Myths and Facts About Genital Herpes. Part I

Test your knowledge of genital herpes. Of the following statements, which are facts and which are myths?

1. You can spread genital herpes when you don't have any symptoms.

Fact. Genital herpes can be spread to a sex partner even when you have no symptoms. This is how most new cases of genital herpes are spread.

2. A person can have genital herpes and not even know it.

Fact. The genital herpes virus can be active in a person's body even though they have no symptoms. That's why out of the 50 million Americans who have genital herpes, 90% don't even realize they are infected with the virus and may unknowingly infect others.

3. You can get genital herpes from toilet seats.

Myth. The genital herpes virus is a fragile virus that dries out when it is exposed to air. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes transmission from a toilet seat.

4. If you have genital herpes, you can never have sex again.

Myth. While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. But it is important to avoid sexual contact if you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms. Also, even if sores are not present, you could still be contagious because of asymptomatic viral shedding. Even when you are asymptomatic, you should use a condom for extra protection. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.) Even though condoms have been shown to reduce transmission, they are not always effective.

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Herpes Treatment

Self-Help Remedies

The following non-specific treatments can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

SALT BATHS

Used to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath.




HERPES PAIN RELIEVERS

Include simple analgesics such as

Aspirin and paracetamol

Ice can be soothing if applied directly to the sores

Creams with an anaesthetic component

Creams, however, can slow down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief. In addition, topical creams have limited value on moist mucosal surfaces, particularly in women.

LOOSE UNDERCLOTHES

Preferably cotton (not nylon), can help minimize discomfort and allow healing.

For anyone experiencing extreme pain when urinating, the process can be less painful when done in a cool bath. And it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine.

Bach Flower Remedies may be prescribed to ease the emotional stress of herpes, particularly Rescue Remedy.

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Herpes Treatment

Zovirax® (Acyclovir)

DESCRIPTION

When acyclovir is taken as episodic treatment, it can reduce the severity of outbreaks of genital herpes, shorten their duration, and shorten the time during which the herpes virus is detected on the skin's surface, in a similar way to valacyclovir.



As an episodic treatment, Acyclovir should be taken five times daily. Acyclovir can also be used as a suppressive treatment to help reduce the number of outbreaks. If you take Acyclovir as suppressive treatment, you will need to take tablets two, three or four times a day. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Common side-effects include:

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Antiviral Therapy: Valtrex

Valtrex® (Valacyclovir)

DESCRIPTION

When used as an episodic treatment, Valacyclovir helps the sores heal faster, shortens the period of pain during the outbreak and cuts down the time during which the virus is detected on genital skin surfaces (virus shedding).



When taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are noticed, such as tingling, itching or redness, Valacyclovir may be able to completely prevent the development of painful blisters.

Valacyclovir is taken twice daily when used as an episodic treatment. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

In many countries, Valacyclovir can be used as a 'suppressive' treatment. Clinical trials have proved it to prevent or delay up to 85% of herpes outbreaks. For suppressive treatment, Valacyclovir is taken once daily, or possibly twice a day if outbreaks are very frequent.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea and abdominal pain.

Serious complications have been reported in some cases where people have had an immune system that is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, or bone marrow or kidney transplant.

Where to Buy Valtrex

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OXYGEN THERAPY

DESCRIPTION

Relies on the principle that if we increase the blood concentration of oxygen its action is extremely potent against pathogens such as viruses and bacterium.

EFFICIENCY RATING

Many reports are received of persons claiming partial to complete success with oxygen therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS

Unfortunately if the blood concentration of oxygen exceeds a certain limit it is dangerous to normal cells, but this should not happen if the directions are followed.


Hydrogen peroxide should not be used as an oxygen source since most sources of hydrogen peroxide are not prepared for internal use and often contain high levels of unacceptable impurities.

More about Oxygen Therapy

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Herpes Treatment

MEDICINAL HERBS

DESCRIPTION

Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years, on both humans and animals. Each herb works most effectively when chosen specifically for each person and ailment. The active ingredient in most herbs is an alkaloid, a very toxic molecule if taken in considerable excess.

When using herbs it is best for safety and quality purposes to buy standardized extracts, usually dispensed by accredited Herbalists or Naturopaths. You are then guaranteed to get quality/regulated concentrations, that if taken according to directions should cause no harm.

This advice only applies to the very strong and toxic medicinal herbs - not those that are used in the common kitchen to help our immune systems and flavor our foods.

EFFICIENCY RATING

The following have all been shown to have anti-viral properties against Herpes Simplex:

Olive leaf extract

Prunella vulgaris

Cactus opuntia streptacantha

Red marine algae

There are several medicinal herbs that are beneficial in dealing with most viruses:

LAVENDER - widely known for its rapid anti-staphylococcus and streptococcus effects, but is also beneficial against the cold sore/herpes virus.

MYRRH - a plant herb that yields a therapeutic toxic resin renowned for curing severe ulcers, as well as chest and blood infections from viruses and other pathogens.

SAGE - a moderately strong antiseptic that will kill most bacteria and viruses that it comes in contact with.

The following herbs may also be beneficial:

GOLDEN SEAL

FEVERFEW

BURDOCK

HYSSOP

LEMON

PENNYROYAL

ST. JOHN'S WORT

SARSAPARILLA

WINTERGREEN

WORMWOOD

GENTIAN

RED CLOVER

All of these have a greater or lesser affect on pathogens, such as bacterium and viruses, within the human physiology.

SIDE EFFECTS

Medicinal herbs should always be taken as directed, by an experienced practitioner or health care provider. Many herbs have side effects if taken in excess or used incorrectly.

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Herpes Treatment

Famvir® (Famciclovir)

DESCRIPTION

Famciclovir has been shown to reduce the time outbreaks last when used as an episodic treatment, it also decreases the severity of pain with outbreaks and shortens the period during which the virus is detected on genital surfaces, similar to Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Acyclovir (Zovirax).


Famciclovir is taken three times a day, when it is used as an episodic treatment for the initial genital herpes episode, or two times a day to treat recurrent outbreaks. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

Famciclovir is approved in some countries for daily use as suppressive therapy (your doctor will be able to advise you if this is the case in your country). When it is used in this way, it has been shown in clinical trials to increase the time between outbreaks. For suppressive therapy, Famciclovir is taken two times every day.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Most commonly reported side effects:

Headache

Nausea

Diarrhea

Those individuals with known hypersensitivity to the product, its components, and Denavir® (penciclovir cream) should not use Famvir.

Concurrent use of Famvir with probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of penciclovir. .

If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will determine if you should use Famvir and the appropriate dose for you.

It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus.

Dose reduction recommended in patients with renal impairment.

The safety and efficacy of Famvir therapy beyond 1 year of treatment have not been established.

Where to Buy Famvir

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