What is a Cold Sore? Background Information, Studies, and Vaccine Info
By Andrew Kawaski

Basics of What Causes a Cold Sore

A cold sore is the external sign of an active herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, normally appearing on the lip or directly around the mouth–sometimes cold sores can appear on the nose as well. The specific pathogen that causes this is normally the HSV-1 strain, although HSV-2 (aka “type 2 herpes”) can also cause oral infections, although it’s more commonly associated with genital herpes–both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are equally capable of infecting either areas of the body. The old axiom of “If it’s below the waist it’s HSV-2, if it’s above the waist it’s HSV-13 no longer holds true all of the time, although it’s still accurate in the majority of cases.

The herpes simplex virus spends the majority of the time hibernating inside the sensory nerve cells near the initial site of infection (normally the face, in this case) in what’s called the remission period–the virus remains dormant. Studies have shown that outbreaks almost always correlate to a temporary drop in the immune system’s defenses such as sudden cold weather (hence the name “cold sore”), excessive UV exposure (sunlight), other illnesses such as the flu and colds, and the biggest cause of cold sore outbreaks by far: stress. This is the reason that one of the first things you should do as soon as you feel the oncoming tingling of a cold sore is to start (or increase, if you’re already on it) taking Vitamin C in large doses (you can’t really OD on Vitamin C per se).

Frequency of Occurance, And–Can I Ever Get Rid of It?

The herpes simplex virus cycles through active and dormant stages, the great majority of time being spent in the dormant stage. Active outbreaks typically last from 2 to 21 days, although the person can be infectious for as much as a week before and after the outbreak. People in their first year of infection will typically have a lot more outbreaks (higher frequency) than someone who has had HSV for a while–frequency of active periods (outbreaks) slowly decreases over time eventually to where a person will go years in between outbreaks.

There is no known cure for HSV, and once you’ve got it, it stays with you for life. There are currently several vaccines in Phase III trials with the FDA that are likely to be released soon, although the main one, Herpevac, has only been shown to be effective 50-75% of the time and only in females (this is for a HSV-2 vaccine designed to prevent genital herpes–Source: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/stds/herpevac/).

Where Did My Herpes Infection Come From?

You most likely contracted oral herpes from when you were kissed on the lips by a relative who had an active outbreak when you were a child. This is the most common way in which the disease is transmitted. Many people think that it likely came from a sexual partner that they kissed, but this is the second most common form of transmission, so in all likelihood you’ve got grandma or aunt matilda to blame for your lifelong affliction of cold sores.

Also, when people ask what is a cold sore?, they often are confused as to whether or not they actually have a cold sore or something else, and it’s good to keep in mind that cold sores are often confused with canker sores, which are caused by bacteria and have nothing to do with HSV or cold sores–canker sores are always inside the mouth, whereas cold sores very rarely occur there (they are almost always outside the mouth) and when they do it’s typically on the hard palate on the roof of the mouth or on the gums, whereas canker sores usually occur on the soft area inside the lips.

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Have Genital Herpes? How to Tell if You’ve Been Infected

By Jeff Paterson

Finding out you have genital herpes is no fun at all. Despite the fact that it is a very common ailment, and that around 1 in 5 people carry the virus, many sufferers are plagued with guilt, anxiety and a huge loss of self worth. This is mainly due to the taboo nature of the virus and the myth and rumors that surround it.

Having genital herpes does not make you dirty or tarnished. It does not make you a bad person, and it does not mean your social or sexual life is over. It’s an annoying virus just like any other. And while there is no cure for herpes, it can be controlled, and outbreaks can be stopped, and you can live your life as if you never had it.

If you have genital herpes, you just need to take the right measures when outbreaks occur, and the right measures in between outbreaks. This can mean shorter, smaller and less painful outbreaks, and eventually lead to fewer and fewer outbreaks, then none at all.

The first step is to get a regular, effective treatment for the conditions. There is a wide range of prescription, natural and homeopathic medicines available, as well as dietary supplements and topical treatments that can also help. Finding what works for you may be a matter of trial and error, or it may be simply a matter of spending a few hours doing the research. Get online and you’ll find plenty of information on what works and what doesn’t. But remember, it mainly comes down to the individual, so what works for you, may not work for someone else. Keep trying and you’ll eventually find the treatment that is perfect for you.

The next step if you have genital herpes is to make the appropriate lifestyle adjustments, and these mainly come down to diet, fitness and hygiene. Eat healthily, and avoid foods high in arginine, such as chocolate and nuts. Avoid fatty foods and food high in sugar. A regular lysine supplement (from any health food store) has been shown to be very effective too.

Fitness is important, as many people who have genital herpes find regular exercise can reduce the frequency of outbreaks. It also boosts the immune system and lowers stress, which is another big trigger for outbreaks.

Hygiene is the final important step. Stay clean and dry as much as possible, and try to bath at least two to three times a day, using warm water and a good antibacterial soap. Wear cotton underwear as opposed to synthetic materials, as these can trap moisture which can lead to outbreaks, or worsen them. During outbreaks bathe the affected area in warm salt water three or four times a day, and change underwear often as possible, probably two or three times a day.

If you have genital herpes and follow the above advice, you should be well on your way to controlling the nasty little virus, and will soon be able to get your life back on track.

About the Author: Discover how you can eliminate symptoms of genital herpes fast using unique, all natural treatments. Don’t deal with nasty side effects and expensive prescriptions ever again, and get rid of genital herpes quickly and effectively.

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Live a Normal Life Despite Mouth Herpes
By Ilse Hagen

Few things in life can be as embarrassing as walking around with cold sores on your mouth, especially when many people know that cold sores is just another term for herpes. Indeed, most people who are diagnosed with oral or mouth herpes find it hard to imagine themselves living normal lives again. Oral herpes can be described as red and itching sores and blisters around your lips. The virus can even spread as far as your gums and tongue. Oral herpes is so contagious that even toddlers who do not wash their hands can contract the disease.

What happens when you become infected

Once you had sexual contact with a herpes-infected person, you have to wait as much as a couple of weeks before you can detect the symptoms. This is because mouth herpes follows a certain cycle. After the contact, the virus enters your system through your skin. Your immune system fights back and this is how you develop a fever, which is one of the earliest signs of herpes. Afterwards, the virus will then travel to your spinal area where it can reproduce amidst the nervous tissues. This explains that back pain that a herpes carrier may experience. After a week or two, you will start noticing the blisters around your oral area. After your first breakout, the virus may remain dormant for a time being, until it is triggered to reproduce again.

Staying outbreak-free

Since there is no known treatment for mouth herpes or any kind of herpes for that matter, the best you can hope for is to remain free from recurrences or outbreaks. One way to do this is to avoid factors that can trigger a flare-up, such as arginine-rich foods, emotional and physical stress, sun exposure, unprotected sex, etc. You may also want to refrain from touching the infected area while there are lesions.

Get the herbal cure

More information on herbal herpes cure is available in HerbalCheck.Com, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving expert information on supplements and herbal medication.

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Herpes Misinformation: Transferring Cold Sores During Oral Sex

By John Trout

Question: If I suffers from cold sores (herpes simplex 1) but not from genital herpes (herpes simplex 2), is it possible for me to pass on the virus to my partner during oral sex; even if I am cold-sore free at the time?

Answer: Unfortunately, yes, even though the chances are slim, both Herpes Simplex Type 1 (cold sores) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (genital herpes), can infect either the mouth or genitals.

Likewise, both cold sores and genital herpes can be transferred from one partner to another even if the infected partner is asymptomatic at the time.

Since there are few faster ways to ruin a relationship than when one partner give the other herpes, lets clear-up some more herpes misinformation that could save you from giving or receiving the gift that keeps on giving.

Even though a big ole cold sore on someone’s lip or mouth is a good indication that they do have herpes simplex type 1, you can’t tell if someone has genital herpes just by the way they look, live or act. If someone suffers from cold sores it doesn’t mean they are more or less likely to also suffer from genital herpes, likewise if someone does not suffer from cold sores that doesn’t mean they don’t have genital herpes.

Eighty million Americans have herpes — that’s at least one in six adults, including that cute date who forgot to bring condoms.

Intercourse is not the only way herpes is spread. Herpes is spread from skin to skin contact. That means you can get herpes (cold sores or genital) from kissing, performing or receiving oral sex, or touch an infected area with any part of your body

Someone can have herpes and not even know it. Herpes symptoms usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact with the virus, however it could take longer and in some cases (especially women) the newly infected person may remain asymptomatic but still be able to pass on the virus to others.

Herpes can be spread between outbreaks, even when no signs or symptoms are present. It can also be spread by asymptomatic people who don’t even know they are infected.

You can get herpes in your eyes, on your fingers and on other parts of the body by touching an outbreak. Soap and water will kill the virus on the surface of your skin, however, once you are infected, soap and water will not get rid off cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks.

Aside from abstinence, there is no sure fire way to protect yourself from contracting herpes during intimacy with an infected partner. Next to abstinence, using latex condoms is the most recommended safeguard against contracting herpes, but it is far from 100% effective.

If you suspect you might have some form of the herpes virus or if you have a partner that has herpes, please see your local health care provider for a diagnosis and medical advise. For more information about herpes, including clinical pictures, frequently asked questions and news about a possible herpes cure, please visit our website at www.herpes-pics.com

This article is part of a free educational series of articles written by John Trout, on the subject of the herpes virus. To view the complete series go to: http://www.herpes-pics.com/herpes_article_series.htm

About the Author: Web publisher & author: John Trout is a full time internet research specialist and webmaster for several informational websites including: http://herbs-herbal-remedies.com , http://newsabout.info and http://herpes-pics.com

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FAQs: Herpes Simplex Virus - Causes And Effects
By Dr.Prasad Chandragiri

What is herpes simplex?
Herpes is a term that is very loosely used in day-to-day conversation and should actually be spoken of with more specificity. The disease Herpes can be herpes simplex caused by the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 that are known to produce cold sores and genital herpes, and herpes shingles caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is known to produce chicken pox first and then remain dormant in the body to produce vesicular eruptions along the course of certain nerves of the body.

What causes herpes simplex and which are the other herpes viruses?
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1&2) or the Human herpes virus (HHV) 1 & 2 are known to produce herpes simplex lesions.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) or HHV3 is known to cause chicken pox and herpes shingles.
Epstein-Barr virus (EB) or HHV4 is responsible for infectious mononucleosis.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or HHV5 creates a picture very similar to that of infectious mononucleosis but with more organopathies.
HHV-6 causes roseola, an exanthematous infection in infants.
HHVs 7& 8 have been implicated in the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma in patients who are HIV positive.

How is herpes simplex transmitted? What about the other herpes viruses?
The herpes simplex viruses are transmitted sexually and through direct contact with the lesions. The Epstein barr virus is spread through saliva by kissing, and the varicella-zoster virus is air borne and spread by droplet infection when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Can other forms of sexual activity such as oral and anal sex also transmit the virus?
Yes. Oral sex and anal sex also involve direct contact between mucosal surfaces. Any sexual transmitted disease can be transmitted through one of these activities.

Can herpes simplex infections be life threatening?
In a majority of the people, the infections are never life threatening. The herpes simplex viruses and the varicella-zoster virus are known to produce recurrent outbreaks whenever the immunity drops. However, rarely in those cases where the immunity is very low, the diseases may affect vital organs like the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys and turn fatal. It is therefore very important that the affected patients take good care of them selves when it comes to their diet and regimen.

What are the effects of herpes simplex on pregnancy?
There is no major effect of herpes simplex on pregnancy per se but if the mother has genital outbreaks at around the time of delivery, it calls for a Caesarian section delivery in order to prevent the spread of the infection from the mother to the baby.

What is the effect of herpes on breastfeeding?
Again, there is no direct impact as such on the infant if the mother is infected with the virus and has no outbreaks. However, if she does have outbreaks, she should avoid direct contact between her lesions and her child. If the outbreaks are on the nipples, then breastfeeding should be avoided totally or only the unaffected breast should be used.

Can herpes simplex lead to cancer?
Research studies have shown that there seems to be a link between the herpes infections, the Human papilloma virus (HPV), and cancers. However, it is not necessary that these infections always tend to produce cancers in all the people infected with the viruses. All cancers are multifactorial in origin and hence many other causes could be implicated in their development.

What sort of therapies should be sought?
Therapies which are known to boost the immunity so as to combat the viruses should be tried out as the human body has the capacity to fight most of the viruses, provided its immunity is good enough. Nutritious food, regular exercise, mental relaxation through meditative techniques, and other such auxiliary and ancillary modes of treatment definitely help to restore good health sooner.

Can herpes simplex be cured?
Although modern medicine says that once the virus is in the body, it never goes and only remains in a state of dormancy, some alternative therapies like homeopathy, naturopathy, ayurveda, and tibetan medicine, are known to act on the body so as to boost its immunity to try to eliminate the virus. They have had favourable results in the sense that the outbreaks seem to stop. Only time can tell if the treated patients stop getting outbreaks totally or get it after longer quiescent periods. However, it is a fact that the commonly used blood tests are antibody dependent and these antibodies are known to remain in the blood for indefinite periods of time, may be, even after the virus is eliminated. More sophisticated tests could be utilized to check if the viruses are really eliminated by such alternative therapies.
By Biogetica.com

Alternative non-medicinal healing methods like Reiki, Yoga, Accupressure, Accupuncture, Sintergetica healing, and many such techniques along with the right diet and regimen can help to a very great extent and potentiate the therapeutic powers of any medicine. I believe that all diseases can be cured but not all people can be cured because every disease is karmic in nature and every suffering is predestined. We doctors can only treat, whereas, it is HE, the ALMIGHTY who cures. We have to put in our best efforts and leave the rest to HIM.

http://www.biogetica.com/herpes.html

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