Sexually Transmitted Diseases


HERPES

Information and pictures on Herpes, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Information including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, transmission, prevention and other general information.

 

 
 

 

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HERPES

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Genital Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States.  Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.

It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.  

HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:

  • access to quality health care

  • poverty

  • living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs

  • illicit drug use


The Herpes Virus

HSV-type 1

  • causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)

HSV-type 2

  • typically affects the genital area (genital herpes) 

Both viral types can:

  • be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms

  • cause either genital or oral infections

  • cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers  

People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode


Transmission

Herpes is spread by direct contact including: 

Sexual contact

  • Anal sex

  • Oral sex

  • Vaginal sex

as well as

  • Kissing

  • Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and HSV-2

Genital herpes

  • Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms

  • Is often transmitted by people who do not realize infection can be passed on even when there are no symptoms

  • Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected

Statistics

  • An estimated 40 million people have genital herpes which is a chronic viral infection

  • About 500,000 new people get symptomatic herpes each year 

  • There are even more people without symptoms

Genital herpes infection

  • has increased 30% in the U.S.

  • has increased most dramatically among young white teens (12-19 years old)

  • among whites is 5 times higher than 20 years ago

  • is twice as likely to infect 20-29 year old adults


Questions

How serious is Herpes?

Mild symptoms can be experienced with HSV-2, but often no apparent symptoms are present.   

HSV-2  may cause recurrent painful genital ulcers and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.  Severe genital herpes frequently causes psychological and emotional  stress.

If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections  in infants can occur. A cesarean -section delivery is usually carried out  if a woman has active genital herpes at time of giving birth.
 
People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and  HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.

How do you know if you are infected with genital herpes?

Many people with HSV-2 are sometimes not aware that they are infected.  

Some people infected with HSV-2 do not have lesions or may suffer only  very mild, almost unnoticeable, symptoms which are sometimes mistaken for insect bites or a rash.

Symptoms of  the primary episode can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.  

Other symptoms may include a second crop of lesions, or flu-like symptoms including:

  • fever 

  • swollen glands

A primary episode of genital herpes can cause several symptomatic recurrences a year (average 4 or 5).  Most recurrences occur more often within the first year following the primary episode.

Herpes simplex, a recurrent viral infection, caused by Herpes Virus hominis (HVH), is a widespread infectious agent, which is very hard to control. As well there are  latent herpes associated  infections. 

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Symptoms


Symptoms vary, but often most people have no noticeable symptoms. 

Early symptoms may include:

  • burning sensation in the genitals

  • flu-like symptoms

  • lower back pain

  • pain when urinating

Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after initial symptoms, which later develop into painful blisters.

The blisters usually:

  • crust over

  • form a scab

  • heal

GENITAL HERPES

The First Outbreak

Symptoms usually  develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.

The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.

The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding). 

Healing of the skin does not normally  leave scarring. 

Typical Symptoms

When it  gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself  and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.  

Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.

During the outbreak the infected area may:

  • be painful

  • burn

  • itch

  • tingle

Other symptoms include:

  • fever  

  • headache

  • infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating

  • muscle ache

  • painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area

  • swollen lymph glands 

  • vaginal or penis discharge

The first episode is the most severe, with most episodes lasting 10-21 days.  A  warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.

Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately. 

Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally. 

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Diagnosis/Testing


Diagnosis
can be made by:

Blood Test

A blood test for herpes is available only in a few research centers. 

Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings

In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and then examined under a microscope. 

This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is present. 

One common test is called a Tzanck smear.

  • Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.

Viral Cell Culture Test

The test  is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus. 

The doctor or health consultant will obtain  fluid from the sores and send it to a laboratory to see if the herpes virus is present. 

A viral culture is a fluid sample taken from a lesion when it first appears.  Highly accurate results can be given from a culture taken while the lesion is still in the clear blister stage, but the process takes a few days.

The test will not work if the sores have healed.

Immune Response Tests

These tests detect the body's immune response to the herpes virus and are slightly less reliable than viral cultures, but  more reliable than tissue scrapings. 

  • Results can sometimes be provided in two hours. 

Other available tests:

  • Antigen test

  • Pap Smear

Identifying Your Type

Not everyone knows whether they have HSV-1 or 2 and in certain situations that information could be relevant.  

In a situation where both partners have HSV-2 both are already infected so precautions to prevent the spread of the disease are optional.

If one partner has genital HSV-1 and the other has HSV-2, each might get infected with a second type unless precautions are used.

HSV- 1

Diagnosing genital HSV- 1 is difficult because the infection seldom recurs.  Since many people have HSV-1 orally, a finding of HSV-1 by Western blot serology (blood test) would not positively identify genital infection.  

A Western blot confirms if you have HSV-2. If you are seronegative (negative by blood test) for type 2, but positive for type 1, that gives you a strong clue as to the cause of your outbreaks, i.e. seropositive for type 1 but not type 2, with infrequent recurring genital herpes is  probably  genital HSV1.

Seek immediate professional help if genital herpes is suspected.  Some of the available diagnostic procedures become less reliable the longer you wait.

Click Here for More Technical Diagnosis Information


CONDITIONS CONFUSED WITH HERPES

Listed below are some other conditions sometimes mistaken for herpes: 

Bacterial or yeast infections

  • do not usually produce blistering

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)

  • are gray with a distinct edge

  • usually occur inside the mouth

  • usually heal within 10-14 days without treatment

Impetigo

  • is a highly infectious bacterial disease

  • often produces crusty blisters

  • is more common among children 

Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum)

  • like herpes, molluscum is a viral infection of the skin

  • unlike herpes, molluscum produces lesions that are raised, with a central dimple

Syphilis

  • is a bacterial infection

  • causes chancres sometimes mistaken for blisters caused by genital herpes

Unlike genital herpes, Syphilis does not usually produce a cluster of blisters, and it usually responds well to antibiotics.

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Prevention

Herpes is spread through: 

  • anal sex

  • oral sex

  • vaginal sex

To help prevent the spread of herpes:  

  • avoid any sexual contact if you are infected

  • limit the number of sexual partners

  • use latex condoms

  • visit a local sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, hospital, or your doctor if you are infected 

Genital herpes infections can be spread by people with no noticeable symptoms. 

The herpes virus is also transmitted through: 

  • caressing infected areas

  • kissing

  • touching

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Associated Herpes Viruses

Herpes is a disease posing great risk to the community and is of growing public health importance. Keeping yourself informed is your best protection. The Herpes family of viruses is large.

Human herpes viruses include:

  • Epstein-Barr Virus

  • Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

  • Human cytomegalovirus

  • Varicella-Zoster virus

These viruses cause or are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases ranging from infectious mononucleosis to malignancies and mental retardation and have the ability to cause more than one kind of disease.

Herpes Type I

  • affects the skin and mucous membranes

  • is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions

  • produces cold sores or fever blisters

Herpes Type II

  • is transmitted by sexual contact, with  cross-infection possible from oral/genital sex

  • primarily affects the genital area 

Approximately  85% of all HV infections are sub-clinical, the others produce localized lesions and systemic reactions. 

After the first infection, a patient is susceptible to recurrent infections brought on by:

  • fever

  • heat and/or cold

  • menses

  • stress

In recurrent infections there may be no constitutional signs and symptoms.  Herpes occurs equally in males and females.

Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is an acute unilateral and segmental inflammation of the dorsal root ganglia caused by infection with the herpes virus, varicella-zoster, which also causes chicken pox.

Herpes Zoster usually occurs in adults  producing:

  • localized vesicular skin lesions confined to a dermatome

  • severe neuralgic pain in peripheral areas especially  the nerves arising in the inflamed root ganglia

Prognosis

Unless the infection spreads to the brain eventually most patients recover completely, except for possible scarring and, in corneal damage, visual impairment.  However, in some cases neuralgia may persist for months or years.

Herpes zoster results from reactivation of the varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots after infection from chicken pox. 

The virus is thought to multiply as it is reactivated and  is neutralized by antibodies remaining from the initial infection. However, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroys the host neuron, and spreads down the sensory nerves to the skin if effective antibodies are not present.

Herpes zoster is found primarily in adults over 50 and seldom recurs. 

Onset of herpes zoster is characterized by:

  • fever

  • malaise

Within 2-4 days, severe deep, continuous pain may develop

Other symptoms may include:

  • hyperesthesia (abnormally increased sensitivity to stimuli)

  • paresthesia (an abnormal or perverted sensation, such as burning or tingling due to disorder of the sensory nervous system)

  • pruritus (itching)

This usually occurs on the trunk and occasionally on the arms and legs lasting from 1-4 weeks. 

Small red nodular skin lesions can continue to erupt on the painful areas up to 2 weeks after the first symptoms. 

Cytomegalovirus  

Infection by the cytomegalovirus (DNA, ether sensitive virus belonging to the herpes family) occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact. 

About 4 out of 5 people over the age of 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it is sometimes overlooked. 

CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to:

  • brain damage

  • neonatal illness.

  • other birth defects

  • stillbirth

Cytomegalovirus has been found in:

  • blood

  • breast milk

  • cervical secretions

  • feces

  • saliva

  • semen

  • urine

  • vaginal secretions

Transmission usually occurs through contact with the infected secretions, which harbor the virus for months or even years

Risk Groups

Immunodeficient patients 

AIDS patients or those who have received transplanted organs are a high risk for contracting CMV infection.

Immunodeficient patients and those receiving immunosuppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections

Recipients of blood transfusions

Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk

Cytomegalovirus is thought to be spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions. 

The disease usually runs a self-limiting course. 

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group which usually  affects young adults and children. 

Infectious mononucleosis produces:

  • an increase in  lymphocytes and monocytes

  • cervical lymphodenopathy

  • development of heterophil antibodies

  • fatigue

  • fever

  • headaches

  • hepatic dysfunction

  • malaise

  • sore throat

  • temperature fluctuations

Recovery prospects are excellent

Other infectious diseases with symptoms similar to mononucleosis include: 

  • Cervical lymphodenopathy

  • Hepatitis

  • Rubella

  • Toxoplasmosis 

Symptoms usually subside about 6-10 days after onset of the disease but may persist for weeks.

Over 80 known viruses exist within the Herpes family, 8 of which are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. 

HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals.  HSV-1 usually  occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.



HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSES

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes herpes labialis also called:

  • cold sores

  • fever blisters

  • oral herpes

The virus produces highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing. 

Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in men and women. 

Symptoms of genital herpes include:

  • bumps  

  • rashes in the genital areas

  • recurrent clusters of blisters

HSV-1 and HSV-2

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause other diseases including:

Herpes simplex encephalitis

  • a rare but potentially fatal herpetic infection of the brain

Neonatal herpes

  • a rare but potentially severe HSV infection in a newborn

  • is caused by transmission of the virus from  mother to  baby during delivery

Herpetic whitlow

  • an HSV infection of the finger

  • caused from transfer of the infection from another part of the body or from direct contact with another

  • is more prevalent amongst health care workers  

Herpes keratitis

  • an HSV infection of the eye

  • can cause blindness

Herpes gladiatorum

  • an HSV infection, usually of the skin, acquired during wrestling

  • skin can become abraded or scraped, during a wrestling match, allowing a herpes virus to enter the body and establish an infection

Unlike viruses such as influenza which can be transmitted through the air, herpes simplex viruses require physical contact. 

They are frequently transmitted through:

  • mouth-to-mouth contact (HSV-1)

  • genital-to-genital contact (HSV-2)

  • hand-to-genital

  • mouth-to-genital 


Herpes Viral Infection

Some common herpes viruses and the diseases they cause are:

Varicella-zoster virus

  • chickenpox

  • shingles

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)

  • cold sores

  • fever blisters

Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2)

  • genital herpes

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

  • mononucleosis

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Treatments


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Dynamiclear is an old and trusted solution that has a reputation for working very quickly to heal up outbreaks and often helps reduce recurrences too. If you are interested in researching this product visit the product homepage at http://www.dynamiclear.com

Information from the Complete Herpes Information Center

List of current herpes treatments from A-Z, including efficiency ratings and possible side-effects

FINDING A TREATMENT THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU.

Genital herpes is manageable. Over the years, a number of treatments offering effective relief from symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores have been developed (see list below).

According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most patients with Herpes try between two and five different therapies.

These include:

  • Prescription drugs
  • OTC "cold sore" treatments,
  • Herbal remedies
  • Vitamins
  • Nutritional changes
  • Psychotherapy
  • And more

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ANTIVIRAL THERAPY

The standard, effective and specific treatment for genital herpes is antiviral therapy, which is usually in tablet form.

Prescription Drugs for Herpes

Antiviral drugs stop HSV from replicating in the body. The treatment only works while you are taking the drug, and cannot prevent future outbreaks once you stop taking it.

Antiviral treatments can:

  • shorten the duration of a genital herpes outbreak and help speed healing
  • reduce the number of outbreaks suffered - or prevent them completely

Antiviral medications can be used in two ways:

1. To treat outbreaks as they happen ('episodic' treatment). With episodic treatment, the aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. If you are coping well and your outbreaks are not too frequent, you and your doctor may agree that episodic treatment is the most appropriate option.

2. To prevent or delay recurrent outbreaks  ('suppressive' therapy). If your recurrent outbreaks are frequent or severe your doctor may recommend that you take oral antiviral medication every day to help prevent outbreaks happening. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, e.g. daily, for months or even years.

Oral antiviral medication is only available by prescription.

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

These medical drugs are usually synthetically made and their usage should be very strictly monitored. 

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BELOW IS A LIST OF CURRENT HERPES TREATMENTS (in alphabetical order)


DESCRIPTION: 

Dynamiclear is a popular topical product (applied externally) and is used on active skin lesions.

The use of Dynamiclear can result in:

  1. Rapid healing of the infected area

  2. Smaller, less intense outbreaks

  3. Partial/Complete end to symptoms associated with the herpes simplex virus

Dynamiclear is similar in its molecular structure to an earlier molecule used to purify water and is based around the action of Sulphur and the herb Hypericum (St John's Wort). 

The antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of Sulphur have been appreciated for hundreds of years and was successfully used last century to stop infection in soldiers' battle wounds. More recently, Sulphur has been employed as the basic fundamental molecule in modern antibiotics.

It has been shown by demonstration that Dynamiclear will usually kill any herpes virus that it encounters. Immediately after application to the broken blisters mild to strong burning is felt. This appears to be the Dynamiclear molecule running down the peripheral nerves, killing the virus as it goes. Most users report a rapid drying out of the blister with the area first going black, quickly followed by the forming of a healthy scab.

EFFICIENCY RATING: 

There is strong evidence to indicate local eradication of the virus. Total eradication of the virus may be related to the duration of the infection and/or the strength of the virus strain acquired.  Dynamiclear treatment used soon after the initial infection by the virus appears to be very successful because the virus has not yet permeated throughout the body.

The company can provide a list of customer testimonials claiming moderate to total success.

SIDE EFFECTS: 

No noticeable side effects but a sharp to moderate stinging pain on application may be felt. Pain is sometimes strong and feels as if it were running down the nerve, but soon subsides. Not recommended by manufacturer during first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

As with all treatments, in rare cases an individual may be sensitive. A skin sensitivity test should always be performed to ensure sensitivity is not a problem.

  1. More Information about this treatment (Dynamiclear).

  2. Purchase Dynamiclear (a topical herpes solution)

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DESCRIPTION: 

Essential oils produce strong powerful results against skin infections and when used internally purge the blood of most pathogens.

Active ingredients vary from terpenes and sesquiterpenes through to ketones, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and phenols.

The most commonly used essential oils are:

  •  LAVENDER
  • BASIL
  • CALENDULA
  • LEMON
  • TEE TREE
  • CINNAMON
  • CITRONELLA
  • CLOVES 
  • EUCALYPTUS
  • GERANIUM
  • NIAOULI
  • OREGANO
  • PEPPERMINT
  • THYME
  • GINGER
  • PATCHOULI
  • CEDAR WOOD
  • MELISSA (Lemon Balm)
  • CAJEPUT
  • ROSEMARY
  • And many others.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Essential oils are the refined active ingredients of flowers, leaves and roots of plants, and as such are very strong and can even be toxic when used in large quantities and to excess. As with all topically applied products, always do a skin sensitivity test to first determine if you have any unusual allergy.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

Essential oils work very well when used for the right problem. Against the herpes virus there have been many, many reports of successful treatments. It seems to depend on the individual, one oil works well for one person and not so well for the next.

One product that has earned a good reputation in the herpes community is H-away made by the Healing Natural Oils company. H-away consist of pure essential oils specially selected and combined for use on herpes outbreaks.

H-away adheres to very strict quality standards. It is 100% pure, all natural and CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All extracts and essential oils in H-away have been tested to be 100% chemical and pesticide free, no synthetic substances present. Healing Natural Oils are a safe, efficient and affordable means of dealing with herpes and cold sore outbreaks.

The manufacturer claims that herpes outbreaks have been permanently eliminated by using H-away and H-prevention (a blend of essential oils that can be applied to strengthen the skin and prevent future recurrences).

H-away and H-prevention are composed of essential oils such as May Chang, Tea tree, Geranium, Hazelnut and other specially formulated natural ingredients.  These blends use separate anti-viral essential oils and plant extracts that are all medically proven to inactivate the herpes virus.

Purchase Essential Oil Blends for Herpes

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Famvir® (Famciclovir)

 
 

Famvir Medication for Herpes

Famvir Herpes Treatment

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 (Zorvirax).

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.

See the full Prescribing Information for more information about Famvir.

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LYSINE & OTHER DIET SUPPLEMENTS

 
 

DESCRIPTION: 

Herpes outbreaks are often affected by the food you eat, in particular the levels of the amino acids Lysine and Arginine.

The herpes and cold sore virus needs arginine to grow and replicate and cannot flare-up without this amino acid. Another amino acid called Lysine helps to solve this problem by balancing high arginine levels in the body.

If you supplement 1250mg of LYSINE into your daily diet this can help to prevent the virus from becoming active, which has many benefits:

  • Can reduce itching, tingling and pain related to herpes

  • Stop cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks from developing

  • Prevent or reduce the chance of a recurrence

  • Slow down the growth of the herpes and cold sore virus

  • Reduce the herpes virus "replicating"

Other diet supplements that can be helpful to stop flare-ups:

  • VITAMIN C
  • BIOFLAVONOIDS
  • ZINC

SIDE EFFECTS:

All of these nutrients are obtained naturally through the diet, so when taken in sensible doses the chance of any adverse effect is very small, if any.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

Improving your diet with supplements is a simple and effective way to reduce herpes outbreaks.  Lysine is very effective for most people if it is taken as directed.  Note that this supplement MUST be taken in sufficient quantities for it to have any result.  The dose must be high enough to affect the amount of "Arginine" being produced by the body.  It is recommended to take 2 x 625mg Lysine tablets daily for maintenance.

There is substantial evidence to support the fact that vitamins and minerals can help to stop herpes virus symptoms from occurring.  In particular, the most effective supplements are vitamin C, zinc and bioflavonoids and they should be taken together in order for the body to absorb them properly.  Scientists attribute the effectiveness of these nutrients on herpes conditions to their ability to build up immunity and improve the function and resistance of the skin.

Purchase a herpes supplement containing Lysine

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MEDICINAL HERBS

 
 

Medicinal Herbs for Herpes

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:

  • Andrographis paniculata

  • Olive leaf extract

  • Prunella vulgaris

  • Echinacea

  • Cactus opuntia streptacantha

  • Red marine algae

  • Melissa officinalis

  • Licorice

  • Astragalus

  • Golden Seal

How some herbs can halt the herpes virus, including:

  • ANDROGRAPHIS - has the power to interfere with the way a "retro-virus" alters healthy DNA.  Herpes is a retro-virus which at this point in time cannot be cured because the virus manipulates the DNA of healthy cells.  Andrographis can be effective in stopping this process.

  • OLIVE LEAF - can reduce Herpes Viral Shedding (where the virus can spread without showing symptoms).  It also boosts immune resistance against herpes, which can help to prevent infection.  Combine with Andrographis to improve the immune system's function against HSV.

  • ECHINACEA - very effective in preventing viral infections, including warding off a herpes or cold sore infection

A product that contains Andrographis, Olive Leaf and Echinacea "standardized".

This process of 'standardizing' guarantees that you get the right concentrations of the herbs to work properly.

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.

Click Here to visit a site selling High quality Herbs

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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.

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Specific Antiviral Therapies: