Herpes Simplex

Studies show that genital herpes simplex virus is common. In the United States, one out of five of the total adolescent and adult population are infected with herpes simplex virus.

There are two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). HSV type 2 is the one that most commonly causes genital herpes. You can get HSV type 2 during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. The infection causes painful sores on the genitals in both men and women. HSV type 1 is the herpes virus that is usually responsible for cold sores of the mouth, the so-called "fever blisters." You get HSV-1 by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected person.

However, HSV type 1 can cause genital herpes, usually caused by oral-genital sexual contact with a person who has the oral HSV-1 infection, and HSV type 2 can cause cold sores.

Herpes can be treated but not cured. Symptoms appear briefly and then disappear; the disease lies dormant in nerve cells, but it may be reactivated by stress or illness. It is believed to be more contagious during active periods when blisters are present, however, it can be transmitted person-to-person without active lesions.

Persons taking drugs that suppress the body's immune system (for example, cancer or organ transplant patients) are at a higher risk of contracting herpes because their bodies are in a weakened state. There is also some evidence that links genital herpes with a higher rate of cancer of the cervix in women.

There are some serious complications of herpes simplex:

Eye infections - the herpes virus may infect the eye and lead to a condition called herpes keratitis. The inflammation results in the feeling that there is something in the eye, pain, sensitivity to light and discharge. Drugs are available that prevent severe scarring of the cornea and in eliminating infection.

Infections in babies - a pregnant woman who has genital herpes at the time of delivery can transmit the virus to her baby as it passes through the birth canal and touches the affected area. The baby can die or suffer severe damage, particularly mental retardation. Women who know that they have had genital herpes or think they might have it during pregnancy should tell their physician so preventive measures can be taken.

A Cesarian section is indicated for some patients. It is estimated that only half of all infants delivered through an infected vagina acquire the disease, but the ones that do are at risk for having a severe infection.

The newborn also is infected by exposure to the virus from non-genital lesions. If the mother or a person working in the nursery has active blisters on the lips or hands, the baby can become infected. Family members and friends with active herpes simplex virus should not handle a newborn.

Note: Pregnant women should avoid sexual contact with a partner with active genital herpes, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. The use of condoms can be suggested for those who will not abstain. There is no evidence to suggest that infection of an infant with herpes simplex virus (HSV type I) carries a different risk than infection with genital herpes HSV type II).

Herpes symptoms can vary. Many infected individuals have few, if any, noticeable symptoms. In people who do have symptoms, the symptoms start 2 to 20 days after the person was exposed to someone with HSV infection. Symptoms may last for several weeks.

The first episode of herpes is usually worse than outbreaks that come later. The predominant symptom of herpes is the outbreak of painful, itching blisters filled with fluid on and around the external sexual organs or, for oral herpes, on or very near the lip. Females may have a vaginal discharge. Symptoms vaguely similar to those of flu may accompany these outbreaks, including fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. There may be painful urination, and swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin.

Usually the blisters will disappear without treatment in two to 10 days, but the virus will remain in the body, lying dormant among clusters of nerve cells until another outbreak is triggered. Factors that can trigger an outbreak include stress, illness such as a cold, fever, fatigue, sunburn, menstruation or sexual intercourse.

Many patients are able to anticipate an outbreak when they notice a warning sign (a tingling sensation, called a prodrome) of the approaching illness. It is when they feel signs that an outbreak is about to start that they are particularly contagious, even though the skin still appears normal

Most people with genital herpes have five to eight outbreaks per year, but not everyone has recurrent symptoms. As time goes on, the number of outbreaks usually decreases. Oral herpes can recur as often as monthly or only one or two times each year.

Sores typically come back near the site of the first infection. Usually, as the outbreaks recur, there are fewer sores and they heal faster and are less painful.

Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases, herpes cannot be cured because medication that will attack the virus while it lies dormant in the nerve cells will also damage the nerve cells. However, there is treatment available for acute outbreaks that involves the use of anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir, Valaclovir or Famcyclovir.

Acyclovir has been found to reduce the reproduction of the virus in initial outbreaks, thus possibly lessening the number of subsequent outbreaks. To be effective, therapy must be started immediately after the first sores appear. Every sexual partner of the infected person needs to be examined, and if necessary, treated.

Famcyclovir has similar effects and may work to prevent a herpes infection from establishing itself if taken soon enough in the course of the illness. Valaclovir has similar effects.

Long-term drug therapy ('suppressive treatment') may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks. Suppressive treatment will reduce outbreaks by 85 percent and reduces viral shedding by more than 90 percent.

Topical antibiotic ointments also may be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

During an outbreak of genital herpes, a number of measures can be taken to make the patient more comfortable:

Wear loose clothingAvoid excessive heat or sunlightKeep the sore area clean and dryPlace cool or lukewarm cloths on the sore area for short periods of timeDo not use perfumed soaps, sprays, feminine deodorants, or douchesTake aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the painAvoid touching soresWash hands if you do touch the sores

What type of treatment will you recommend to decrease the symptoms or the length of the active period?

Will you be prescribing any medication? What are the side effects?

Can laser therapy be used?

How is laser therapy performed?

How effective is this therapy?

Because the chances of contracting this disease increase with the number of sexual partners a person has, limiting the number of partners is the first step toward prevention.

To keep herpes from spreading, intimate contact should be avoided when sores are on the body. Itching, burning or tingling may occur just before the sores develop. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during this time.

Herpes can even be spread when there are no sores or symptoms. To minimize the risk of spreading herpes, latex condoms should be used during all sexual contact. Spermicidal foams and jellies may offer added protection although the evidence on this is controversial.

The herpes virus can also be spread by touching the sores and then touching another part of the body. If you touch the sores, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Also, do not share towels or clothing with anyone.

Babies can be infected with the herpes virus. If pregnant, you should tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to anyone with herpes, even if you have never had any symptoms. Your doctor can take special precautions at the time of delivery to protect the baby from getting infected with herpes.

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Unexpected bottleneck identified in spread of herpes simplex virus

ScienceDaily (Nov. 5, 2012) — New research suggests that just one or two individual herpes virus particles attack a skin cell in the first stage of an outbreak, resulting in a bottleneck in which the infection may be vulnerable to medical treatment.

Unlike most viruses that spread to new cells by bombarding them with millions of particles, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) -- a virus that causes cold sores and genital lesions -- requires just one or two viral particles to infect a skin cell in the first stage of cold sore formation, Princeton University researchers reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The fact that just one or two virus particles are involved is surprising because these viruses can replicate themselves hundreds of times in a single cell," said Matthew Taylor, first author on the study and a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Lynn Enquist, the Henry L. Hillman Professor in Molecular Biology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute.

The bottleneck occurs when HSV-1 particles, which can lie dormant in the cells of the nervous system for decades after initial infection, awaken and invade a nearby skin cell, the first stage in sore formation. Once inside the skin cell, a single viral particle multiplies and spreads millions of copies to nearby skin cells, creating a visible lesion or "cold sore." The virus can then spread to new individuals through skin-to-skin contact.

This restriction to one or two particles limits the genetic diversity of the virus that spreads to the next individual, Enquist said. This puts the virus at a disadvantage, he said, because having a variety of distinct genomes enhances the overall chances of the virus surviving and spreading. A well-known example of a virus that relies on genetic diversity to thrive is HIV, which involves large numbers of viral particles with distinct genomes.

In the case of herpes viruses, Enquist said: "The number of different genomes that infect the cell is remarkably low, so any mutations that weaken the virus are unlikely to survive. Only the most fit viral particles will survive and replicate in the epithelial [skin] cells, and be available to transmit to the next individual."

Although bottlenecks can ensure that only the most fit viruses are transmitted to the next individual, they also can be points at which the infection is more susceptible to immune system responses and drug treatments, according to Taylor. He and Enquist worked with co-author Oren Kobiler, a former Princeton postdoctoral researcher now at Tel Aviv University.

The researchers' findings suggest that other viruses related to HSV-1 -- known as alpha-herpes viruses -- may have similar bottlenecks, Taylor said, including herpes simplex viruses type 2, which causes cold sores and genital lesions, and varicella zoster virus, which causes chicken pox and shingles. It remains to be determined if this bottleneck exists for other viruses that spread from infected neurons, such as poliovirus and the West Nile virus, Taylor said.

Julie Pfeiffer, an associate professor of microbiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said the Princeton research is the first to tally how many viral particles are involved in HSV-1 infection -- and reveal that as the virus' weak point.

"This work changes the way that we think about herpes virus spread," said Pfeiffer, who is familiar with the study but had no role in it. "This study demonstrated that these neuron-to-epithelial cell viral-transmission events are surprisingly efficient, but they are initiated by a very small number of viruses. This work has interesting implications for herpesvirus transmission and evolution."

To determine the number of virus particles that infect the skin cell, the researchers constructed three genetically unique viral genomes labeled with either red, green or blue fluorescent tags, and then infected cells with the particles and analyzed them for the presence of the three colors. They counted the number of cells containing one, two or all three colors and used statistical analysis to determine the number of unique viral genomes expressed in each cell. The method, which was originally developed by Kobiler, Enquist and colleagues in Princeton's mathematics department and initially published in 2010 in Nature Communications, revealed that most skin cells express less than two viral genomes on average.

Taylor then filmed individual virus particles of pseudorabies virus, a model alpha-herpes virus that infects animals, as the particles exited neurons and entered skin cells. He found that the bottleneck limiting infection to one or two particles exists for pseudorabies virus as well.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Princeton University. The original article was written by Catherine Zandonella.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

M. P. Taylor, O. Kobiler, L. W. Enquist. Alphaherpesvirus axon-to-cell spread involves limited virion transmission. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; 109 (42): 17046 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1212926109

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Herpes Simplex Virus 101

This is a guest blog. Original article can be found here.

The most common versions of herpes simplex virus, or HSV, are HSV-1 and HSV-2. Generally speaking, HSV-1 causes cold sores (oral herpes) on the mouth, and HSV-2 causes genital herpes (which is essentially just having cold sores in your genital area, rather than your face). With this in mind, it’s possible to get HSV-1 genitally and/or HSV-2 orally, but not as likely as the other way around. While HSV-1 and HSV-2 aren’t super picky, they do tend to prefer their former positions.

HSV doesn’t check resumes—it’s a virus. As far as it’s concerned, any human with a pulse is sufficient.

An extremely ignorant yet common belief is that only prostitutes, porn stars and/or promiscuous people acquire HSV. However, the reality of the situation is that this myth could not be farther from the truth.

HSV doesn’t check resumes—it’s a virus. As far as it’s concerned, any human with a pulse is sufficient. Literally, the only way to be 100% sure you don’t get it is complete abstinence from sexual activity. Because most people are not okay with completely abstaining from sex, most people are at risk for contracting HSV—this is fact. While condoms lessen the risk of transmission, they do not offer full protection from the virus as it can spread from mere skin-to-skin contact. Millions of people have contracted and continue to contract HSV while having protected sex.

HSV can also be acquired through oral sex. If someone has a cold sore on their lips while performing oral sex on their partner, they can actually infect their partner genitally (yes, it’s that easy). Usually, this is how genital HSV-1 occurs. In addition, it can also be possible to infect someone through oral sex without a cold sore visible via asymptomatic shedding of the virus. While a reasonable amount of people (though not anywhere close to all) use protection during sexual intercourse, few to none use protection during oral sex. Sexually active people, whether they know it or not, put themselves at risk daily for contracting HSV. The risk is always there.

Herpes Statistics

In the United States of America alone, 16% of society carries HSV-2. For the record, that’s over 25 million people and counting. As far as HSV-1 goes, we’re looking at a whopping 80%—well over half of the population! Considering these numbers, it’s actually uncommon to not have HSV, rather than the other way around. If you’ve kissed 2 or more people, you’ve already kissed someone with HSV, whether you knew it or not. If you’ve had sex with 4 or more people, you’ve already had sex with someone with HSV, whether you knew it or not.

The United Kingdom has similar percentages, except their HSV-1 rate is higher by 10% or so. In Italy, it’s estimated that around 90% of the population carries HSV-1. In total, about 2/3 or 67% (upwards of 80%) of the entire world carries it. HSV is everywhere.

If it’s so common, you may be wondering why it can seem so rare at times. This is because many people who are HSV+ are asymptomatic—they do not have herpes symptoms, and therefore have absolutely no idea that they carry the virus. Other times, they have symptoms so mild that they’re unnoticeable or mistaken for something else, including but not limited to allergic reaction, skin irritation, jock itch, etc. Of course, it also doesn’t help that HSV testing is not included in the standard STI (sexually transmitted infection) checkup. People that are responsible enough to get tested may have HSV and still not know about it because of this. So, a week or two later when they come out negative, they think they’re good and continue to spread the virus unknowingly via asymptomatic shedding.

Let’s not get started on individuals who don’t get tested and continue to have sex with multiple partners. The head-in-the-sand approach seems to be a popular choice among people these days. After all, ignorance is bliss, right? (Wrong.) Try telling yourself that after you have full-blown AIDS, when you could have caught HIV in time and actually saved your life. Or, tell yourself that ignorance is bliss when investing your savings and retirement fund in the stock market without doing any research first. Yeah… that should turn out well…

So, please, get tested, and also request the HSV-specific blood test called the “IgG” while you’re at it. This ensures that you get all the information regarding your sexual health, for the sake of both yourself and your partner(s).

In essence, most people carry the virus, but only a few people realize it. So, the next time you hear someone say they are HSV+, just know that they aren’t different because they have HSV—they’re different because they’re aware that they have HSV. Nothing more, nothing less.

Prevention

As we talked about earlier, the only fail-proof way to prevent HSV is to abstain from sexual activity. And actually, that’s not even entirely true, as millions of people contract oral HSV-1 through friendly kisses from friends and family members (often as young kids). So, honestly, the only way to completely prevent yourself from getting HSV is to abstain from human contact altogether. Unless you plan on moving to the jungle sometime soon (in which case, you’ll have much bigger problems to worry about), avoiding human contact isn’t very realistic. (Oh, and animals get HSV, too, by the way. Just FYI.)

The upside is that HSV is a mostly harmless virus, and the social stigma attached to it is falsely manufactured out of pure public ignorance. If some crazy guy on the street came up to you and started yelling that the world was going to end, would you believe him? People have been saying that since the beginning of time, yet here we are. The same is essentially true for HSV—don’t believe the hype. Most people have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to the subject, anyway. There really isn’t much to fear. In fact, what you should be scared of most is false information provided by people who haven’t done their research. End of story.

Sex

To minimize transmission during physical intimacy, including but not limited to sexual activity, there are a few things to keep in mind. Although nothing is 100% except fully abstaining from human contact (yes, human contact—not just sexual contact), as explained earlier, it is still in your power (or the power of your partner, depending on who’s positive and who’s negative) to significantly lessen the chances of contracting HSV.

A few things are obvious. If someone has a visible cold sore on their mouth—generally on the lips—you should avoid kissing and oral sex until it clears up. While it is still possible to spread the virus via asymptomatic shedding, it’s much less likely. On top of that, with well over half the population being infected orally, that’s about as safe as you’re going to get. Actually, there is a way to be safer, and that will be shown momentarily (and don’t worry, it’s not abstinence).

The first rule of sexual intercourse is pretty similar: no sex during an active outbreak. When you’re not having an outbreak, however, there are precautions you can take to exponentially decrease chances of transmission—so much that it’s literally safer to have sex with an HSV+ individual that is aware of their status, rather than a complete stranger. Oh, and to clarify “complete stranger,” just to avoid any confusion or possible twisting of words, this is referring to someone whose sexual health you do not completely know.

A “complete stranger” is not necessarily a random person you picked up a bar or party and barely learned their name before hopping in the sack, although that would certain qualify as well. In this situation, it’s simply someone whose official health records you have not seen with your own two eyes, along with some kind of assurance that those health records were confirmed after their most recent sexual partner. Not great chances, we know. Yet, this is honestly the reality of sex, and anything else you may have previously believed is essentially nothing more than a fairy tale or Hollywood propaganda. So, considering what’s just been said, almost everyone—even people you have known for years—can and most likely do qualify as “complete strangers” sexually.

If this concerns you, and it should (not even just for HSV anymore, but for potentially life-threatening infections such as HIV/AIDS), there is hope. HSV+ individuals that are aware of their status generally tend to take better of their sexual health than most people. This is because they have already had a “scare” (HSV), then consequently realize how lucky they are to only have something as minor as HSV—a mostly harmless, oftentimes asymptomatic virus—and in turn become extremely responsible sexually. At the same time, a large portion of society continues to have sex while remaining completely unaware of their sexual health, because they still live in fantasy-land created by the movies they’ve seen and music they listen to. “Bad things won’t happen to me,” or, “this doesn’t apply to me” are a couple of thoughts prevalent in the average person’s mind. Wrong and wrong.

The (seriously) good news about being involved romantically or sexually with someone that’s aware of their HSV+ status, is that you can both take the precautions necessary to practically destroy any chances of transmission. In an ironic way, this is actually what makes sex with an HSV+ partner safer than sex with someone else whose recent and proper medical documents you have not examined. When active outbreaks aren’t occurring, use of anti-viral medication such as Valtrex or Aciclovir, combined with “protection” (condoms) almost completely kill your chances of transmission—especially when used together.

Transmission

To give you a realistic idea that demonstrates exactly how much safer sex with an HSV+ partner is, take a look at the numbers provided by scientific studies.

By avoiding sex during an active outbreak, chances of virus transmission are 4% a year (Terri Warren, RN, NP – WebMD, 2005). Yes, per year, not sexual session. Dividing this figure by 365 days (or nights), this makes the possibility of spreading the virus on any given day/night .0001%, or 1/10,000 (.04 / 365 = 0.000109589041).

If also using condoms or anti-viral drugs, it cuts those already-staggering odds in half to 2% a year. The possibility of spreading HSV on any given night would then become 1/20,000. To put this in perspective, you have a better chance of literally dying in a car accident tomorrow on your way to school or work (1/18,585), although, surely this “risk” won’t stop you from driving. 1 in 18,000… driving seems pretty safe, doesn’t it? The fact that you will still drive your car (or ride in cars) after reading this article is proof that you agree.

[Herpes Opportunity note: I don't agree with this guest article's math logic. For example, if the chances of transmission are 4% a year, dividing that by 365 doesn't accurately reflect your chances of transmission. If it's 4% year-round, then it's also 4% at any given moment.]

It’s cool, though, because you’d be right. Driving is pretty safe. Just remember: having a knowledgeable HSV+ partner is safer. If you’re not scared to drive, you are agreeing to this by default.

With the use of both simultaneously (condoms and anti-viral drugs), it cuts the number in half once again: a mere 1% chance of transmitting the virus per annual basis. On any given night, we’re now entertaining a “risk” of 1/40,000. You now have better odds of becoming a pro athlete (1/22,000). Do you plan on signing that million-dollar contract anytime soon?

Didn’t think so.

Simply put: 99% odds are excellent. If you had a 99% chance of winning the lottery, would you buy a ticket? You’d be crazy not to. There’s no arguing with that.

Therefore, considering that the only (truly) guaranteed thing in life is death, 99% odds are as solid as it gets. 96% is pretty assuring as well. Plus, people that are aware of their HSV+ status generally tend to notice even the mildest of symptoms, including prodrome symptoms. Because of this, they are much more likely to recognize when an outbreak is about to occur, and can then inform their partner in time to knock transmission rates down to 1-4% per year by abstaining from sex temporarily.

For females, the chances of contracting HSV are slightly higher, but not by much. Ideally, we’re looking at about 98% prevention instead of 99% (“risk” is doubled because of increased point of contact). Hardly a significant difference overall, though.

On the contrary, “strangers” or people unaware of their status, can have the lightest outbreak the world has ever seen yet end up spreading the virus because they have no idea what’s going on, or that they’re even positive in the first place. This, along with asymptomatic shedding (generally from those not taking anti-viral medication), is how most people actually get HSV to begin with.

If you get anything out of this, it should be this: most people contract HSV from people who do not know they are infected, rather than from people who are aware of their status and hence bring it up for discussion. With this in mind, do not be scared off by “the herpes talk” (whether you are giving it or listening). The information is clear: the former person is risky, and the latter person is safe as long as the proper precautions are taken. The numbers speak for themselves.

Finally, one last friendly reminder: just because you do not discuss each other’s sexual health prior to engaging in sexual activity does not make you okay. And, it certainly doesn’t mean that you and your partner are clear of HSV… or anything else for that matter. Always be smart, responsible, and respectful of your partner (HSV+ or HSV-)—and your love life will be amazing. Awareness and education in addition to honest and consistent communication make HSV a virtual non-issue in any relationship.

Pregnancy

Taking relationships to the next level, it’s time to discuss the possibilities of starting a family. This brings up the inevitable worries of HSV and pregnancy.

Before we go any further on this topic, just know that (as usual) everything is good. Do you think the world would be nearly as populated as it is today if only HSV- people had kids? If that was the case, this planet wouldn’t currently hold 7 billion people… that’s for sure. So, obviously it happens, and it happens often—like every day.

Having said that, it’s great that you’re concerned about the health of your future child (or children). That shows you’ll be a good parent. However, it’s not logical or healthy for you to worry needlessly, so we’re going to clear everything up.

First and foremost, if you plan to get pregnant, or suspect that you’re pregnant, inform your doctor about your HSV+ status. This way, they can give you their professional opinion and thoughts regarding necessary precautions. You do not want to keep your physician in the dark about this.

During pregnancy, it’s usually recommended that you take anti-viral medication on a regular basis—if you haven’t been doing so already. At the absolute very least, it’s important to begin taking it a couple months before delivery. This will help to ensure you remain outbreak-free during the time of childbirth.

While neonatal herpes can be fatal since an infant’s immune system is so undeveloped, it is extremely rare. Medical doctor Zane Brown, an expert on neonatal herpes and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington, has been quoted saying: “Neonatal herpes is a remarkably rare event.” To give you an idea of how uncommon this type of transmission is, we’re looking at odds of less than 0.1%.

Like information about HSV in general, most of the fear associated with childbirth transmission is falsely manufactured out of ignorance. Remember: believe the research, not the hype. The former is grounded on fact, the latter on fiction.

Additional good news for being HSV+ and pregnant is that if you contracted HSV prior to pregnancy (rather than during), your odds of transmission colossally decrease to about .04% (Randolph, JAMA, 1993). This is assuming that you are still outbreak-free at the time of childbirth, of course.

For situations where the woman is having an outbreak during time of delivery, the doctor can perform a Caesarean section, or C-section, to prevent the child from contracting the virus. HSV or not, women have C-sections all the time, so there really isn’t anything too crazy about this.

All in all, it’s not necessary to stress about passing the virus to your baby. Aside from empowering the virus, stress just makes life in general worse. Inform your physician of the situation and take the proper precautions to ensure safety—and everything will be fine. You deserve to have a family if you want one, and HSV is not going to get in your way.

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Antiviral therapy associated with fewer recurring eye problems from herpes simplex virus

ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2010) — Taking oral antiviral medications following infection with the herpes simplex virus may be associated with a reduced risk of recurring eye-related manifestations of the disease, according to a report in the September issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

"Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of corneal disease and is the leading infectious cause of corneal blindness among developed nations," the authors write as background information in the article. After the initial exposure to the virus and the resulting systemic infection, herpes simplex establishes a latent infection in sensory nerve structures. Reactivation of this latent infection could lead to initial or recurrent disease in one or both eyes, including inflammation or infection of the cornea, eyelid, membrane inside the eye (conjunctivitis, or pink eye) or middle layer of the eye (uveitis).

Ryan C. Young, B.A., of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and colleagues estimated the incidence of HSV eye disease in a community-based cohort, in Olmstead County, Minnesota, from 1976 through 2007. During this time period, 394 patients with ocular HSV were identified, for an annual incidence of 11.8 per 100,000 individuals.

Oral antiviral therapy was prescribed in 175 (44 percent) of these patients, who underwent therapy for an average of 2.8 years (36 percent of the average 7.7 years of follow-up). Patients not taking this prophylactic therapy were 9.4 times more likely to have a recurrence of epithelial keratitis (infection of the top layer of the cornea), 8.4 times more likely to have a recurrence of stromal keratitis (infection of deeper layers of the cornea) and 34.5 times more likely to have a recurrence of blepharitis (eyelid infection) or conjunctivitis than those taking antiviral medications.

A total of 20 patients experienced adverse outcomes, including visual loss and perforation of the cornea; of these, 17 (85 percent) were not taking oral antiviral prophylaxis.

"Overall, this community-based retrospective study demonstrated a stable incidence of HSV eye disease during a recent 32-year period," the authors write. "We found a more dramatic protective effect of oral antiviral prophylaxis on recurrences of ocular HSV than had been described previously."

"The results of this study suggest that oral antiviral prophylaxis should be considered for patients with frequent recurrences of corneal disease," they conclude. "Additionally, we recommend an evaluation of the possible barriers preventing compliance with antiviral prophylaxis and a reassessment of the cost-effectiveness of long-term oral antiviral therapy."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by JAMA and Archives Journals.

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Journal Reference:

Ryan C. Young; David O. Hodge; Thomas J. Liesegang; Keith H. Baratz. Incidence, Recurrence, and Outcomes of Herpes Simplex Virus Eye Disease in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-2007: The Effect of Oral Antiviral Prophylaxis. Arch Ophthalmol, 2010; 128 (9): 1178-1183 [link]

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Persons with herpes simplex virus type 2, but without symptoms, still shed virus

ScienceDaily (Apr. 13, 2011) — Persons who have tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but do not have symptoms or genital lesions still experience virus shedding during subclinical (without clinical manifestations) episodes, suggesting a high risk of transmission from persons with unrecognized HSV-2 infection, according to a study in the April 13 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on infectious disease and immunology.

Anna Wald, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, presented the findings of the study at a JAMA media briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

"Herpes simplex virus type 2 is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with global estimates of 536 million infected persons and an annual incidence of 23.6 million cases among persons aged 15 to 49 years. In the United States, 16 percent of adults are HSV-2 seropositive, but only 10 percent to 25 percent of persons with HSV-2 infection have recognized genital herpes. Moreover, most HSV-2 infections are acquired from persons without a clinical history of genital herpes," according to background information in the article. Thus, the risk of sexual transmission does not correlate with the recognition of clinical signs and symptoms of HSV-2 but most likely correlates with the activity of the virus on the genital skin or mucosa (viral shedding).

Dr. Wald and colleagues compared the rates and patterns of genital HSV shedding in 498 immunocompetent HSV-2-seropositive persons between March 1992 and April 2008. Each participant obtained daily self-collected swabs of genital secretions for at least 30 days. The rate of viral shedding (the presence of virus that is actively replicating, and can thereby be transmitted to another person) was measured by polymerase chain reaction (testing method for viral DNA) from the swabs.

Among the findings of the researchers, HSV-2 was detected on 4,753 of 23,683 days (20.1 percent) in 410 persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 519 of 5,070 days (10.2 percent) in 88 persons with asymptomatic infection. Genital HSV was detected at least once in 342 of 410 persons (83.4 percent) with symptomatic HSV-2 infection and in 60 of 88 (68.2 percent) persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infection during the 2 month study.

Subclinical genital shedding rates were higher in persons with symptomatic infection compared with asymptomatic infection (2,708 of 20,735 [13.1 percent] vs. 434 of 4,929 [8.8 percent]). "However, the median [midpoint] amount of HSV detected during subclinical genital shedding episodes was similar in persons with symptomatic and asymptomatic infection," the authors write.

Persons with symptomatic infection had more frequent genital shedding episodes compared with persons with asymptomatic infection (median 17.9 vs. 12.5 episodes per year). Days with lesions accounted for 2,045 of 4,753 days (43.0 percent) with genital viral shedding among persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 85 of 519 days (16.4 percent) among persons with asymptomatic infection. This indicates that the bulk of days of shedding in persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 is unrecognized, and people may engage in sexual activity not knowing that they are at risk for transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

"Our findings suggest that 'best practices' management of HSV-2-infected persons who learn that they are infected from serologic testing should include anticipatory guidance with regard to genital symptoms, as well as counseling about the potential for transmission. The issue of infectivity is both a patient management and a public health concern. The primary concern of many HSV-2-seropositive persons is the risk of transmission to sexual partners; in our experience this is the main source of angst in patients with genital herpes."

The researchers note that several methods have been identified that partly reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission to sexual partners. "Condom use, daily valacyclovir therapy, and disclosure of HSV-2 serostatus each approximately halve the risk of HSV-2 transmission. However, these approaches reach a small portion of the population and have not had an influence on HSV-2 seroprevalence in the last decade. One of the reasons for such a limited effect is that few people are aware of their genital HSV-2 infection, and routine serologic testing, although available commercially, is recommended only in limited settings. We hope that these data will result in further discussions regarding control programs for HSV-2 in the United States."

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E. Tronstein, C. Johnston, M.-L. Huang, S. Selke, A. Magaret, T. Warren, L. Corey, A. Wald. Genital Shedding of Herpes Simplex Virus Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With HSV-2 Infection. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2011; 305 (14): 1441 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2011.420

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Persons with herpes simplex virus type 2, but without symptoms, still shed virus

ScienceDaily (Apr. 12, 2011) — Persons who have tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but do not have symptoms or genital lesions still experience virus shedding during subclinical (without clinical manifestations) episodes, suggesting a high risk of transmission from persons with unrecognized HSV-2 infection, according to a study in the April 13 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on infectious disease and immunology.

Anna Wald, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, presented the findings of the study at a JAMA media briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

"Herpes simplex virus type 2 is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with global estimates of 536 million infected persons and an annual incidence of 23.6 million cases among persons aged 15 to 49 years. In the United States, 16 percent of adults are HSV-2 seropositive, but only 10 percent to 25 percent of persons with HSV-2 infection have recognized genital herpes. Moreover, most HSV-2 infections are acquired from persons without a clinical history of genital herpes," according to background information in the article. Thus, the risk of sexual transmission does not correlate with the recognition of clinical signs and symptoms of HSV-2 but most likely correlates with the activity of the virus on the genital skin or mucosa (viral shedding).

Dr. Wald and colleagues compared the rates and patterns of genital HSV shedding in 498 immunocompetent HSV-2-seropositive persons between March 1992 and April 2008. Each participant obtained daily self-collected swabs of genital secretions for at least 30 days. The rate of viral shedding (the presence of virus that is actively replicating, and can thereby be transmitted to another person) was measured by polymerase chain reaction (testing method for viral DNA) from the swabs.

Among the findings of the researchers, HSV-2 was detected on 4,753 of 23,683 days (20.1 percent) in 410 persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 519 of 5,070 days (10.2 percent) in 88 persons with asymptomatic infection. Genital HSV was detected at least once in 342 of 410 persons (83.4 percent) with symptomatic HSV-2 infection and in 60 of 88 (68.2 percent) persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infection during the 2 month study.

Subclinical genital shedding rates were higher in persons with symptomatic infection compared with asymptomatic infection (2,708 of 20,735 [13.1 percent] vs. 434 of 4,929 [8.8 percent]). "However, the median [midpoint] amount of HSV detected during subclinical genital shedding episodes was similar in persons with symptomatic and asymptomatic infection," the authors write.

Persons with symptomatic infection had more frequent genital shedding episodes compared with persons with asymptomatic infection (median 17.9 vs. 12.5 episodes per year). Days with lesions accounted for 2,045 of 4,753 days (43.0 percent) with genital viral shedding among persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 85 of 519 days (16.4 percent) among persons with asymptomatic infection. This indicates that the bulk of days of shedding in persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 is unrecognized, and people may engage in sexual activity not knowing that they are at risk for transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

"Our findings suggest that 'best practices' management of HSV-2-infected persons who learn that they are infected from serologic testing should include anticipatory guidance with regard to genital symptoms, as well as counseling about the potential for transmission. The issue of infectivity is both a patient management and a public health concern. The primary concern of many HSV-2-seropositive persons is the risk of transmission to sexual partners; in our experience this is the main source of angst in patients with genital herpes."

The researchers note that several methods have been identified that partly reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission to sexual partners. "Condom use, daily valacyclovir therapy, and disclosure of HSV-2 serostatus each approximately halve the risk of HSV-2 transmission. However, these approaches reach a small portion of the population and have not had an influence on HSV-2 seroprevalence in the last decade. One of the reasons for such a limited effect is that few people are aware of their genital HSV-2 infection, and routine serologic testing, although available commercially, is recommended only in limited settings. We hope that these data will result in further discussions regarding control programs for HSV-2 in the United States."

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Journal Reference:

E. Tronstein, C. Johnston, M.-L. Huang, S. Selke, A. Magaret, T. Warren, L. Corey, A. Wald. Genital Shedding of Herpes Simplex Virus Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With HSV-2 Infection. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2011; 305 (14): 1441 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2011.420

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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'Stealth' Herpes Simplex Inflammation Impacts Corneal Transplants

ScienceDaily (July 1, 2009) — The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can infect the eye and sometimes causes so much damage that the person's cornea must be replaced with a transplant. (The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye that helps focus light for vision.) Doctors knew transplants were more likely to fail in people with HSV than in patients with other disorders, such as keratoconus, an abnormal steepening of the cornea.

This higher failure rate occurred even when HSV infection did not appear to be active in patients. Researchers at the Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, theorized that such patients might have corneal inflammation that could not be detected upon clinical examination but might increase the risk of transplant rejection.

To test this theory, a study led by Victor M. Elner, MD, PhD, examined the corneal tissue, removed during surgery, of 62 Kellogg Eye Center patients (between 1990 and 2000) to identify inflammation biomarkers that might be linked to rejection of transplants. Unlike organ transplants, in corneal procedures the new tissue is placed on a bed of existing tissue. Though HSV had been inactive for six months before surgery in 81 percent of patients, microscopic evidence of inflammation was found in 74 percent, and the transplant failure rate did indeed correlate with the presence of this biomarker. Testing for inflammatory biomarkers will help Eye M.D.s (ophthalmologists) predict whether an HSV patient is likely to reject a transplant.

"It is also possible that treating inflammation intensively before corneal transplant surgery would reduce the risk of rejection," said Dr. Roni M. Shtein, MD, MS, cornea specialist and lead author of the report.

This research is published in The July issue of Ophthalmology.

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Discovery Of Protein That Reactivates Herpes Simplex Virus Helps Solve Medical Mystery

ScienceDaily (Mar. 26, 2009) — Research in PLoS Pathogens appears to solve a long standing medical mystery by identifying a viral protein, VP16, as the molecular key that prompts herpes simplex virus (HSV) to exit latency and cause recurrent disease.

Led by researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, the landmark study points to a molecular target for designing improved HSV vaccines and treatments. It also could direct refined engineering of HSV viruses used in cancer therapy, the investigators said.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Virology Unit of Glasgow, Scotland.

The two distinct lifestyles of HSV – active and latent – were first proposed 80 years ago. The virus replicates itself at the body surface, producing thousands of copies that can be transmitted to other people. In neurons, however, the virus can enter a silent state, where the viral genetic code can be maintained for the lifetime of the infected person.

"Our current findings show that, in elegant simplicity, the herpes simplex virus regulates this complex lifecycle through the expression of VP16," said Nancy Sawtell, Ph.D., author and researcher in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

The study points to what causes the virus to periodically reactivate in latently infected neurons, prompting new rounds of virus replication at the body surface. By understanding how HSV achieves this complex interaction inside the human nervous system, researchers can gain crucial insight into how to control the spread of the virus. At present, there is no way to eliminate latent virus or prevent the virus from exiting latency. There also are no effective vaccines to protect people who are uninfected and transmission rates remain high, the researchers said.

In the study, the research team simulated high fever in a mouse model of HSV infection, demonstrating that VP16 must be produced before the virus can exit the latent state in neurons. Fever has long been known to induce HSV reactivation, and recurrent lesions are often called cold sores or fever blisters because of this association. In the vast majority of neurons, the virus remains latent. In a few neurons, however, the scientists observed that fever in the mice led to a stochastic, or random de-repression of VP16, causing the virus to exit latency and reactivate.

"This completely changes our thinking about how this virus reactivates from latency," said Richard Thompson, Ph.D., co-author and researcher in the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology at UC. "Instead of a simple positive switch that turns the virus on following stress, it appears instead to be a random de-repression of the VP16 gene that results in reactivation."

The leading infectious cause of blindness and acute sporadic encephalitis in the United States, HSV-1 is usually acquired during childhood. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be sexually transmitted diseases that when passed to newborns during birth causes a severe and often fatal infection. As many as 80 percent or more of people are infected with HSV. Most of the time, people carrying the virus do not have symptoms, although they can still transmit the virus.

The researchers hypothesize that HSV usually remains latent because VP16, which normally enters the cell with the virus particle, does not make the long trip the virus takes through the nervous system and isn't transported efficiently to the nerve cell nucleus.

Future studies will use this new information to develop strategies to prevent or control herpetic disease, said Dr. Sawtell, who also is an associate professor of Pediatrics at UC.

Funding support for the study came from National Institutes of Health.

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Antiviral therapy associated with fewer recurring eye problems from herpes simplex virus

ScienceDaily (Sep. 13, 2010) — Taking oral antiviral medications following infection with the herpes simplex virus may be associated with a reduced risk of recurring eye-related manifestations of the disease, according to a report in the September issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

"Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of corneal disease and is the leading infectious cause of corneal blindness among developed nations," the authors write as background information in the article. After the initial exposure to the virus and the resulting systemic infection, herpes simplex establishes a latent infection in sensory nerve structures. Reactivation of this latent infection could lead to initial or recurrent disease in one or both eyes, including inflammation or infection of the cornea, eyelid, membrane inside the eye (conjunctivitis, or pink eye) or middle layer of the eye (uveitis).

Ryan C. Young, B.A., of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and colleagues estimated the incidence of HSV eye disease in a community-based cohort, in Olmstead County, Minnesota, from 1976 through 2007. During this time period, 394 patients with ocular HSV were identified, for an annual incidence of 11.8 per 100,000 individuals.

Oral antiviral therapy was prescribed in 175 (44 percent) of these patients, who underwent therapy for an average of 2.8 years (36 percent of the average 7.7 years of follow-up). Patients not taking this prophylactic therapy were 9.4 times more likely to have a recurrence of epithelial keratitis (infection of the top layer of the cornea), 8.4 times more likely to have a recurrence of stromal keratitis (infection of deeper layers of the cornea) and 34.5 times more likely to have a recurrence of blepharitis (eyelid infection) or conjunctivitis than those taking antiviral medications.

A total of 20 patients experienced adverse outcomes, including visual loss and perforation of the cornea; of these, 17 (85 percent) were not taking oral antiviral prophylaxis.

"Overall, this community-based retrospective study demonstrated a stable incidence of HSV eye disease during a recent 32-year period," the authors write. "We found a more dramatic protective effect of oral antiviral prophylaxis on recurrences of ocular HSV than had been described previously."

"The results of this study suggest that oral antiviral prophylaxis should be considered for patients with frequent recurrences of corneal disease," they conclude. "Additionally, we recommend an evaluation of the possible barriers preventing compliance with antiviral prophylaxis and a reassessment of the cost-effectiveness of long-term oral antiviral therapy."

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Ryan C. Young; David O. Hodge; Thomas J. Liesegang; Keith H. Baratz. Incidence, Recurrence, and Outcomes of Herpes Simplex Virus Eye Disease in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-2007: The Effect of Oral Antiviral Prophylaxis. Arch Ophthalmol, 2010; 128 (9): 1178-1183 [link]

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Condoms Associated With Moderate Protection Against Herpes Simplex Virus 2

ScienceDaily (July 13, 2009) — Condom use is associated with a reduced risk of contracting herpes simplex virus 2, according to a report based on pooled analysis of data from previous studies.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) typically causes genital herpes, a chronic, life-long, viral infection. Although studies indicate that consistent condom use reduces the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, the effectiveness of preventing the transmission of HSV-2 through condom use is less certain, according to background information in the article.

Emily T. Martin, M.P.H., Ph.D., of Children's Hospital Research Institute and the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues analyzed data from six HSV-2 studies to assess the effectiveness of condom use in preventing the virus. The studies included three candidate HSV-2 vaccine studies, an HSV-2 drug study, an observational sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence study and a behavioral STI intervention study. These yielded results from 5,384 HSV-2-negative individuals (average age 29) at baseline for a combined total of 2,040,894 follow-up days.

More than 66 percent of those who took part in the six studies were male, 60.4 percent were white, 94.1 percent were heterosexual and most reported no prior STIs.

A total of 415 of the individuals acquired HSV-2 during follow-up. "Consistent condom users [used 100 percent of the time] had a 30 percent lower risk of HSV-2 acquisition compared with those who never used condoms," the authors write. "Risk of HSV-2 acquisition decreased by 7 percent for every additional 25 percent of the time that condoms were used during anal or vaginal sex." The risk of acquiring the virus increased significantly with increasing frequency of unprotected sex acts. There were no significant differences found in condom effectiveness between men and women.

"Based on findings of this large analysis using all available prospective data, condom use should continue to be recommended to both men and women for reducing the risk of HSV-2 acquisition," the authors conclude. "Although the magnitude of the protective effect was not as large as has been observed with other STIs, a 30 percent reduction in HSV-2 incidence can have a substantial benefit for individuals as well as a public health impact at the population level."

Funding for this project was provided by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 

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Emily T. Martin, MPH; Elizabeth Krantz, MS; Sami L. Gottlieb, MD, MSPH; Amalia S. Magaret, PhD; Andria Langenberg, MD; Lawrence Stanberry, MD, PhD; Mary Kamb, MD, MPH; Anna Wald, MD, MPH. A Pooled Analysis of the Effect of Condoms in Preventing HSV-2 Acquisition. Arch Intern Med, 2009;169(13):1233-1240 [link]

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Research and Markets: Herpes Simplex Infections - Pipeline Review, H2 2011

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ef6faa/herpes_simplex_inf) has announced the addition of Global Markets Direct's new report "Herpes Simplex Infections - Pipeline Review, H2 2011" to their offering.

“Herpes Simplex Infections - Pipeline Review, H2 2011”

'Herpes Simplex Infections - Pipeline Review, H2 2011', provides an overview of the Herpes Simplex Infections therapeutic pipeline. This report provides information on the therapeutic development for Herpes Simplex Infections, complete with latest updates, and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Herpes Simplex Infections. 'Herpes Simplex Infections - Pipeline Review, H2 2011' is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, Company/University websites, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources

Scope

A snapshot of the global therapeutic scenario for Herpes Simplex Infections. A review of the Herpes Simplex Infections products under development by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources. Coverage of products based on various stages of development ranging from discovery till registration stages. A feature on pipeline projects on the basis of monotherapy and combined therapeutics. Coverage of the Herpes Simplex Infections pipeline on the basis of route of administration and molecule type. Profiles of late-stage pipeline products featuring sections on product description, mechanism of action and research & development progress. Key discontinued pipeline projects. Latest news and deals relating to the products.

Reasons to buy

Identify and understand important and diverse types of therapeutics under development for Herpes Simplex Infections. Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and design effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage. Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying players with the most promising pipeline. Devise corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Herpes Simplex Infections pipeline depth and focus of Herpes Simplex Infections therapeutics. Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ef6faa/herpes_simplex_inf

View the original article here

Treat Cold Sores & Prevent the Spread of Herpes Simplex 1

How would you feel if having looked in the mirror and seen that you have cold sores, and at that point you realize that you can't even give your children a kiss on the cheek? Or it's the same when you go on a romantic vacation with your lover, knowing you can't touch them with your lips in any intimate way because those sores aren't completely healed just yet. These feelings are truly heartbreaking. The Herpes virus brings with it a lot of irritation and heart break, but the risk of passing on this annoying problem to others around them, is the biggest concern for most sufferers.

The spread of Herpes is a very serious concern, especially when you are talking about cold sores which many sufferers do not completely understand. If you are unfortunate to find yourself infected with this virus, it is important that you play your part in the prevention of the spread of the virus by learning about the stages of an outbreak, when you are, and when you are not contagious, and of course most importantly, how you can treat cold sores in the long term to prevent future outbreaks

Stages of an Outbreak

This is the first thing you have to completely explore after being diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus 1. There are very clear phases of each and every outbreak, starting with the tingling sensation that tells you they are on their way and ending with the scabbed over crusty sores that eventually trail off and disappear.

As you learn about the different stages of an outbreak you will also learn about different cold sore treatment options that could potentially shorten the duration of the outbreak. You will also learn very critical information about how to prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding contact with others during critical phases of the outbreak.

To be entirely safe, it is advised that you keep your mouth away from others during the entire outbreak, starting with those tingling sensations that tell you an outbreak is on the way.

Preventing Cold Sores

Once you have educated yourself on how cold sore outbreaks occur and are up to date on how to prevent any outbreaks you may have right now and in the near future from spreading to those you love, it's time to start learning about potential cold sore treatment options that could prevent future outbreaks.

It's very true that you can never entirely get rid of the virus. It will always be there, under the skin, presenting an ever-present risk of outbreak. Yet, you can control the way you live your life and prevent cold sores from overtaking your life.

How to Treat Cold Sores

Finally, learning how to treat cold sores is absolutely vital to controlling its spread. If you can prevent your own outbreaks from surfacing on your face, then you have much less to worry about when it comes to spreading it to others. If you don't have the blisters, you can kiss your loved ones and have an active sex life without worry!

Ultimately, reducing the spread of Herpes comes down to preventing and controlling active outbreaks for people who already have the virus. If you have the virus it is your absolute duty to learn how to treat cold sores effectively and reduce their appearance. That is our only hope to stop the spread of the virus.

After thorough research, a Los Angeles based dermatologist, has come up with a Cold Sore Treatment to get a permanent remedy for them. After following his unique treatment approach, you will shorten the virus cycle to 3 days and then permanently cure it forever. Check it out at http://www.treatcoldsores.net

Herpes Simplex 2 Transmission - Avoiding It & Creating Comfort Again

If you have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex 2, you may think that sex will never be enjoyable - or possible - again. But, as with anything, knowledge is power, and the potential for herpes simplex 2 transmission can be minimized significantly with just a few key precautions.

Now be aware that no strategy or combination of strategies creates an environment where your partner has a 0% chance of infection. There is always some risk involved, but your partner will likely feel much more at ease if you do the following:

o Take a daily dose of anti-viral medication. In one study of nearly 1500 herpes simplex 2 sufferers, 741 were given a placebo, while 743 were given a daily 500mg dose of the drug valacyclovir (sold under the trade names Valtrex and Zelitrex). In total, there were 20 infections to previously non-infected partner; 16 of those were to those whose partner took the placebo (a 2.2% chance), while the remaining 4 occurred when the partner took valacyclovir (a mere 0.5%). Of course, this should only be taken with doctor approval.

o Always use a good condom. Although studies measuring the effects of condom use are incomplete at best, the general results tend to show condom effectiveness as roughly 40%-50% effective in avoiding herpes simplex 2 transmission. The key is to use a good, strong latex condom and not allow any transfer of fluids during removal.

Naturally, you also want to avoid engaging in penetration or oral sex when an outbreak occurs. This may be frustrating, but also allows for some creativity in the bedroom. At any rate, your partner will be thankful that you're educated and doing everything possible to avoid herpes simplex 2 transmission.

Now, what if you're newly single and have herpes simplex 2? Is it time to lock yourself in your house and hide from the world? Develop a shield of bitterness towards everyone? I wouldn't recommend any of this...though if you don't relish the idea of disclosing your condition to every potential mate you meet, you may want to try online dating, where you can easily and discreetly find others close by, and in the same situation.

To investigate what I'm talking about, check out PositiveSinglesOnline.com, or read a little more about HSV 2 dating [http://www.squidoo.com/hsv2-dating].

3 Ways to Minimize the Psychological Impact of Herpes Simplex

Nobody talks about the sense of shame that accompanies a herpes simplex outbreak. Yet there is so much wrong information floating around that it's easy to see why some people regard a herpes diagnosis as devastating. Why is it that society views something that millions of people suffer from as so dirty and shameful?

The Herpes Simplex virus is still somewhat of a mystery to modern medicine. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes virus causing painful and unsightly blisters that can appear on your lips, nose, eyes, hands, and genitals. The herpes virus is highly contagious and once infected; you need to take precautionary measures for the rest of your life. For many sufferers, a cold sore outbreak can be felt before onset. A tingling sensation often heralds the start of an eruption, and within a few days, the blisters will open up and eventually heal. Although medicine cannot cure you of the herpes virus, there are many treatments that will minimize the impact of an outbreak.

Some tips to minimize the psychological effects:

- Join a forum online: Just talking to other sufferers makes you feel loads better. You can feel relief that yours isn't as bad as some of the cases online, and you could potentially make new friends! The best source of advice is others in the same boat. Joining a forum is possibly one of the best things you can do to feel better quickly! In a completely non-judgmental environment, you can explore the various suggestions for treatments, as well as making use of the experiences of others. The Internet is a wonderful tool that provides many great resources for herpes sufferers. It's even possible to find herpes only dating sites to minimize the discomfort of having to tell potential partners.

- Get professional help: It's not unheard of for the herpes simplex virus to cause such psychological trauma that extra medications or interventions might be necessary. If the thought of an impending cold sore is stressing you out, you are probably bringing on worse attacks than if you were relaxed. Whether it's a psychologist or your doctor, there is plenty of help for you if you are really suffering serious psychological trauma. One sufferer reported a fantastic side effect of getting psychological help for their herpes; the doctor prescribed much stronger medication that eliminated cold sore outbreaks completely.

- Experiment with treatment options: There is a fair amount of misinformation floating around about the herpes virus. The truth is that there are many ways to eliminate cold sores from your life!

Being diagnosed with the herpes virus need not be a devastating blow. Use some of these tips to ensure that you keep your perspective and are able to lead life to the fullest, without worrying about those outbreaks constantly. Nobody under estimates the powerful psychological impact that contracting the herpes simplex virus can give sufferers, the key is to reach out and take the necessary steps!

How would you like to never have to worry about cold sore outbreaks again?, Find out how you can truly be cold sore free fore-ever. Go visit the Cure-Cold-Sores.com website.

Herpes Simplex 2: A STD Epidemic?

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2) is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, that is very common in our society. It is a condition usually referred to as genital herpes. In the United States, it affects approximately 16.2% of people aged 14 - 49 years. This translates into approximately one out of every six sexually active individuals. It is an equal opportunity infection that doesn't discriminate based on economic status, race, or religion.

Welcome to the world of genital herpes. The fact is that anyone can be infected, at any time. Someone can have Herpes Simplex 2 for years without showing symptoms. During this time, the virus can spread between people without either person knowing it. It is the only STD known to spread even while wearing a condom. No doubt, the insidious nature of the disease is a reason that it is so prevalent in our society.

Herpes Simplex 2 hits you below the belt, literally. The symptoms that it causes affect the genital region, hence the nickname genital herpes. It usually begins with a blister, sometimes multiple ones, around the anus, penis or vagina, and mouth. These blisters will then rupture, leaving painful sores.

Once these sores heal, they will often re-appear again every few weeks or months. The immune system plays a huge role in how often the symptoms of genital herpes will attack. Illness or stress will sometimes cause additional outbreaks. For this reason, it is recommended that people with Herpes Simplex 2 do their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and nutrition are key components to achieve this goal.

Pregnancy poses a special risk of spreading the infection. It can be fatal for the baby if contracted during late pregnancy. Newborn infants of infected mothers can also contract the virus during childbirth. It is urgent that pregnant women let their doctors know if there is any chance that they have, or have been exposed to, genital herpes.

People living with herpes can be subjected to scorn and disdain from those who don't understand the disease. Education plays a key role in preventing emotional damage and scarring in individuals who have a STD. There are helpful websites, such as Love, H Style, that can offer group support to those who are struggling with these issues. In addition to meeting new friends, it may open the door for dating opportunities.

Prevention lies in responsibility. Long-term monogamous relationships are the best way to prevent the spread of Herpes Simplex 2. However, sexual partners can be tested for it, even in the absence of symptoms. As public awareness and education increase, the more likely it is that the numbers of infected people will remain stable.

*The Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/STD/herpes/STDFact-herpes.htm

Monti Robinson is the owner / CEO of http://www.Lovehstyle.com, which was created as a powerful resource not only for people living with Genital Herpes, Oral Herpes, Genital Warts, and HPV; but also for their partners, families, support groups, managers, counselors, and medical professionals.

Love, H Style is an online Social Networking Community where you can find plenty of helpful information about Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) and HPV. We also allow you to meet singles throughout the world that come here to gather in search of information, support, friendships, and romance.

What is Herpes Simplex Virus?

They cause cold sores or fever blisters and genital herpes respectively.

These infections can be very embarrassing and very contagious.
The Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 infects the facial area. The virus enters the body 2 to 10 days after contact with an infected person. The area at which it made the entry could become itchy and painful. A blister then forms around the area. The blister bursts may be accidentally with the liquid inside oozing out. The tender ulcer heals within 7-14 days leaving no scar.

When you have a fever blister or cold sore, you should be very careful not to infect others. This you can avoid by not kissing, sharing cups, lip balms, face towels, plates, spoons etc.

The cold sores have two stages, the primary and recurrent stages. The primary stage takes 2-20 days after the infection. A blister then occurs on the facial area. The recurrent stage is usually much more mild and is usually triggered by fever, menstruation period, fatigue, high acid foods or poor immune system.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 infects the genital area. This infection is called genital herpes and is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get infected during sexual intercourse or even during oral sex. You can use latex condoms though this is not a 100% sure way of prevention. If the areas surrounding your genital areas are infected. You could also infect your partner because the condom does not cover this area.

Pregnant mothers could also give the herpes simplex virus to their unborn babies during child birth. It is therefore advisable to inform your doctor if you have the infection.
The infection can clear within 14 days or even take a month.

This Herpes simplex virus remains dormant in your body and can recur at a later date. You may carry the virus and not even know that you have it.

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on Cold Sores and its management Chronic Cold Sores [http://macypages.com/2009/04/chronic-cold-sores/]

3 Ways to Minimize the Psychological Impact of Herpes Simplex

Nobody talks about the sense of shame that accompanies a herpes simplex outbreak. Yet there is so much wrong information floating around that it's easy to see why some people regard a herpes diagnosis as devastating. Why is it that society views something that millions of people suffer from as so dirty and shameful?

The Herpes Simplex virus is still somewhat of a mystery to modern medicine. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes virus causing painful and unsightly blisters that can appear on your lips, nose, eyes, hands, and genitals. The herpes virus is highly contagious and once infected; you need to take precautionary measures for the rest of your life. For many sufferers, a cold sore outbreak can be felt before onset. A tingling sensation often heralds the start of an eruption, and within a few days, the blisters will open up and eventually heal. Although medicine cannot cure you of the herpes virus, there are many treatments that will minimize the impact of an outbreak.

Some tips to minimize the psychological effects:

- Join a forum online: Just talking to other sufferers makes you feel loads better. You can feel relief that yours isn't as bad as some of the cases online, and you could potentially make new friends! The best source of advice is others in the same boat. Joining a forum is possibly one of the best things you can do to feel better quickly! In a completely non-judgmental environment, you can explore the various suggestions for treatments, as well as making use of the experiences of others. The Internet is a wonderful tool that provides many great resources for herpes sufferers. It's even possible to find herpes only dating sites to minimize the discomfort of having to tell potential partners.

- Get professional help: It's not unheard of for the herpes simplex virus to cause such psychological trauma that extra medications or interventions might be necessary. If the thought of an impending cold sore is stressing you out, you are probably bringing on worse attacks than if you were relaxed. Whether it's a psychologist or your doctor, there is plenty of help for you if you are really suffering serious psychological trauma. One sufferer reported a fantastic side effect of getting psychological help for their herpes; the doctor prescribed much stronger medication that eliminated cold sore outbreaks completely.

- Experiment with treatment options: There is a fair amount of misinformation floating around about the herpes virus. The truth is that there are many ways to eliminate cold sores from your life!

Being diagnosed with the herpes virus need not be a devastating blow. Use some of these tips to ensure that you keep your perspective and are able to lead life to the fullest, without worrying about those outbreaks constantly. Nobody under estimates the powerful psychological impact that contracting the herpes simplex virus can give sufferers, the key is to reach out and take the necessary steps!

How would you like to never have to worry about cold sore outbreaks again?, Find out how you can truly be cold sore free fore-ever. Go visit the Cure-Cold-Sores.com website.

What is Herpes Simplex Virus?

They cause cold sores or fever blisters and genital herpes respectively.

These infections can be very embarrassing and very contagious.
The Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 infects the facial area. The virus enters the body 2 to 10 days after contact with an infected person. The area at which it made the entry could become itchy and painful. A blister then forms around the area. The blister bursts may be accidentally with the liquid inside oozing out. The tender ulcer heals within 7-14 days leaving no scar.

When you have a fever blister or cold sore, you should be very careful not to infect others. This you can avoid by not kissing, sharing cups, lip balms, face towels, plates, spoons etc.

The cold sores have two stages, the primary and recurrent stages. The primary stage takes 2-20 days after the infection. A blister then occurs on the facial area. The recurrent stage is usually much more mild and is usually triggered by fever, menstruation period, fatigue, high acid foods or poor immune system.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 infects the genital area. This infection is called genital herpes and is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get infected during sexual intercourse or even during oral sex. You can use latex condoms though this is not a 100% sure way of prevention. If the areas surrounding your genital areas are infected. You could also infect your partner because the condom does not cover this area.

Pregnant mothers could also give the herpes simplex virus to their unborn babies during child birth. It is therefore advisable to inform your doctor if you have the infection.
The infection can clear within 14 days or even take a month.

This Herpes simplex virus remains dormant in your body and can recur at a later date. You may carry the virus and not even know that you have it.

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on Cold Sores and its management Chronic Cold Sores

Herpes Simplex 2: A STD Epidemic?

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2) is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, that is very common in our society. It is a condition usually referred to as genital herpes. In the United States, it affects approximately 16.2% of people aged 14 - 49 years. This translates into approximately one out of every six sexually active individuals. It is an equal opportunity infection that doesn't discriminate based on economic status, race, or religion.

Welcome to the world of genital herpes. The fact is that anyone can be infected, at any time. Someone can have Herpes Simplex 2 for years without showing symptoms. During this time, the virus can spread between people without either person knowing it. It is the only STD known to spread even while wearing a condom. No doubt, the insidious nature of the disease is a reason that it is so prevalent in our society.

Herpes Simplex 2 hits you below the belt, literally. The symptoms that it causes affect the genital region, hence the nickname genital herpes. It usually begins with a blister, sometimes multiple ones, around the anus, penis or vagina, and mouth. These blisters will then rupture, leaving painful sores.

Once these sores heal, they will often re-appear again every few weeks or months. The immune system plays a huge role in how often the symptoms of genital herpes will attack. Illness or stress will sometimes cause additional outbreaks. For this reason, it is recommended that people with Herpes Simplex 2 do their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and nutrition are key components to achieve this goal.

Pregnancy poses a special risk of spreading the infection. It can be fatal for the baby if contracted during late pregnancy. Newborn infants of infected mothers can also contract the virus during childbirth. It is urgent that pregnant women let their doctors know if there is any chance that they have, or have been exposed to, genital herpes.

People living with herpes can be subjected to scorn and disdain from those who don't understand the disease. Education plays a key role in preventing emotional damage and scarring in individuals who have a STD. There are helpful websites, such as Love, H Style, that can offer group support to those who are struggling with these issues. In addition to meeting new friends, it may open the door for dating opportunities.

Prevention lies in responsibility. Long-term monogamous relationships are the best way to prevent the spread of Herpes Simplex 2. However, sexual partners can be tested for it, even in the absence of symptoms. As public awareness and education increase, the more likely it is that the numbers of infected people will remain stable.

*The Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/STD/herpes/STDFact-herpes.htm

Monti Robinson is the owner / CEO of http://www.Lovehstyle.com, which was created as a powerful resource not only for people living with Genital Herpes, Oral Herpes, Genital Warts, and HPV; but also for their partners, families, support groups, managers, counselors, and medical professionals.

Love, H Style is an online Social Networking Community where you can find plenty of helpful information about Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) and HPV. We also allow you to meet singles throughout the world that come here to gather in search of information, support, friendships, and romance.

Are You Browsing for Mouth Area Herpes Simplex Virus Article? Here You Have It

The phrase "Herpes" was derived from Ancient Greek meaning "to creep". This disease was found three hundred years ago which is labeled into a couple of namely herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV One) as well as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2).

The actual HSV One is what brings about mouth area herpes whilst HSV 2 is liable for vaginal herpes. In the following paragraphs, we will limit the discussion to HSV One, the areas that affects, the actual signs or symptoms as well as obtainable cure.

This ailment is very contagious and it's also very easily distribute. Researcher provides confirmed that it affects a lot more black people compared to white which is also more widespread amongst women compared to adult men. Of late young adults have demostrated a lot more symptoms of this illness. The virus is more deadly in older men and also little ones simply because have got poor immune system.

The most frequent the signs of herpes are generally fever blister, cold sore, head ache, irritation and pains. Many of the areas this specific HSV 1 has an effect on will be the nostril, ear, mouth area, gum, chin along with cheek. Usually, a person exposure to this kind of typically starts displaying a few of the signs mentioned above from the 1st week of contact with the herpes simplex virus. The actual signs or symptoms frequently go away on it's own with no treatment or even whatsoever. However, the disappearance of the signs does not always mean the herpes simplex virus offers entirely gone away. It will still be in your body system of the afflicted man or woman there will likely be occasional herpes outbreaks which is generally moderate. In a situation whenever an infected person encounters less herpes outbreak no less than thrice per year, it can be effortlessly managed when compared with if the outbreaks are more regular. If the situation continued to unchecked out of hand it can cause human brain damage.

When a person has been identified to have herpes, there are many actions that needs to be taken to forestall the spreading of the disease as it is extremely transmittable. The herpes virus is present inside the saliva, therefore the afflicted individual shouldn't kiss both adult or even child. An afflicted man or woman ought to steer clear of intercourse, shouldn't share stuff like mug, table spoon, sharp item, soft towel, bathtub and so forth.

Right now, there isn't a full remedy for mouth area herpes. A lot of drugs are declaring to completely eradicate herpes however that is not accurate. You'll want to do some investigation and ensure the medicine you are buying is FDI authorized. Acyclovir is among the most efficient alternatives pertaining to mouth area herpes. It does a good deal in controlling herpes than most of the medicines around. There are more do-it-yourself solutions that one can use for you to combat this kind of scourge.

When you begin the treatment of herpes, it is crucial to see a doctor and verified the precise issue you've got.

There's no cause to discriminate against anyone managing this virus as they are nevertheless people with emotions. The afflicted man or woman can easily live an incredibly comfortable life if he take the suitable actions in the direction of curbing mouth area herpes.

Recently, dating sites have been developed for individuals coping with this disease to simply discover associate and love. If you feel too embarrassed to make known your condition to individuals you'd probably want to register with a few of these paid dating sites.

Denabson Anknickson is the owner of Pictures of Herpes. Head to Cold Sores to find out more, links as well as advice on Mouth Herpes.