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.

Source: http://www.famvir.com/info/genital-herpes-facts.jsp

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

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.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

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