By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

One of eight North Americans (30 million) has genital herpes, even though only one in five knows that he or she has it. Herpes is classified into type I that affects primarily the mouth (”canker sores”), and type II that affects primarily the genitals, although both types can go both places. According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology almost one percent of North Americans acquire new cases of recurrent genital herpes each year. That’s 1,640,000 new cases of recurrent genital herpes, in 730,000 men and 910,000 women.

To get herpes, you need the virus and broken skin. Since rubbing breaks skin, sexual contact with infected partners is a frequent cause of herpes. Typically, a person develops grouped painful or itchy blisters that look like poison ivy and disappear after one to six weeks. For some, genital herpes never recur, but almost all people who have a painful first episode will have recurrent blisters in exactly the same place.

A person who has herpes can be contagious, even when there are no visible blisters. The only way to diagnose herpes is to have a culture done on a wet blister. There are no dependable blood tests to tell if you have herpes because more than 92 percent of all Americans have had herpes and therefore have positive blood tests.

Herpes is the most common cause of swelling and pain around the rectum or vagina; anyone with these symptoms should get a culture for herpes, even if they are not sexually active.

Almost all North Americans have had herpes, but only seven percent get blisters recurrently. If you have had only one bout of herpes, you do not need treatment. If you have fewer than four recurrent genital herpes attacks per year, your doctor will probably prescribe 21 500mg tablets of Famvir or Valicyclovir that you keep on hand all the time and take them at the first tingling or itching that precede an outbreak. If you have more than 4 attacks a year, your doctor will probably prescribe valicyclovir or Famivir. By the third year on that regimen, as many as 82 percent have no outbreaks at all. Taking acyclovir every day can help to prevent a person from being contagious. Valicyclovir and Famvir are both approved by the FDA for long-term use.

People with recurrent herpes can be contagious any time, but they are less likely to be contagious when they do not have blisters. Virtually everyone in North America has had herpes, but only seven percent get it recurrently. If a person with recurrent herpes is on Valtrex every day, he or she will not shed as much and not be as contagious. Personally, I would not ruin a relationship because of herpes because you are not likely to find anyone who has not had herpes.

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Cold Sore Freedom in 3 days by Grace Melgarejo

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

Cold sores are characterized by facial lesions on the lips or around the mouth. Their medical name is Herpes labialis and they were once considered to be a ‘kissing disease’. The news they are suffering from herpes is often very scary to a person, but they need to be aware that there are two types of herpes. Type One is typically seen above the waistline, and type two below the waistline. Therefore the cold sores around the mouth are not a good indicator of the presence of genital herpes.

Herpes Labialis is unlike a regular infection in that the appearance of facial lesions is not a result of recent exposure to Herpes germs, but rather a reactivation of some of the herpes virus that has been lying dormant in the body. These dormant virus particles may have been lying around the body inactive for some time so clearly kissing, or any other contact activity, cannot be the cause of the facial lesions that we know as cold sores.

When a person is initially exposed to the virus which causes cold sores it is known as ‘primary herpetic stomatitis’. The initial exposure can be as a result of direct contact, such as kissing. The symptoms are quite different from cold sores and include:

* Fever, headaches and irritability as well as pain when swallowing.
* Swollen gums
* Painful mouth
* Tiny blisters throughout the mouth, these will usually rupture by the third day forming ulcers.

Many people cannot remember any of these symptoms, and this is hardly surprising considering that most people who contract the virus do so before the age of seven. Even then nearly every case is ’subclinical’, meaning it is never serious enough to be referred to a doctor, so is allowed to run it’s course(usually an infection lasts 10-14 days) and then forgotten.

Roughly 80% of the population is thought to carry the primary herpetic stomatitis antibody. The body only produces the antibody in defense against the virus itself, and in all cases once the virus is present particles will remain. Of that 80% however, only a small number(about one third) will have the virus reactivate and get cold sores. Some of the triggers which can serve to reactivate the virus are:

* When the victim is emotionally upset or under stress.
* Physical stress, tiredness or fatigue.
* Recent illness such as a cold or flu.
* Damage to the lips or skin, including severe chapping, sun or wind burn.
* Changes in hormone levels such as those seen during menstruation or pregnancy
* A deficiency in the immune system

In other words an outbreak is more likely to occur whenever the bodies immune system is working sub-optimally or has been heavily taxed fighting off another problem.

Beverley A Brooke

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

Cold Sore Freedom in 3 days by Grace Melgarejo

Herpes is one of the most common viruses affect people today. It is believed that up to 98 percent of the population is affected by one strain or another of the herpes virus. It is also related to Epstein-Barr disease and more commonly the chicken pox and shingles. What was once seen as a common childhood ailment, science now understands will cause shingles, it is also now understood that these viruses are stored in the nerve cells of the spine and can lay dormant there for sometimes years or even decades, before emerging.

While in America science says there is currently no cure for herpes, this is the subject of some controversy as there are those in the alternative medicine and natural medicine communities that insist that there is a cure for herpes in other countries around the world, but in America due to the colossal nature of the pharmaceutical industry, it is only good business for doctors and drug companies to just keep putting a band-aid on the problem but not actually fix it, and the topic is a further thorn in the side of the drug companies because most alternative cures are naturally occurring meaning that they cannot be patented and profited from.

While this debate rages on, patients afflicted with one of the herpes viruses, should know that there are many possible treatments available with regard to essential oils.

While the choices are many, there are several that have been distinguished as the best ones. First and foremost is Tea Tree oil. Once one of the most expensive essential oils, its popularity has helped to regulate the price some and it can now be easily obtained at any pharmacy. It is Anti viral, Anti Bacterial and anti fungal, it is also a powerful immune stimulant. Tea Tree oil also helps to relieve dryness, itching, and pain of cold sores or genital herpes lesions, and can also help to prevent scarring, this is very important in cases of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 that causes cold sores or lesions on the face.

Lavender oil Is a great skin protectant that is anti-viral, anti-septic and anti- inflammatory that protects both the lesions and the surrounding skin tissue helps to relieve the pain and discomfort during the outbreak, as well as the anxiety associated with the condition, and is useful for any lingering neuralgia after the outbreak has stopped.

Eucalyptus oil is also very useful in treating herpes it has a cooling effect that helps with the “heat” associated with herpes outbreaks, specifically when the outbreak occurs in the anal region, it is also anti viral and anti-bacterial.

All of these things can be used in conjunction with suppression therapy, and your acyclovir treatments. So if you have recently been diagnosed, or if you have suffered with this since childhood, help is available please give one of these a try and you will be so glad that you did.

by: Debbie Gez

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

t is always a good idea to know the stages of herpes transmission as it can help you to understand how this virus is spread. There are 80% of those who are infected with this virus that don’t even know they carry the disease. This is why it is so important to educate yourself in order to help prevent the spread of this virus.

These stages pertain to both HSV-1 which is referred to as cold sores that appear around the mouth and eyes (ocular herpes) and HSV-2 which generally affects the genital area. The viruses can be carried in bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, fluid in the female genital tract or in fluid from the herpes sore. Usually within three days to two weeks after first contact of the virus the infection enters the body. The direct contact of a blister or sore during an outbreak is when there is the highest risk to spread the infection.

Prodrome Stage: This stage is the very beginning of the virus. It includes the burning, itching, tingling feeling you experience at the onset of an outbreak. You may also experience flu-like symptoms that include fever and body aches.

Infection Stage: Red bumps will begin to appear followed by the formation of blisters. This can either be one blister or many. These blisters then break open to expose an ulcer like wound which will then scab over. After the scab falls off this means the infection is over.

Latent Stage: The virus will begin to replicate when it comes into contact with the mucosal surfaces or skin wounds. It then transports itself within nerve cells to their roots where it remains in its latent stage, meaning inactive, for a period of time. During this stage of herpes, the virus is not transmissible.

Shedding Stage: The herpes virus does not stay latent and at some point it will begin to replicate again without causing symptoms which is called shedding. During this stage is when the virus is the most transmissible through bodily fluids and can infect other people. This is the most dangerous stage of all as this is when the virus is undetectable with the high risk of spreading. This stage of herpes accounts for about a third of all HSV-2 infections.

The benefits of knowing the stages of herpes can help in preventing the transmission of the virus. It is very difficult during the latent stage to prevent spreading this disease but there are ways to reduce the risk through medications. Reducing the risk of transmission during an outbreak is a little easier as there are precautions that can be taken. It is known that these two viruses can be spread from one part of the body to the other. Take extreme caution by washing your hands with warm water and soap after touching the infected area and avoid facial and sexual contact with both of these viruses.

Learning these stages along with the signs and symptoms of herpes is extremely important in controlling this disease. There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but topical and antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners. Learn the two most important steps you can take towards fighting herpes.

By Deanne McGrew

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

One in four women suffer from genital herpes compared to one in five men. This is mainly due to the way the virus is transmitted between males and females.

Herpes is transmitted from the sores which are caused by the virus, but additionally it is also transmitted from skin outbreaks which show no symptoms of the virus and do not appear to be broken or to have a herpes sore. Anybody who has genital herpes can infect their sexual partner during sexual activity. This means that even if you have no signs of a herpes outbreak, it is possible to infect your partner with the herpes virus. Very often, people who are not even aware that they have contracted the herpes virus, transmit it to others.

Occasionally, the type 1 herpes virus also causes genital herpes however, it is more common that it is the cause of mouth or lip blisters which are commonly associated with a viral illness such as flu or fever.

If a person attracts type 1 herpes in the genital area, it is possible that the herpes has been caused by either genital to genital or genital to oral contact by an already infected person.

Because of the makeup of a woman’s genitalia, it is more likely that she will contract herpes from a male as she is more likely to have broken skin in the genital area than a male.

Herpes can be transmitted during sex, which means genital sex and oral sex. It is also possible to transmit the herpes virus via your fingers.

>By Suzy Bremner . Share To find out more about the symptoms of herpes, visit http://www.thesymptomsofherpes.com

http://www.thesymptomsofherpes.com is a comprehensive guide to herpes and its symptoms, featuring photos, product reviews and more

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

With so many people affected by the herpes virus, there has certainly been a lot of research conducted to determine the causes and affects of herpes. There are also many possible treatments available today in the form of vitamins and supplements as well as prescription medications. Many are turning to natural supplements for relief from outbreaks and to help lessen the severity of their herpes outbreaks.

The most prevalent attributing factor in herpes outbreaks is a weak immune system. The body’s immune system naturally works to fight off infections and viruses, but when it is weak, the immune system cannot do its job properly.

If you have the herpes virus, it can remain dormant in your body for long periods of time until it is triggered. Once it has been triggered, the herpes virus becomes active and your body may start displaying an outbreak in the form of cold sores (herpes virus 1) or genital herpes (herpes virus 2).

Once active, herpes weakens the immune system because the body is spending its energy fighting off the herpes virus. Meanwhile, this can cause you to be more susceptible to other infections and diseases. With a strong, healthy immune system, your body can fight the herpes virus and help prevent outbreaks or at least lessen the severity and frequency of their occurrences.

Natural Supplements for Herpes

Ideally, you’ll want to keep your body’s immune system up to par so you can combat herpes at all times and hopefully avoid as many outbreaks as possible. With vitamins and supplements, you can do this easily without visiting a doctor or pharmacy every time you experience an outbreak.

There are quite a few natural multivitamins that blend certain ingredients and herbs to help strengthen the immune system. One such product is ImmunaSure, which blends three main active ingredients to support immune system function. Its main ingredients are astragalus, lemon balm, and de-odorized garlic. This multivitamin was co-developed by Dr. John Sherman, a doctor who has helped treat thousands of patients with herpes, cold sores, and other immune disorders for 30 years.

Other supplements often used in the treatment of herpes or in strengthening the immune system include zinc, vitamin B complex, L-Lysine, colloidal silver, acidophilus, echinacea, olive leaf, vitamin A, vitamin C, spirulina, tea tree oil, and essential fatty acids.

It’s important to find the right blend for your body and for your specific needs. Some multivitamins work well with herpes virus 1 while others are better suited to help with herpes virus 2. Most vitamins and supplements contain a blend of multiple ingredients and herbs, not only one. Check labels to find out which ingredients are included in each multivitamin, and be sure to consult with your doctor if you have other health conditions or if you are taking other medications already. Let your doctor know what type of herpes natural supplement you wish to try and what ingredients are involved.

Vitamins and supplements will not cure herpes altogether, but they can make living with herpes much easier. You can now order natural supplements online to strengthen the immune system and start enjoying relief very soon!

By sChris Robertson .  Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Combat Herpes with Natural Vitamins.

Feline upper respiratory disease complex affects the mouth, nasal passages, sinuses and upper airway tracts of cats and kittens. Causes of this condition include Chlamydia psittaci, reovirus, Bordatella bronchioseptica, Pasterurella and mycoplasmas but majority of cases are caused by calicivirus and feline herpes-1 virus, also called feline rhinotracheitis virus.

Feline herpes may be prevented through vaccination (e.g. injectable killed vaccine, modified live injectable vaccine, modified live vaccine administered through the nose). Vaccination may not totally prevent the disease however, as mild disease may still develop or the cat may be a carrier of the virus.

Feline herpes is transmitted through contact with the eye and/or nose discharges of an infected cat. This commonly occurs via cat-to-cat contact or through contact with dishes, bedding, toys, and the like contaminated with the discharge. Survival of the virus in the environment is less than twenty four hours and the virus is vulnerable to common household disinfectants.

Feline herpes is diagnosed through review of history (e.g. vaccination or contact with an infected cat) and symptoms. Viral isolation and culture are not requested often.

The incubation period of the feline herpes virus is two to seventeen days. The illness may last for two to four weeks, with the cat manifesting sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, drooling, fever, depression and severe loss of appetite. The feline herpes virus causes abortion. It does not result to limping like the calicivirus does.

Management of feline herpes includes clearing the eyes and nasal passages (e.g. regular removal of discharge, nasal decongestants, etc) and application of ointments for oral ulcers and drops for eye lesions. The immune system of the cat should be strengthened through vitamins and antibiotics which control secondary bacterial infections, if there are any. Sufficient food and water intake is a must to maintain the cat’s health.

The feline herpes virus may stay in the cat for a long time. Carriers of rhinotracheitis usually shed the virus when they are stressed.

Kent Pinkerton

Herpes provides detailed information on Genital Herpes, Herpes, Herpes And Pregnancy, Herpes Cure and more. Herpes is affiliated with Hepatitis C Treatments.

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes member.