HSV Q & A

Herpes has been known to exist for thousands of years. Old texts discovered by the ancient Greeks described the Herpes Simplex Virus as being present as early as the 5th century, but it was only recently (within the past 100 years or so) that it's been understood. 

HSV-1 is commonly known as cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are contagious and are usually transmitted to others through kissing. More than half of the population in the United States has HSV-1. Most people are infected with HSV-1 during childhood from a non-sexual kiss from a relative or friend who has kissed them during an active outbreak of oral HSV-1. You need only come into contact with a cold sore once to contract HSV-1.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 or HSV-2 is commonly known as genital herpes. Initial genital herpes symptoms can cause genital aches, pain, burning, tingling, sciatica (ache down one leg), and flu-like symptoms.

Canker sores aren't related to the Herpes Simplex Virus. Still, like herpes, they are ulcers (one or more) that appear on the inner cheek, gums, tongue, or inside the lips of the mouth. Canker sores can be caused by stress or eating acidic foods, such as strawberries, tomatoes, pineapple, tomato sauce, and salsa. Canker sore symptoms can be healed with many of the same natural remedies used for herpes outbreaks.

Each year, at least 1 million people in the United States experience a Shingles outbreak. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which is responsible for causing Chickenpox. 

Opening a book or a website and, without warning, seeing gruesome photographs of what a herpes outbreak looks like can be extremely upsetting, so you'll see no shocking photos of herpes here.

The types of Herpes are..." Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6 (variants A and B), human herpesvirus 7, and Kaposi's sarcoma virus or human herpesvirus 8. A simian virus, called the B virus, occasionally infects humans (NCBI)."

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is highly contagious, but it is not transmitted through the air like cold and flu viruses. You could be in a room full of people with active herpes outbreaks and walk right through without a hitch.

Viral shedding is a term used to describe the process by which the virus travels up the nerves to the skin, just before causing blisters to erupt. Shedding is also referred to as the prodromal phase. This prodromal phase (viral shedding) can happen without ever showing signs of an active outbreak, known as asymptomatic shedding.

Unless you are a medical student or a serious geek, the data you encounter while researching how herpes hides from the immune system will probably make your brain spin and put your emotional nerves on edge. The following is just one example.

Herpes is diagnosed by examining visible sores or taking a sample for laboratory testing. Blood tests can detect antibodies toward HSV-1 or HSV-2, even between outbreaks. Most doctors can accurately diagnose HSV based on signs and symptoms, even without conducting lab tests. And, as embarrassing as it may be, the benefit to seeing your doctor for a diagnosis is that it's possible that what you think is an initial outbreak isn't. You can be infected and have no immediate symptoms. You can be symptom-free for weeks, months, and years (even decades).

Medical doctors often treat herpes with antiviral drugs and steroids. While antiviral prescription drugs should be reserved for acute infections, they are available and prescribed by medical doctors to just about anyone who wants to try them. Antiviral prescription drugs are believed to lower the ability of the virus to multiply in your body, thereby reducing your symptoms, but there can be terrible side effects. 

When diagnosed with herpes, there are certain things your doctor, clinic, or lab may never tell you about the Herpes Simplex Virus, which aren't necessarily secrets or a result of negligence or an uncaring attitude. They are things that, more or less, go unsaid.

Prescription medicines often cause allergic Pruritus, which is all-over itching that can drive one insane relatively quickly. What does allergic itching feel like? Pruritus might feel like tiny, invisible bugs biting you simultaneously or spider webs dragging across your skin, making you itch just enough to scratch or rub your skin. Only nothing is there. If you're taking medication and experience itching, contact your doctor or call 911. Itching is an allergic reaction to medications or something else that could become worse. 

By definition, Depression means to "sadden, make less active, and lower in value". Depression is defined as a hollow or low place, a lowly spirit, and less activity (not as busy). 

Stress is a significant contributor to herpes outbreaks, and understanding its role is essential in achieving and maintaining remission of the virus. Why? Because stress triggers inflammation, which wakes the Herpes Simplex Virus from its dormant state. It shuts down your digestive tract until the stress passes. If a vicious dog were chasing you, your body would need energy to run like hell, pulling energy away from less essential functions until the danger passes. But this can happen when you're in a state of chronic stress, which is easy to be in these days. What does this have to do with herpes, and why is this so detrimental to your health? Because your immune system is mostly in your gut. No optimal digestion. No optimal immunity.

Becoming pregnant is a significant concern for every woman with herpes because it's possible to transmit herpes to the newborn infant, causing neonatal herpes. Here's what you need to know.

Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, and when you live with herpes, an anal rash or a rash inside your gluteal crack can be unnerving. Yes, you can have anal herpes, which leads to itching and blistering around the anus and, sometimes, a rash in the crack of your buttocks. But not all bottom rashes are herpes-related. The following conditions can cause inflammation in these areas. Of course, inflammation can trigger a herpes outbreak, so you'll want to address these issues promptly.

Has your bottom, thigh, or leg ever started hurting before, during, or after a genital herpes outbreak? Leg pain is more common than you think when living with genital herpes (HSV-2). Other sensations include numbness, tingling, skin sensitivity, overall leg weakness, and shooting pains. For example, when you have sensitive skin, sitting on a cold toilet seat can cause discomfort in the back of your thighs. These sensations are similar to those caused by sciatica and can spread as far as your feet. It's caused by irritated nerves that have become sensitized as the herpes virus travels through your nerve ganglia. When these symptoms persist, it is called Postherpetic Neuralgia and is considered a complication of the Herpes Simplex Virus.

There can be many complications from the Herpes Simplex Virus, including everything from feeling more emotional during an outbreak to experiencing severe symptoms, even death. Complications include the following symptoms and conditions.

The social stigma surrounding HSV is alive and well. No other virus is treated with as much prejudice as the herpes virus, so it can be intimidating to tell someone you coexist with herpes. 

When you and your partner have both contracted the Herpes Simplex Virus, it may seem as though you won't have to worry about passing it on to each other. Sorry. From a psychological and emotional perspective, you may find comfort in knowing that your stories are shared and that you are loved, regardless. However, there is still much to consider.

First, The History of the Condom

Most of us love and treasure our pets as friends and family members. For some of us, they ARE our family. The last thing we'd ever want to do is pass on the herpes virus to them. But is this even possible? Can pets contract HSV?

Yes. The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause Cancer. However, living with herpes doesn't mean you'll get Cancer.