Herpes - Hard-to-swallow facts

In the UK, 70% of the total population have oral herpes and 10% have genital herpes. About three quarters of them don't know that they have herpes. In most cases, herpes remains asymptomatic for days, months, or even years after infection. According to a study, about 1 in 4 has no symptoms of herpes, 2 in 4 may have mild symptoms but are unlikely to be diagnosed, and1 in 4 is likely to be diagnosed with noticeable symptoms.

Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 is the type of herpes simplex virus that causes oral herpes and its symptoms are cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. Genital herpes is a disease that is caused by HSV-2, which affects the area around the genitals and anus. It appears as itching, burning, painful blisters, and redness around the skin. Genital herpes is basically transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes and immune system

Herpes can affect the immune system by weakening it and making you more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. The immune system doesn't remain as active to fight off other diseases, as it gets busy fighting off herpes simplex virus. When the virus attacks the immune system, you get an outbreak of symptoms, but when your immune system fights back, you get less severe or no outbreaks. So, in order to prevent outbreak of symptoms, you need to have a strong immune system.

How can I prevent an outbreak of symptoms?

Once infected, no medication can cure herpes, but its symptoms can be controlled and treated using medications. Adopting simple lifestyle and dietary changes can also help decrease the frequency, length, and severity of outbreaks. Herpes simplex virus is an opportunistic virus and attacks when the immune system is weak. But if you have a healthy immune system, the chances of future outbreaks are significantly reduced. Following are some of the areas that people need to pay attention in order to strengthen the immune system and stay healthy:

Stress – It is one the most common triggers of outbreaks in people with herpes. Stress affects the immunity system and makes you susceptible to infections and other diseases. In fact, stress can account for about 70% of all illnesses and diseases. So, you need to work on management of your stress in order to control future outbreaks.

Diet – People with herpes need to pay attention to their diets as some foods contain high amounts of arginine that can aggravate the outbreak of symptoms. Also, if your body is not getting enough nutrients, it can take a toll on your immune system. Some of the factors that can also impair your immune system are obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol, and sugar consumption.

Exercise – Studies have shown that with just 30 minutes of regular aerobic exercise, immunity gets a boost.

Herpes treatment

Antiviral prescription medications are approved for genital herpes treatment. Valtrex and Famvir are two antiviral medications that can give relief from the painful symptoms of herpes and at the same time, can also prevent the spread of the virus. Valtrex can be taken for 1 to 2 days for cold sores treatment. Famvir tablets can also be used for cold sores and zoster treatment.

Promiscuity and STDs - Running rampant among teens

In late 2008, Bradley University published a  survey which showed that the UK is the “one-night stand” capital of western industrialised nations. A study published in The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care suggests that one in two people in the UK has unprotected sex with his/her partners without knowing their sexual history. Safe sex is something which is seen as non-spontaneous and non-exciting among teens. Risk of pregnancy is the major concern for women engaging in unsafe sex and they believe that one-time is no risk at all. Unfortunately, this assumption is wrong, as there are many risks associated with unprotected sex.

Promiscuous nature - What does it cost you?

In a survey, it was found that 50% of the total male and female population in the age group of 15 to 19 admitted to have been engaged in oral sex. Just think about it, these kids have not even celebrated their 20th birthday yet. Some of the factors that influence teens to have unsafe sex are passion of the moment, pressure from their peers, and media which often portrays casual sex as the norm. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common and dreadful aftermath of unprotected sex that has seen a significant upsurge in the last decade. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact.

Sexually transmitted diseases - Facts and figures

According to the Health Protection Agency, sexually transmitted diseases have spread alarmingly among the younger people in the UK. Of the new cases registered at sexual health clinics, two-third of them were female aged 15-24. According to the statistics, men and women are getting involved with more and more sexual partners. The acts of dogging (having sex in the public) and orgies have become widespread phenomena. In many of these situations, people don't care to practice safe sex. Some of the most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. Genital herpes is the most common sexually transmitted disease within this category.

Genital herpes - An overview

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and spreads from one person to another with physical contact with the infected person. The other type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, causes cold sores or fever blisters. The common symptoms of herpes include outbreaks of painful, red, watery blisters and ulcers around the genitalia. Pain during urination, vaginal discharge, and fever are some of the other symptoms associated with genital herpes. Because of the dormant nature of the herpes simplex virus, no medicine can cure herpes, but the symptoms can be controlled during an outbreak and treated by antivirals through suppressive therapy.

Treatment

Valtrex is an antiviral medication which an infected person can take during an active herpes outbreak to get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms. Genital herpes treatment with Valtrex can be continued for long term to push the herpes virus into remission. Antivirals such as Valtrex and Famvir can also be used for herpes zoster treatment. These medicines can also be an effective option for cold sores treatment. Suppressive treatment is also considered for controlling the symptoms and providing relief to patients during outbreaks of herpes. Famvir is a powerful antiviral medication which, when taken at the first sign of an outbreak, can prevent the full-blown herpes attack within 24 hours.

Spot the early symptoms of herpes

Early detection is a very important part of the management of any sexually transmitted disease (STD). While majority of experts firmly believe that early and accurate diagnosis can prevent mass-scale STD transmission, the reality tells a different story. Genital herpes, an STD that has made its way into the top 10 list of most feared sexually transmitted infections, can be diagnosed in time to minimise the risk of transmission and also to reduce the pain it causes to the sufferer.

It is really possible to diagnose genital herpes?

The Centers for Disease Control in the US has declared it in no uncertain terms that genital herpes can be diagnosed early for quicker and more effective treatment. It is still not possible to completely cure a herpes patient, but with timely detection of the herpes simplex virus in the body, it is possible to start antiviral treatment early. Medicines such as Valtrex and Famvir should  be used as soon as possible after herpes is detected. The same goes for herpes zoster (shingles) and cold sores treatment.

To begin herpes treatment with antiviral medication, clinical diagnosis is important. As about 20% of the total herpes patients do not even know that they carry the virus, it is no good to wait until visual symptoms appear. Another problem with visual symptoms is that majority of people confuse them with the signs of other health conditions and remain completely ignorant of the onset of a herpes outbreak.

Types of tests

A blood test is one of the most sought after tests to predict the presence of the herpes simplex virus. It can detect herpes simplex virus antibodies even when no visible symptoms are present. But the problem with a blood test is that it can churn out a false-negative result if you are infected within the past few days. It usually takes a few weeks for the herpes simplex virus to be present in the blood.

PCR and Tzanck tests are also reliable ways to diagnose genital herpes. A Tzanck test can be conducted when sores and blisters are visible. The medical examiner would take a sample  from your lesions and place it on a microscopic slide. Then the sample will be stained with a certain type of dye to differentiate the infected cells from the uninfected ones.

Considering the inconsistent results obtained from the Tzanck test, many doctors rely on the PCR and culture tests. The PCR test, which tries to detect the DNA of the herpes simplex virus, is scientifically very accurate but can be expensive for many patients.

An upcoming test to diagnose genital herpes involves urine and saliva testing. The feasibility and effectiveness of this test is still under clinical investigation and once it is approved by medical authorities, you can hope for a far better and more accurate herpes diagnosis in future, compared to the current scenario.

Once genital herpes is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend either Valtrex or Famvir to minimise the risk of transmission and also to shorten the severity of an outbreak. You can buy either of these medicines online from the convenience of your place.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Genital herpes is  a sexually transmitted disease, which is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Many people infected with this virus do not see any noticeable symptoms. Usually, blisters around the rectum and genitals are the first and most common signs of this genital infection. These blisters become dry and break out after a while and are replaced by ulcers, which can last for about a month during the first outbreak, which is generally the most painful time to get through. Outbreaks, which occur after the first one, are relatively less severe and manageable. Although, this infection can be treated, it cannot be cured.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Generally, you can see the first symptoms in the form of development of blisters within 4 to 7 days after sexual intercourse or skin to skin contact with an infected person. Small blisters or ulcers, which are 1 to 3 millimeters in length and look like cabbage, develop on the infected area, which is generally the genital area. Infections caused by herpes are generally painless but they are very tender. The common symptoms of genital herpes are as follows:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Mild or severe headaches
• Painful urination
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Symptoms in women

In women, ulcers are located around the vagina, and sometimes in it. This may cause great discomfort. Blisters may be found on the anus as well. Many women experience minor problems in the vagina from time to time. Vaginal discharge is generally the first sign of a genital infection amongst females. Other symptoms of female genital herpes, such as frequent urination and a burning feeling at the time of urination, may be observed as well.

Symptoms in men

In men, sores are located on or around the penis. Painful urination is a common symptom of genital herpes. Male genital herpes is less common than female genital herpes. This is because the makeup of female genitalia encourages bacterial formation by giving it a warm and wet environment.

Treatment for genital herpes

If you are suffering from genital herpes, you can treat it by using effective medication. Famvir and Valtrex are the two most effective medications that are widely used by people to treat genital herpes symptoms. These medications, apart from being effective in cold sores treatments, can help you manage and shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks.

Valtrex tablets

Valacyclovir is commercially sold as Valtrex, which is active against the herpes virus. Valtrex tablets work  by blocking the replication of the herpes virus in the body. Valtrex is not the active drug by itself. It is only a prodrug, and is converted to acyclovir when it enters the body.

Famvir tablets

Famvir is an antiviral medication, which slows down the growth and reduces the severity of the herpes virus. While this medication is amongst the most effective ones to treat herpes, you should note that herpes cannot be fully cured, it can only be treated. Famvir tablets help in treatment of genital herpes, if taken as prescribed.

Genital Herpes - Risk Factors and Treatment

There are at least twenty five different types of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) found so far and chlamydia is reported to be the most common among them. Genital herpes comes 10th in the list of common STDs, preceded by HIV and followed by hepatitis. Despite the lower rank, this viral STD is among the most feared genital infections because it has no complete cure. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes infection can be of 2 primary types – cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores is generally caused by HSV-1 while genital herpes is transmitted mainly by HSV-2.

Herpes has always drawn a lot of medical attention, perhaps more than chlamydia or some of the other STDs, because of the interesting nature of the virus that causes it. The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from one individual to another through sex or any kind of physical contact. The infection is very contagious and even safe sex does not fully guarantee prevention. Basically there are two major challenges when it comes to dealing with genital herpes. First, you can be unaware of the fact that you carry the virus in your body. Second, you can unknowingly transmit the virus to your partner at the time of sexual intimacy. The second concern is very real and can be difficult to prevent. You need not suffer from an active herpes outbreak to transmit the virus. Even when you do not have any visible symptoms of herpes, it is possible for the virus latent in the cell bodies to transmit to your partner.

The good news is that strong antiviral medications such as Valtrex and Famvir can give you relief from the immediate as well as long-term complications of genital herpes. Valtrex is the only proven drug to reduce the risk of herpes transmission between sexually active partners. Famvir, on the other hand, can help you fight recurrent herpes outbreaks quickly and without much pain.

The basic purpose of antiviral genital herpes treatment is to help patients live with the virus, for there is no way to cure herpes completely. Both Valtrex and Famvir can do it and do it well enough to earn the trust of many doctors worldwide. If your immune system is healthy and if you do not suffer from kidney problems, the once-daily Valtrex dose can make sure you don't suffer from recurrent herpes outbreaks. Similarly taking just 4 Famvir tablets (first 2 within 6 hours from an outbreak and the next 2 after 12 hours) can shorten the duration of genital herpes symptoms and give you fast relief. But to find out which medicine you should take, you have to talk to a doctor. Both drugs are available only on prescription.

More than 30,000 people had their first herpes attacks in 2009, according to statistics given by different GUM clinics in the UK. The rate at which genital herpes is spreading in the country is quite alarming and to pull the graph down, everyone should be aware of its dangers and risk factors and act on according to expert advice.

Genital infections and their prevention

Both genital herpes and genital warts can make your life difficult. These sexually transmitted diseases are difficult to deal with and more importantly, are impossible to share with anyone other than your partner.

Genital warts is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) while the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is responsible for herpes. Both conditions require strong suppressive treatments. In case of herpes, you have the Valtrex tablets and the Famvir tablets. And for warts, you can rely on cryotherapy or a few other specific chemicals. But no treatment ensures that you will get rid of the viruses that cause them.

Herpes can catch you off-guard, so can warts

Most people do not even have a clue about an impending herpes or warts infection until the symptoms appear. Heavy stress or exposure to sunlight can trigger a herpes outbreak, while the warts virus may spring back to life after remaining latent inside the body for an indefinite period of time. Unsafe sexual practices, as in sex without a condom or other protective barrier, can cause both the viruses to transmit from one partner to another. 

Prevention is better than cure 

Genital warts is incurable, so is genital herpes. The moment the HPV or the HSV stealthily enters your body, you become a permanent carrier of these viruses. But is there anything you can do to prevent it from entering your body? You can. All you need is a little adjustment in your lifestyle and sexual behaviour. 

One partner 

Stick to a single sex partner to lower the risk of warts of herpes transmission. As with any other sexually transmitted diseases, the risk of genital warts or genital herpes increases with more than one partners in bed. Having a single sex partner helps prevent both female genital herpes as well as male genital herpes.

Safe sex practices 

Adopting safer sex practices is a must if you want to prevent transmission of genital warts or herpes. Wear latex condoms each time you have sex. Never have sex, or even engage in foreplay, with someone who has warts or is undergoing genital herpes treatment at the moment. Both viruses can be transmitted not just through penetration, but also through kissing or any type of skin-to-skin contact.

Better hygiene  

Are you very careful about maintaining a hygienic lifestyle in general? Attention to detail in matters of hygiene can prevent many health problems, particularly sexually transmitted infections. Although better hygiene alone does not totally eliminate the chance of genital herpes or warts, it surely lessens their prevalence. Always wear clothes that are well washed. Avoid tighter clothes around the genitals. Take regular bath and wash your genitals with soap. 

Abstain from sex 

This one can be a bit harsh to swallow! Many people do actually abstain from sexual activities altogether to eliminate the chance of getting infected with the SPV or the HSV. As these infections can spread through any type of person-to-person contact, sexual abstinence implies not just refraining from penetrative sex, but also from non-penetrative sexual activities such as cuddling and stroking the genitals. But this might not be your choice if you are already in an active sexual relationship. Besides, it is not worth denying yourself the pleasures of sex for fear of a disease. However, you must abstain from sex when either you or your partner have an active outbreak.

Genital herpes treatment with Valtrex and Famvir

Once you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you know for certain that the herpes simplex virus is there to stay with you for the rest of your life. You may not have to suffer from outbreaks every now and then, given that you can manage your stress levels better and lead a healthy life in general, but the chance of you suffering from an active outbreak remains alive all the same. The very knowledge of this threat can be creepy and unsettling.

Sadly no genital herpes treatment can kill the simplex virus once it's inside the body. The existing antiviral treatments can only suppress the virus and give you quick relief from the painful genital herpes symptoms. Turns out, you do not have to feel scared about this infection should you ever catch it. This is because antiviral medications can reduce the pain of herpes and may also keep the virus ineffective for long enough to help you lead a normal, worry free life.

Getting through the initial phase

Getting through the primary phase of an active herpes outbreak is usually very painful and you should be very careful not to transmit the virus to your sex partner. What usually starts with itching and mild pain can develop into raw sores within a couple of hours or days. The sores may appear on the penis, vagina, or scrotum and leave you in severe discomfort. Urination can be painful and women may experience vaginal discharge during the initial stage of a full-blown herpes outbreak.

Medicines as fast-acting and long-lasting solutions

Valtrex and Famvir are the two most commonly prescribed medicines for herpes treatment. Valtrex is the choicest medicine when it comes to getting quick relief from the symptoms. You have the prescribed dosage of Valtrex as soon as you experience the early warning signs of this genital infection. This medicine is also capable of preventing herpes transmission through sexual contact. But you must engage in safe sex practices to ensure that.

Doctors recommend Famvir mostly when the patient is about to suffer from recurrent herpes outbreaks. If taken within 6 hours from the early signs of a full-blown herpes attack, Famvir can prevent the itches from turning into raw sores. You can also use Famvir as a long-lasting solution to prevent herpes recurrences. All you need to do is keep an extra pack ready to hand. It will help you begin treatment immediately after you feel an outbreak is coming on.