice.”

The woman, who filed suit in Manhattan under the alias Chris Stevens, learned she has herpes last month after spending Christmas with Brown in New York. She hasn’t seen or heard from him since Dec. 26, when his private plane dropped her off in Niagara Falls, where she was visiting family, her suit says.

A Texas jury acquitted Brown last September of assaulting his fourth wife, who is now dating former Houston Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell. He’s previously pleaded guilty to beating his third wife.

The Manhattan Supreme Court suit says Brown, 54, insisted to the woman that he was disease-free when they began living together last July in three Manhattan apartments, including a suite in the Waldorf Astoria and one at the Trump Parc on Central Park South.

The claim, court papers say, was a flat-out lie.

“She went to see a doctor,” Jaroslawicz said. “And when she saw how serious it was, she went to see a lawyer.”

The woman’s STD claim is little more than a cash grab, said a lawyer for Brown.

“This lawsuit is really about getting money from Michael Brown,” said lawyer Mark Tate. “We have evidence that if she, in fact, has a positive test for herpes, that she could not have gotten it from Michael Brown.”

The suit says the couple met in April 2009 in Aspen, Colo. Aside from a few days together in June of that year, the suit says, he stayed out of the picture until last summer.

“He was persistent,” Jaroslawicz said. “He kept calling, telling her he was infatuated.”

Brown made a name for himself with flashy television ads for the Texas Hand Center, co-starring with his kids in promotions for the Houston-based chain of carpal tunnel treatment clinics. Several of his surgical techniques are trademarked.

He’s also the author of several self-published books, including “Kilimanjaro: Safari in Tanzania,” in which he wrote about pummeling his second wife during a nightmare about a lion attack.

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Hopeful Genital Herpes Vaccine Misses the Mark

Results Disappointing for Many, but Some See as Step Toward Success

Jan 4, 2012 -- It’s back to the drawing board for researchers seeking to develop a vaccine that protects against genital herpes.

Earlier studies of the vaccine were promising, but the new report shows that an experimental genital herpes shot was only mildly effective against herpes type 1 (HSV-1) -- which commonly causes cold sores and sometimes genital herpes -- and not effective at all against herpes type 2 (HSV-2), the most common cause of genital herpes.

Vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline provided some funding for the new study. 

Herpes virus is typically transmitted through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. It can spread even when the infected person has no symptoms. Infants born to women with herpes infections can contract herpes. HSV-1 is a growing cause of genital herpes in college students and young heterosexual women. This is why it is crucial that any vaccine protects against both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

More than 50 million adults in the U.S. have genital herpes, and up to 1.6 million new infections occur each year, according to the American Social Health Association.

The new study included more than 8,300 women ages 18 to 30 who were free of the herpes virus. Women received three doses of the new vaccine or a vaccine against hepatitis A, a virus that causes liver inflammation. Women were tracked for 20 months to see if the shot prevented herpes infection or disease.

The new vaccine was somewhat effective against HSV-1, but did not prevent infection with HSV-2, the new study showed. The findings appear in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers remain puzzled about why it didn’t work well. Previous studies with more positive results were conducted among couples in which one partner was infected and the other was not. This may play a role in why the results don’t match up.

“This is not the final vaccine,” says researcher Robert B. Belshe, MD. He is a professor of medicine, pediatrics, and molecular microbiology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri.

The new study shows that it may be possible to develop a vaccine against HSV-1 and HSV-2, he says, but the next step is to determine why it was less effective at preventing HSV-2 than HSV-1.

“This information will help us a lot,” Belshe says. “There may be a very simple answer, or it may take a more complex vaccine with many components.”

John D. Kriesel, MD, says he wouldn’t bet on this happening anytime soon. He is an infectious disease specialist at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. He helped recruit women to participate in the new study.

“It is very disappointing and perplexing that it didn’t work after the two other trials showed that it did work," he says. “The reason for the failure is not entirely apparent and probably never will be.”

“The landscape for an effective herpes vaccine is bleak to say the least,” Kriesel tells WebMD.

Bruce Hirsch, MD, also thinks we are far away from an effective vaccine against genital herpes. He is an infectious disease specialist at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.

“This study looked at the vaccine in a large group of women that represent the kind we most want to protect, and it didn’t seem to be effective,” he says.  

Unless and until a vaccine is proven safe and effective, antiviral medications may offer some protection against transmission. “This is reassuring,” Hirsch says.

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Genital Herpes Vaccine - Research Progress

Editor's Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 09 Jan 2012 - 7:00 PST

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A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that an investigational vaccine protected some women against infection from one of the two types of herpes simplex viruses that cause genital herpes.

Leading author Robert Belshe, M.D., director of the Saint Louis University Center for Vaccine Development commented:

"There is some very good news in our findings. We were partially successful against half of the equation - protecting women from genital disease caused by HSV-1. It's a big step along the path to creating an effective vaccine that protects against genital disease caused by herpes infection. It points us in the direction to work toward making a vaccine that works on both herpes simplex viruses."

The study findings showed that the vaccine was partially effective at preventing herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), however it did not protect women from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Those women who received the investigational vaccine had fewer than half (58%) the cases of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 compared with women who received the control vaccine.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both members of the herpes virus family. Whilst HSV-2 generally causes lesions and blisters in the genital area, the HSV-1 virus typically causes mouth and lip sores, however it has also been increasingly found to cause genital disease. At present there is no cure or approved vaccine against genital herpes infections.

Approximately 25% of females in the U.S. are HSV infected, which makes it one of the most common communicable diseases. Once a person is infected, the HSV virus stays permanently in the person's body. It can cause severe neurological disease and even cause death in infants who are born to HSV infected women. The virus is also a risk factor for sexual transmission of HIV.

The clinical trial of the investigational genital herpes vaccine was conducted at 50 sites in the U.S. and Canada and involved 8,323 women aged between18 and 30 years who had no HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection at the start of the study. The researchers randomly assigned the women to receive either three doses of the investigational HSV vaccine that was developed by GSK or a hepatitis A vaccine as control.

The participants were followed for a duration of 20 months, during which the researchers thoroughly examined the women for occurrence of genital herpes disease. All participants undertook blood tests to establish whether asymptomatic infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 occurred during the trial.

They discovered that two or three doses of the investigational vaccine provided substantial protection against genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, however the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.

Belshe, who also is a professor of infectious diseases and immunology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine declared:

"We were surprised by these findings. We didn't expect the herpes vaccine to protect against one type of herpes simplex virus and not another. We also found it surprising that HSV-1 was a more common cause of genital disease than was HSV-2."

He added that HSV-1 infection has become an increasingly common cause of genital disease, which may be due to more couples engaging in oral sex. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are spread by direct contact, i.e. mouth to mouth, mouth to genitals and genitals to genitals, even when the infected person shows no symptoms.

The researchers are carrying out laboratory tests on serum obtained from study participants whilst they continue to examine the reason as to why the vaccine protected women from genital disease caused by HSV-1 but not HSV-2.

Belshe said that one hypothesis is that the HSV-1 virus is more easily killed by antibodies compared with the HSV-2 virus, meaning that the vaccine antibodies might work better against HSV-1 and therefore protects from HSV-1 but not HSV-2.

Previous studies of the investigational herpes vaccines showed that the vaccine protected women against genital herpes who were not infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, but whose sexual partners were known to have genital herpes. The researchers hypothesize that the reason for the different outcome in the most recent clinical trial could be linked to the fact that different populations were studied as women in the previous studies may have been protected due to immunologic or behavioral factors that were not present in the later study.

Belshe commented:

"It's always important to confirm scientific findings in repeated studies, which is why we investigated the vaccine in a large, placebo controlled trial. Our findings confirmed the validity of the scientific process. You've got to have good scientific evidence that something actually works."

The study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, together with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Written by Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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posted by susangao on 9 Jan 2012 at 6:12 pm

"It's always important to confirm scientific findings in repeated studies, which is why we investigated the vaccine in a large, placebo controlled trial. Our findings confirmed the validity of the scientific process. You've got to have good scientific evidence that something actually works."

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Study Dashes Herpes Vaccine Hopes

A once-promising vaccine against herpes viruses has failed in a large clinical trial, researchers reported.

The vaccine had markedly reduced the risk of genital herpes disease in women in so-called serodiscordant couples, in which one partner had the virus and other did not, according to Dr. Robert Belshe of St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., and colleagues.

But in a large study intended to mimic the general population of uninfected women, vaccine efficacy against disease was only 20 percent, the researchers reported in the Jan. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"We're really disappointed by the results," study co-author Dr. Peter Leone of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill told MedPage Today. But, he said, "it's the reason we do clinical trials."

Read this story on www.medpagetoday.com.

The vaccine showed some efficacy against herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1), but not against herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), the researchers reported.

Since both viruses are common and clinically indistinguishable, Leone said, the vaccine probably would have a limited public health benefit and won't be pursued.

He said researchers probably will need to take a "different type of vaccine approach" in order to find something that works against both viruses.

In general, HSV-2 is regarded as more worrisome since it tends to recur more than HSV-1 and also is associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV.

In the two earlier clinical trials, among discordant couples, the vaccine showed efficacy of 73 percent and 74 percent against genital disease (caused by either virus) among women who did not have antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2. There was no effect in men.

For this study, the researchers enrolled 8,323 women, ages 18 to 30, who did not have antibodies to either virus. They were randomly assigned to the herpes vaccine or to a hepatitis A vaccine.

The primary endpoint was occurrence of genital herpes disease due to either HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Analysis showed:

Overall, the vaccine was just 20 percent efficacious in preventing genital herpes disease

It was 58 percent efficacious against disease caused by HSV-1 but had no effect against HSV-2 disease

Overall, the vaccine protected against infection with an efficacy of 22 percent, but that was driven by a 35 percent efficacy against HSV-1 infection. There was no effect against HSV-2 infection

The researchers noted that the findings are "puzzling in view of the previous two studies involving discordant couples" -- both of which showed efficacy against HSV-2.

Leone said the difference might be a function of exposure among women in those trials, since by definition their male partners were infected with one of the two viruses.

Such exposure might have led to a cellular immune response even though it was not enough to cause the women to develop antibodies, he said.

The vaccine led to a robust antibody response against HSV-2, he noted, but those very antibodies "may have blunted any protective effect of the cellular immune response."

Interestingly, there were only two cases of HSV-1 disease in those two studies (one in each), the researchers noted, so that it was impossible to evaluate efficacy against that virus.

In other words, the overall efficacy rates of about 74 percent were based entirely on efficacy against HSV-2.

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Trial: Herpes vaccine hopes ended

Published: Jan. 5, 2012 at 11:16 PM

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- A herpes vaccine only protected against one type of herpes virus, and hopes have ended for now that the vaccine can prevent the disease, U.S. researchers say.

Lead author Dr. Robert Belshe, director of the Saint Louis University Center for Vaccine Development, said the vaccine was partially effective at preventing herpes simplex virus type 1, but did not protect women from herpes simplex virus type 2.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found the experimental vaccine was 58 percent effective at preventing genital herpes from herpes simplex virus type 1, but did not show protection against herpes simplex virus type 2.

Both herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 are members of the herpes virus family and typically, herpes simplex virus type 2 causes lesions and blisters in the genital area.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 generally causes sores in the mouth and lips, although it increasingly has been found to cause genital disease, Belshe explained

There currently is no cure or approved vaccine to prevent genital herpes infection, which affects about 25 percent of women in the United States and is one of the most common communicable diseases and, once inside the body, remains there permanently, Belshe said.

"There is some very good news in our findings," Belshe said in a statement. "We were partially successful against half of the equation -- protecting women from genital disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 1."

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New Treatment Available for Painful and Embarrassing Genital Herpes Symptoms Through the Use of Electro Waveform ...

VyGone Inhibitor Zapper brings quick relief to thousands suffering from genital herpes, genital warts, shingles, cold sores, herpes and other uncomfortable and embarrassing conditions before they ever appear

Springville, UT (PRWEB) January 24, 2012

More than 60 million people in the US suffer from genital herpes, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. If you are one of them, you probably already know there is no way to cure herpes.

Genital herpes are caused by herpes viruses that are transmitted through skin to skin contact with somebody already infected with the virus. Many people don’t realize they have become infected until the symptoms start to appear a few days after the exposure. The viruses – which are like a short DNA protein and are 100,000 times smaller than a cell -- are not alive. Therefore, they can never be killed.

But now there is a new, pain-free way to eliminate the symptoms caused by the genital herpes virus. The VyGone Inhibitor Zapper harnesses the power of electro waveform technology for the treatment of herpes, as well as genital warts, shingles and other conditions caused by microscopic viruses. When applied to infected areas, the mild electro waveform released by the VyGone Zapper stops viral activities and allows fast natural healing, eliminating ugly and embarrassing genital herpes symptoms.

Genital Herpes Simplex-II viruses cause recurring blisters and lesions similar to cold sores, but in the genital area. This is a very personal problem, causing emotional distress.

One out of every four people in this country, aged 9 an older, suffer from genital herpes, with the virus most common in women and black males.

Within 2 to 10 days after infection, symptoms such as painful itching and burning in genital area, then small red bumps begin to appear. Pain may occur in legs, buttocks, genital area, and when urinating. Many report blisters, painful open lesions, vaginal discharge, pressure and discomfort around the stomach, flu symptoms, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands.

There is no cure for herpes. However, early application of the Viral Inhibitor Pro at first symptoms helps to prevent lesions. Sores heal naturally faster.

To use VyGone, simply place the two prongs on your skin and press the buttons on the side of the zapper. A light will come on that indicates that the device is working properly. The first light will stay on for about ten seconds. A second light will then come on, which indicates that the zapper has reversed the direction of the electrical flow.

To eliminate genital herpes symptoms, simply apply the Viral Inhibitor Pro up to 8 times daily to each papule. To prevent lesions, users emphasize early detection and immediate applications.

The VyGone Zapper Pro is good for thousands and thousands of treatments.

VyGone also can be used for the symptoms of viruses caused by shingles, moles, genital warts and other conditions.

The VyGone Zapper is also effective for people who are prone to cold sores. They normally feel an initial tingling before the signature blister appears. Once they erupt, embarrassing, humiliating cold sores form in and around the mouth often stay visible for throughout their 7 to 14 day cycle.

But just a few applications of the VyGone Zapper stimulate neural signals that stop blisters and lesions from appearing. This electrical device provides a safe, noninvasive remedy which allows the body’s fast healing immune system to quickly suppress cold sores until their next eruption.

For Aaron, a cold sore sufferer from Wyoming, the healing effects of the VyGone Zapper were all in the family.

“My cousin told me about this Zapper and how well it works so I bought one,” Aaron said. “I get lots of cold sores so it wasn’t too long until I got one and had a chance to use it. I felt it coming on and zapped it a couple of times in its earliest stages. The burning stopped immediately and the cold sore never broke the skin. The best part is I can use this zapper for years instead of one treatment like the medication I used to use.”

The VyGone Zapper mainly targets Herpes viruses associated with genital herpes, molluscum, cold sores (oral Herpes), and shingles. It can be applied to warts, moles and other growths caused by Herpes. The Zapper is harmless, non-invasive, non-chemical, non-addictive and has no side-effects. Handheld and portable, the Zapper is private and close at hand for an attack. Over time, with consistent use, viral attacks lessen in frequency, severity and duration.

People with genital herpes now have a new weapon in their arsenal to stop herpes with the VyGone Zapper. For more information about the electro waveform technology used by the VyGone Zapper, visit our website at http://www.VyGone.com.

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Kelsie Green
VyGone Zapper
208-323-9451 7102
Email Information

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Vaccine Fails to Protect Against Herpes Transmission

A promising shot against herpes virus misses the mark. But antiviral drugs can control infection, if only for a short time

Encouraged by the success of vaccines against human papillomavirus, researchers began developing a shot that they hoped would immunize women against another sexually transmitted virus, herpes. But the latest results, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, aren’t encouraging.

The vaccine was designed to protect women against two forms of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2, and involved more than 8000 women between ages 18 and 30. Previous studies had shown the shot provided some protection against infection with the viruses, but the latest trial revealed that the vaccine was only mildly effective in preventing HSV-1 infections and not protective at all against HSV-2. None of the women had herpes at the start of the study, and were followed for 20 months to see if three doses of the shot prevented herpes infection due to normal sexual activity. Half of the women received the hepatitis A vaccine, which served as a control.

“I think this is the end of the vaccine,” the study’s co-author Dr. Peter Leone, an infectious disease expert at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill told msnbc.com.

MORE: How Many Patients Spread Herpes, But Don’t Even Know They Have It?

The study wasn’t a complete waste, however, since the researchers learned some new things about herpes infections that could improve future treatments. Most experts had thought that HSV-1 was primarily responsible for cold sores, while HSV-2 contributed to blisters on the genitals. The study showed, however, that women who didn’t receive the vaccine were more likely to contract genital herpes due to HSV-1.

That means that a vaccine able to protect against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 will be critical, and Leone and his team already have some ideas about how to develop one. While the current shot included snippets of herpes virus protein to alert the immune system, a more effective vaccine may need a more robust trigger, such as a weakened form of the virus, to elicit a proper virus-killing response.

In the meantime, there are drugs that can reduce the symptoms of herpes infections. In a study reported in the journal Lancet, scientists say that anti-viral drugs such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) can lower the amount of HSV-2 virus shed in the body during infection. The effect isn’t long lasting, but can help in lowering risk of transmission. That’s why a vaccine is so important to truly control spread of the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 16% of Americans between 14 and 49 are infected with HSV-2.

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Experimental herpes vaccine disappoints in study

By Ryan Jaslow Topics News ,Women ,Disease ,Research (Credit: istockphoto)

(CBS) An experimental herpes vaccine failed to protect young women from the disease in a new study, dashing hopes that a vaccine may soon be available to help prevent the sexually transmitted disease.

PICTURES: Bogus STD cures: Are you taking one?

In a study of 8,300 women ages 18 to 30, the vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline, partially protected against HSV-1, the strain of herpes which typically causes cold sores but can also cause genital herpes. The vaccine, however, did not protect against HSV-2, the strain that most commonly causes genital herpes.

"There is some very good news in our findings. We were partially successful against half of the equation - protecting women from genital disease caused by HSV-1," study author Dr. Robert Belshe, director of the Saint Louis University Center for Vaccine Development, said in a written statement.

None of the women had any strain of herpes when the study began, and half of the women were given the experimental vaccine while the other half were given a hepatitis A vaccine. Doctors monitored the women for twenty months, and throughout the study, some women got herpes.  The experimental vaccine was 58 percent effective at preventing genital herpes from HSV-1, but did not show protection against HSV-2. The study was published in the Jan. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Belshe said in the statement he was surprised the vaccine protected against one type of vaccine and not the other, but thinks that finding could lead to more research to better understand the disease.

"This is not the final vaccine," Belshe told WebMD. "This information will help us a lot."

Some experts aren't as optimistic.

"I was very disappointed there wasn't more of a benefit," Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., who wasn't involved in the study, told HealthDay. "I'm concerned if we'll ever find a vaccine effective for HSV-2."

"Enough vaccines have failed that companies are seeing herpes vaccines as a risky business," added Dr. David Knipe, a virologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Knipe told Nature News he thinks the public sector might need to fund herpes vaccine research to further advance it.

More than 50 million U.S. adults have herpes, according to WebMD, with up to 1.6 new infections occurring each year. Abstinence is the only way to prevent the STD, and latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but the disease still can spread with condom use. The CDC says persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms are present. But even without symptoms, herpes can still spread to a partner.

The CDC has more on genital herpes.

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Herpes Drugs Don't Stop Herpes Spread

Got Genital Herpes? You're Still Infectious, Even if Drugs Cut Symptoms

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Jan. 5, 2012 -- People with genital herpes can still infect their sex partners -- even if they are taking anti-herpes drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks.

Even when they don't have an active herpes outbreak, people who carry genital herpes viruses are at risk of infecting their sex partners. With the discovery of drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks, there was hope that the drugs would also prevent herpes transmission. But there's been troubling evidence that this may not be true.

Now University of Washington researcher Christine Johnston, MD, and colleagues show that people with no herpes symptoms often shed infectious genital herpes virus -- even while taking very high doses of anti-herpes drugs.

"Short episodes of genital [herpes virus] shedding occur frequently with antiviral therapy, even for high-dose regimens," Johnston and colleagues report. "These breakthrough episodes are typically [without symptoms], last several hours, and occur at much the same rate irrespective of antiviral dose."

One in 5 Americans and Europeans carries HSV-2, the virus that causes most cases of genital herpes; HSV-1 causes some cases. Most people have few, if any, of genital herpes' painful symptoms: blisters on or around the genitals or rectum.

There's no cure for herpes infections. That's because herpes viruses travel up nerves to take up latent form in the nerve root. Powerful anti-herpes drugs -- acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) -- prevent most outbreaks in most people. But they don't eliminate virus hiding in nerve cells.

Recent clinical trials failed to show that herpes drugs could prevent herpes transmission. This led Johnston's team to conduct three intensive new studies.

In each study, adult volunteers already infected with HSV-2 swabbed their genital and rectal areas four times each day for eight to 14 weeks. The swabs were tested for HSV-2.

In the first study, the volunteers were randomly given a standard 400 mg, twice-daily dose of acyclovir or an inactive placebo pill for four weeks. After a one-week washout period, they switched to the active or placebo treatment for another four weeks.

The result: Swabs were 95% less likely to test positive for HSV-2 when a person was taking acyclovir. But even during treatment, people tested positive 3% of the time.

In the second and third studies, the researchers selected volunteers who suffered frequent genital herpes outbreaks. In study two, they took either 800 mg three-a-day, high-dose acyclovir or standard 500 mg daily doses of valacyclovir. Study three compared standard-dose valacyclovir against high-dose valacyclovir (1,000 mg three times daily). As in the first study, volunteers switched treatments after a one-week washout period.

The result: None of these very high doses of active anti-herpes drugs completely prevented genital shedding of infectious herpes virus. Even with high-dose valacyclovir, 3% of swabs carried herpes virus -- and patients tested positive 7% of the time.

The findings show that herpes hiding in nerve roots doesn't sleep between outbreaks. Instead, it's frequently seeping out.

"The finding that treatment cannot fully prevent transmission should encourage patients to use condoms and adopt safe-sex practices," Philippe Van de Perre and Nicolas Nagot of the University Hospital of Montpellier, France, suggest in an editorial accompanying the Johnston report in the Jan. 5 online issue of The Lancet.

SOURCES: Johnston, C. The Lancet, published online, Jan. 5, 2012.Van de Perre, P. and Nagot, N. The Lancet, published online, Jan. 5, 2012.CDC web site.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Potential Herpes Vaccine Disappoints Researchers

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- A potential vaccine for genital herpes has shown only limited effectiveness in thwarting one type of the sexually transmitted virus and no ability to stop a second type from spreading, a new study shows.

A group of American and Canadian researchers conducted a randomized trial on more than 8,300 women aged 18 to 30 who tested negative for both forms of the herpes simplex virus, known as HSV-1 and HSV-2. Half of the women were given the experimental vaccine while the other half were given the hepatitis A vaccine.

The experimental vaccine was 58 percent effective at preventing genital disease stemming from HSV-1, but completely ineffective against HSV-2.

"We were disappointed it did not meet the primary [goal], which was protection against all types of genital herpes," said study author Dr. Robert B. Belshe, a professor of medicine, pediatrics and molecular microbiology at Saint Louis University. "Herpes is a complex organism and has ways of escaping the immune system, so we have to figure out a way of overcoming those mechanisms."

The study is published Jan. 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Genital herpes affects about 16 percent of Americans aged 14 to 49, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both types of the virus are released from their resulting sores but can also be transmitted between outbreaks, and the infection is potentially fatal in newborns who acquire it from their mothers during birth.

Fifty clinical sites in both the United States and Canada followed the women -- who reported their own sexual risk behaviors -- between 2003 and 2007. A heightened risk for HSV-1 infection was associated with six or more lifetime sexual partners and more than one partner in the previous 12 months, while those who were 23 or older were less likely to contract HSV-1 than those between 18 and 22.

Factors not associated with an increased likelihood of HSV-1 included race, condom use, oral sex, a history of any sexually transmitted infection or ever having a partner with herpes. Men weren't tested in this study, though prior research showed investigational herpes vaccines to be ineffective in men and HSV-1 positive women.

"I was very disappointed there wasn't more of a benefit," said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., who wasn't involved in the study. "I think we're asking that a vaccine provide better immunity than an actual infection provides. I'm concerned if we'll ever find a vaccine effective for HSV-2."

"I think what we tell patients is ... there are antiviral medications that can make a difference and can give people comfort, and the availability of treatment is encouraging," he added.

While other potential vaccines are in the pipeline, Belshe said, the one that works probably needs to be "more complex" than the one recently studied, which contained a single surface protein of the herpes virus. The chicken pox vaccine, which has been widely used in the past decade, is a good example of a herpes-related virus that has been brought under control, he said.

"Something like that is what we need to come up with for HSV," he said. "I think this is a very important study, and the result is an incredibly important step in figuring out what will work."

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on genital herpes.

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