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 Herpes News

Herpes News This herpes blog gives the latest herpes news and updates at Best-Herpes-Treatments.com, the website that tells you everything about cold sore and herpes treatment, herbs and natural herpes remedies

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  • Feb 6, Herpes Pain: Tylenol - Understanding the Risks - 07-02-2012
    What do you reach for when the pain from a herpes outbreak or headache becomes too much to bear? Do you go for the pack marked Tylenol? Tylenol is a branded drug sold in the U.S. whose primary ingredient is acetaminophen, known as paracetamol throughout Europe and much of the world. There is evidence to suggest that acetominophen/paracetamol is an effective drug in the management of fever and minor aches and pains. And if you sense a ?but? coming up, then you?re absolutely right? ? An overdose of this potent drug can KILL. The recommended dosage laid out on the pack is not for fun. It?s been known for a long time that an acute overdose is often lethal, but new research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that even a minor overdose of this stuff over a prolonged period can cause liver failure and that is exacerbated if combined with alcohol. You may think this drug should be kept under lock and key and prescribed carefully, but in fact you can buy it over the counter in European pharmacies and in some countries, including Britain and the US, you can even buy it in your local supermarket. I am not telling you that taking this drug is dangerous in itself, though there are alternative painkillers, both chemical and natural. But if you choose to take it, please be aware of the dangers of taking more than the prescribed dose. acetominophen/paracetamol is the largest cause of acute liver failure both in the US and the UK. You should also be aware that this substance is present in other medicines, including some sold over the counter. It is additionally sold in Europe under the brand names Doliprane and Efferalgan and in India under the name Crocin. In China,Korea and elsewhere it is sold under local brand names. If traveling, be sure to check the ingredients of any unfamiliar analgesic by looking for its chemical name which will be shown either as acetaminophen or paracetamol.

  • Feb 2, Herpes Zoster and UV radiation linked - 02-02-2012
    Could the country you live in determine your risk of contracting chickenpox (herpes zoster)? According to research virologist Dr. Phil Rice of St. George?s, University of London, it almost certainly can. In temperate climatic zones, chickenpox peaks in the cooler seasons of winter and spring. In many tropical areas, however, the incidence of chickenpox is much lower than, for example, in northern and central Europe. In the past, scientists have attributed this disparity to factors such as mean temperature, humidity and population density. This theory, however, could not explain the fact that chickenpox outbreaks in India and Sri Lanka peak in the hot, dry sunny season. Now Dr. Rice has compared data on chickenpox with UV radiation levels for 25 countries. It seems there is a correlation between the UV level and the likelihood of cross-infection with chickenpox. The apparent anomalies of India and Sri Lanka stem from the fact that during the hottest and driest time of the year, UV rays are reflected back into space by low-level air pollution (ozone layer) before they reach earth. Conversely in the humid, monsoon seasons, the UV radiation is able to penetrate the earth?s atmosphere more freely. Dr Rice says: "No one had considered UV as a factor before, but when I looked at the epidemiological studies, they showed a good correlation between global latitude and the presence of the virus.? Dr Rice believes his discovery explains why there are two types of chickenpox virus in existence ? one temperate and one tropical. The current chickenpox vaccine was developed in the 1970s when only one type of virus was known and Dr Rice believes that his research may help future development of vaccines, cautioning that further studies are required to determine more fully the effect of UV rays on the virus. Reference: Philip S Rice. Ultra-violet radiation is responsible for the differences in global epidemiology of chickenpox and the evolution of varicella-zoster virus as man migrated out of Africa. Virology Journal, 2011; 8 (1): 189 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-8-189

  • Jan 26, Herpes Transmission: circumcision reduces herpes risk - but only in men - 26-01-2012
    Male circumcision reduces herpes risk ? but only in men. Clinical trials in Rakai, Uganda, were set up to test the hypothesis that heterosexual HSV-2 genital herpes infection was less likely when the male partner had been circumcised. It had already been established that circumcision lessened the risk of infection with HIV in men. In the Rakai experiment, 740 males were enrolled, 368 of whom were randomly selected for circumcision. The female partners of all the men in the experiment were tested HIV and HSV-2 negative. Over a study period of two years it was found that the incidence of HSV-2 infection among the men who had been circumcised was significantly lower. By contrast however, the HSV-2 infection rate among their female partners was unchanged. Considering that women are four times more likely to catch herpes than men, circumcision seems to be a healthy choice for discordant couples where the male partner is infected. However, circumcision when performed in adulthood seem to diminish sexual pleasure in some men. You can read more about this on Wikipedia

  • Jan 19, Herpes treatment: Weeping Fig extract inhibits herpes viruses - 19-01-2012
    It?s been believed for some time that the weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina) has held healing properties for herpes zoster (shingles) but until recently there has been little scientific evidence to back up the claim. Now scientists at Israel?s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have taken ethanol extracts from the leaf of the tree and successfully demonstrated that not only is the extract effective in combating the herpes zoster virus, but also shows good potential in inhibiting HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpes viruses. Let?s hope this new research leads on to greater things in the future.

  • Jan 14, Herpes Treatment Research: Nonoviricides Inc. receives new funding - 14-01-2012
    Connecticut based Nanoviricides Inc has succeeded in raising an additional $5 million in funding from Seaside88, a Florida based investment company which has previously provided Nanoviricides with $15 of funding. Nanoviricides Inc. is pioneering a novel approach to antiviral treatment targeting multiple points of virus particles. It is currently researching this technology in tackling various viruses including herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2, Hepatitis C and influenza. Company President, Dr. Anil Diwan said ?We are pleased with this?financing. [It] comes at a crucial time ? [and]... will help us?to move forward with all of the drug programs in our broad pipeline.?

  • Jan 10, Herpes Transmission: Tenofovir gel study dropped! - 10-01-2012
    Last November, one of the vaginal gels being studied for the prevention of HIV and herpes HSV transmission was dropped. It seems that one study after the other either gets dropped or return negative results. The quest for a gel that would prevent STD and herpes transmission during intercourse seems to be ridden with obstacles. Very few of such gels are still in the pipelines. Here is a herpes article that gives more information about what is currently happening in the microbicide gel world

  • Jan 6, Herpes and autoimmune disease - 06-01-2012
    Recent research at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Syria sought to establish whether there was a causal link between herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 and autoimmune thyroid disease. Viral infections have been suspected of being a trigger to autoimmune disease. The hypothesis was unproven, but remains open to future research on a more diverse scale.

  • Jan 3, STD Research: Major breakthrough in hepatitis C treatment - 03-01-2012
    What were the highlights of 2011 in the medical world? Well here?s a treatment breakthrough hailed recently by Dr Marvin Bittner of Creighton University (Omaha NE) as ?one of the biggest advances in medicine this [2011] year.? Dr Bittner is referring to the use of two new drugs, Incivek (known as Incivo in Europe) and Victrelis in the fight against Hepatitis C, a debilitating liver disease which is responsible for more than 40% of liver transplants in the United States. Whereas herpes and HIV viruses can only be treated and controlled, Hepatitis C can sometimes be eliminated, although up to now this has only been possible with treatment with the drugs interferon and ribavirin and has successfully eradicated the disease in only about 40% of patients. According to research, Incivek can help cure Hepatitis C faster, reducing the timescale from 48 weeks to 24 weeks in 75 percent of patients. This is a major improvement. Patients taking either of these new drugs must simultaneously continue with a combined interferon and ribavirin regime, but this new multi-pronged treatment appears to eliminate Hepatitis C in 75 percent of patients when data is extracted from clinical trials. Treatment with either Incivek or Victrelis is highly expensive, at between $25.000 and $50,000 per patient treatment, excluding the cost of interferon and ribavirin, but most US health insurance policies cover the costs, with financial assistance also offered by both manufacturing companies and Incivek manufacturer Vertex offering the drug free to any uninsured patient whose income is less than $100,000. The treatment regime is harsh, with side effects including diarrhea, nausea, headache, rash and severe fatigue and, according to hepatitis expert Dr Mark Mailliard of the University of Nebraska, up to twenty percent of patients will not be able to tolerate the new therapy, which is unsuitable for patients with severe liver scarring or certain other medical complications. Such an improvement in the treatment of Hepatitis C gives me hope for future medical breakthroughs related to herpes treatment. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies keep coming up with very expensive and potentially harmful drugs that only a few can afford.

  • Dec 30, Herpes Transmission: Tenofovir gel could soon be available in South Africa - 30-12-2011
    After two decades of painstaking research, the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal is preparing for the roll out of tenofovir vaginal anti-retroviral gel. Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, project director at Vulindlela Rural Research Site, Caprisa (Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa) has been involved with the program from the outset. She told Durban Daily News: ?Twenty years might sound a long time, but this sort of science requires painstaking input from every member of the research team. We have had to ensure that every avenue ? from concept to proof ? has been covered. Now that we can prove that tenofovir gel works, we are looking forward to implementing the next step.? Tenofovir gel has been found to be effective against both HIV and HSV-2 herpes infections. An ongoing Caprisa trial seeks to confirm the very positive results of previous testing and subject to approval by the Medicine Controls Council, provision of the gel could soon be incorporated into KwaZulu-Natal?s family planning clinics. The breakthrough has been described by the World Health Organization as one of the most significant in the fight against AIDS.

  • Dec 27, Would you Like to End this Year Herpes Outbreak Free? - 27-12-2011
    Christmas parties, New Year's eve and other celebrations during Holiday Season can bring their loads of stress to the immune system. Drinking, sweets, bakeries, pasteries, late nights all combined are likely to trigger a herpes outbreak. If you want to prevent herpes from causing any trouble or symptoms this Holiday Season, I invite you to read one of my articles on the subject here

  • Dec 23, Could herpes virus treat breast cancer? - 23-12-2011
    When you have herpes, you think of it only as a curse, but new research indicates it may actually prove to be a blessing in disguise for women. Research involving mice carried out at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City) showed that a genetically modified herpes virus (known as NV1066) could have the potential to treat aggressive breast cancer. Scientists infected breast cancer cells with the modified virus and then injected the cancer cells into mice. They discovered that 90% of the cancer cells were destroyed within one week. It must be stressed that this is merely preliminary research and further tests will be needed to see if the treatment is safe and effective in humans. Similar research has been carried out into other forms of cancer but this is the first such study involving breast cancer.

  • Dec 20, STD Transmission: research trials of anal microbicide are promising - 20-12-2011
    A study of a microbicide vaginal gel has shown it to be effective in the reduction of HIV infection when applied anally. Whereas it is known that anal intercourse is the main route for HIV infection among men who have sex with men, it is also true that many more women than men practice anal sex. This finding is therefore highly significant in the worldwide fight against HIV infection among both men and women. The risk of contracting HIV is between 20 and 2,000 times higher with receptive anal sex than with receptive vaginal sex, particularly when other infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes are present according to the study?s principal author, Dr. Peter Anton of the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. In the first part of this phase one clinical trial of the microbicide, known as UC781, a single application of the gel was applied to rectal tissue which was subsequently exposed to HIV in the laboratory. Tissue samples were taken 30 minutes after application. In the second part of the trial, participants were invited to self-administer the gel once daily for a week before returning to the clinic for another tissue sample collection. This trial involved 36 male and female subjects who were not infected with HIV. Half were given a placebo and half a concentration of UC781. While the trial used gel formulated for vaginal use, further trials of a gel specifically designed for anal use are due to take place in the New Year. Dr Anton commented: ??it is very gratifying that the results were so impressive. This approach reflects the kind of intensive analyses these dedicated participants ? are willing to tolerate to help us evaluate a drug's potential?? Hopefully, these results will also be encouraging for herpes transmission in further studies.

  • Dec 15, Herpes Zoster - to vaccinate or not to vaccinate? - 15-12-2011
    The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends vaccination against herpes zoster (shingles) for all persons aged 60 or over as a precautionary measure against the onset of the disease. The virus causes chicken pox, largely in children, and after chickenpox symptoms have subsided, as with other herpes forms, the virus lies dormant in the body and can re-emerge as shingles in later life. People over 50 years of age are more vulnerable to shingles outbreaks and half of people living to the age of 85 will experience an episode of shingles. So are there risks associated with the vaccine?  And do the benefits of inoculation outweigh the risks of side-effects? The CDC issues its own information sheet, in which it admits that the vaccine is only 50% effective, though there is evidence that even people who go on to contract shingles after vaccination suffer less post-herpetic neuralgia ? an often excruciating pain which can last long after the visible shingles rash has disappeared. Other known side-effects, according to CDC can include redness and swelling around the site of the injection and sometimes headache, though headache and sometimes severe headache is a common symptom of the disease itself. The biggest single long-term risk to health associated with the herpes zoster virus is corneal damage. In the United States, shingles is a major factor in corneal blindness when it affects the eye, and although most cases of shingles do not affect the eye, this is always a possibility. As with most vaccines, there are specific incidences in which it should not be administered, these include people suffering with certain other medical conditions or having a known allergy to certain substances. These are clearly set out in the CDC guidelines and should be carefully read before any decision on vaccination is made.

  • Dec 9, Herpes & STDs: Alarming rises in STI infections - 10-12-2011
    A report from the US Center for Disease Control(CDC) summarizes the story in stark terms: ?STDs are one of the most critical health challenges facing the nation today." Awareness of the dangers of tobacco use has resulted in a significant decline in the incidence of lung cancer; diagnostic techniques and an understanding of diet have resulted in a decline in the rate of colorectal cancer? but have well-publicized HIV Herpes and Chlamydia campaigns had a significant effect on the increase in STDs?  No, they have not. Reported cases of Chlamydia in the United States have increased year on year for the past twenty years, reaching a staggering 1.3 million in 2010. CDC emphasizes that a major factor in this statistic is improved diagnosis, yet half of all Chlamydia cases remain undiagnosed and less than half of sexually active women take advantage of the recommended annual screening. While treatment for many STDs improves, there is evidence that gonorrhea may be developing resistance to the only effective antibiotic; herpes infection remains at an unacceptably high level and still incurable and although the incidence of syphilis fell overall between 2009 and 2010, the incidence of the disease in black males rose by over one hundred percent. Disparity between white, black and Hispanic communities continues, with income and social status a major factor in the incidence of sexual disease. CDC and others work with health authorities to target the most ?at risk? communities, but until there are meaningful federal programs for help and prevention in this area I fear this is going to be a continuing theme of this blog for months and years to come.

  • Nov 30, Herpes Research: Genetic Predisposition to Herpes Infection - 01-12-2011
    Researchers from the Universities of Utah and Massachusetts have successfully identified a gene which appears to regulate the frequency of HSV-1 herpes cold sore outbreaks. The research, by Dr John D. Kriesel and colleagues, elaborated on previous research on a group of 43 large Utah families which had identified a group of six genes within chromosome 21 which were associated with HSV-1 herpes. The precise role of the gene remains unclear, but its discovery paves the way for more widespread research across a wider spectrum of the population. The implications of this research are that future drugs may be more accurately formulated and targeted. Future studies may also determine whether this or another related gene has an association with HSV-2 genital herpes. The propensity of genes to determine the likelihood of pediatric infectious diseases, including herpes simplex encephalitis, was initially discovered by Professor Jean-Laurent Casanova. His research findings have revolutionized medical and immunological research. In 1999, with Dr. Laurent Abel, Prof. Casanova co-founded the Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases. This year, Prof. Casanova received the Inbev-Baillet Latour Health Prize for his pioneering work in the field, together with a research grant of 250,000 Euros.

  • Nov 28, Could herpes hold key to cancer cure? - 29-11-2011
    Could the herpes virus HSV-1 hold the key to a cancer cure?  That is the unlikely possibility which has been thrown up by research in Ohio.  The research team used the virus to develop an oncolytic virus named 34.5ENVE.  This engineered virus was injected into mice infected with glioblastoma, a virulent type of brain cancer in humans. Against a control sample of infected mice injected with an older oncolytic virus, the mice treated with the altered herpes virus were tumour free after 80 days, while the control sample survived for only between 20 and 53 days. The oncolytic virus is designed to replicate in cells with high levels of nestin, which is a protein present not only in glioblastoma, but also prostate, pancreatic and breast cancer. Much research is still needed before it is established if the virus is safe for human trials.

  • Nov 23, Herpes transmission: update on tenofovir vaginal gel - 23-11-2011
    Back in June of this year, Herpes News reported the accidental discovery in South Africathat a vaginal gel of 1% tenofovir, designed to inhibit HIV infection, produced a 51% reduction in HSV-2 herpes infection. Now another joint study by Gilead Sciences Inc, (manufacturer of tenofovir), the University of Rome and the Leuven Catholic University of Belgium has produced very similar results. Quite apart from the fact that this gel could dramatically reduce HSV-2 and HIV infections, it gives power to women to take control in situations where men have been and often continue to be reluctant to take responsibility for infection control by the use of condoms. It remains the case that women are particularly prone to HSV-2 infection and that black women are particularly vulnerable. Online black community magazine, BET.com reported: ?not all women feel comfortable or safe demanding their male partners to use condoms. Albeit being in an abusive relationship, being economically dependent on your partner, or not feeling empowered to talk about condom use, this power dynamic definitely plays a factor in the HIV rates among Black women. The good news is that microbicides can offer women discreet protection that they control in order to protect them from HIV and herpes.? It is not clear when tenofovir vaginal gel will be approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

  • Nov 15, Herpes diet: Why Organic food is so important to your health - 16-11-2011
    Ever an advocate of what is fresh and natural in the world of nutrition; I always advocate the use of organic fruit and vegetables whenever that is possible. Today I want to explain why I believe that is so important to your health. Between the years 2000 and 2009, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) carried out tests on 53 popular varieties of fruit and vegetables in the United States with a view to discovering the presence and quantity of toxins in non-organic produce available on sale. Among the alarming facts revealed was that in a sample of 700 apples, 98% contained traces of pesticides, with most containing a minimum of two types of pesticide. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that no less than 36 varieties of pesticide are commonly used in the commercial production of apples. The story doesn?t begin and end with apples. Among the top ten polluted fruits and vegetables were blueberries (in spite of all the publicity about how good this fruit is for you, it came second in the top ten of polluted produce!), celery, grapes and spinach. So why are these popular and wholesome fruit and vegetables treated with toxins?  The simple answer is so that they can be mass-produced as cheaply as possible. By treating crops with pesticide there is less wastage and more produce per acre. In the twenty first century we have been conditioned into believing that most foods are cheap and plentiful. The truth is that modern farming methods can produce cheaper fruit and vegetables but that this comes at a price which you may consider too high to pay. That price is not in dollars and cents. It is in terms of your continuing good health. You can scrub inorganic fruit and vegetables to remove some toxins. You can remove the peel ? but because much goodness is found in the peel of most fruits and vegetables that is a little self-defeating. And even washed, scrubbed and peeled produce, particularly soft fruits, will have absorbed some of those toxins into their flesh. Pesticides are designed specifically to kill living organisms ? they simply cannot be healthy to ingest, and are suspected of causing cancers, hormonal imbalance and nervous system problems in humans. I can?t and won?t pretend that organic produce isn?t dearer to buy ? though you can seriously consider growing your own ? but if the extra price gives you the security of knowing that your body isn?t taking in unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals, then I say it is a price worth paying.

  • Nov 8, Herpes Products: Vitamin supplements. Are they doing more harm than good? - 09-11-2011
    Sayer Ji, founder of the website GreenMedInfo.com claims that many proprietary brands of selenium and multi-vitamin supplements are making use of an inorganic and potentially dangerous form of selenium. Pointing out that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified both sodium selenite and selenate as dangerous and toxic, he argues that their presence in vitamin supplement tablets on general sale to the public is harmful and that their continued use is permitted only to appease pharmaceutical giants who produce these supplements, such as Wyeth?s Centrum, singled out for criticism by Ji.  Ji claims: ?The selenium that is found in foods like Brazil nuts, mustard seeds, and fresh produce grown in selenium-rich soil is infinitely different from the biologically inert forms being put in some multivitamins. In fact, i.e., sodium selenite/selenate can cause cancer, whereas the selenium found within food, or laboratory chelated forms like selenomethionine have all been shown to prevent and combat cancer.?  Centrum?s own website contains the statement: ?Centrum vitamins are derived from synthetic source ingredients. Vitamin and mineral supplements can be "synthetic", derived through chemical processes or "natural", derived directly from plants or other materials. There is no evidence that the body absorbs vitamins and minerals derived from natural sources more effectively than "synthetic" vitamins and minerals.?  I always advocate the use of organic foods and supplements wherever possible. You can choose to believe what the pharmaceutical companies say or you can take the view that their wallets have more influence than their ethics.

  • Oct 28, Herpes Drugs: Novartis settles generic Famvir® dispute with Macleod - 28-10-2011
    Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has settled a long-running dispute with Indian generic drug manufacturer Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd, over an alleged infringement of the former?s patent on herpes treatment Famvir®. Judge James E. Boasberg signed a dismissal order after both sides in the dispute testified that they had come to an agreement. Details of the agreement are not currently in the public domain. The implication is that Macleod may now produce its generic herpes drug, permitting a more affordable version of famciclovir, the generic version of Famvir® to reach a wider audience within the Indian sub-continent. Famciclovir is indicated in the treatment and suppression of recurrent HSV-2 genital herpes as well as acute herpes zoster (shingles).

  • Oct 25, "Herpes? Send Him Down!" - 26-10-2011
    As British interest in sentencing for crimes of violence and criminal damage is heightened by the recent riots in London,Manchesterand elsewhere, 28-year-old traffic patrol officer David Golding of the UK Highways Agency, was recently jailed last August for 14 months after admitting causing his former girlfriend Grievous Bodily Harm. Did Golding beat her? Did he attack her with some weapon? No. Golding?s crime was to infect Cara Scott (24) with genital herpes. Within two months of the start of their relationship, Scott was diagnosed with HSV-2 and confronted Golding, who denied responsibility, claiming he had been tested negative by a clinic where he had undergone a herpes test. This, he later admitted, was untrue. A spokesman for Britain?s Crown Prosecution Service, which oversees all criminal prosecutions in the UK said the case was in line with its policy regarding ?intentional or reckless transmission of infection? policy. But spokesman for the Herpes Viruses Association, Nigel Scott, called the sentence ?outrageous?, likening it to the prosecution of children for passing chicken pox to their friends. Dr Colm O?Mahoney of the Chester Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine commented: ?Being sent to prison for passing on herpes simplex is like being sent down for ten years for a parking offence. I?m appalled.? It is notoriously difficult to ascertain exactly how any individual contracts genital herpes without concrete evidence of dates of sexual encounters and comprehensive blood testing, so even though Golding pleaded guilty in court I?m not sure (although I have not seen all the evidence) that the case was even adequately proven. Of course I don?t think it?s right for anyone not to disclose genital herpes to a sexual partner, but I do agree that a prison sentence like this is disproportionate to the offence, if indeed the offence was really committed. I wonder if we?ll be seeing an appeal any time soon.

  • Oct 21, HIV/AIDS - Thirty Years On...and Why You Should Care - 21-10-2011
    Thirty years ago, it was reported that five gay men in Los Angeles were infected with a rare type of pneumonia, peculiar to patients with compromised immune systems. The world wasn?t quite ready for the epidemic that was to follow. In the intervening decades, some 750,000 Americans have lost their lives to AIDS and more than 1.1 million are known to be living with HIV. In August 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) released data showing that the number of HIV infections in the US had been relatively stable between 2006 and 2009 but that the incidence of infection among gay men had increased. In its recent report, the CDC admits that while recent scientific research has equipped medicine with an unprecedented number of infection-preventing methodologies, the challenges presented by HIV infection remain ?daunting? with approximately 50,000 people becoming infected with AIDS each year in the United States alone. Factors in the spread of HIV include a range of social, economic and demographic factors and the CDC?s HIV prevention strategy aims to target the most resources to the neediest communities. Currently the highest risk groups include gay and bisexual men, African Americans and Hispanics, which is not to say that heterosexual men and women of all races are not at risk, particularly intravenous drug users. It has also been established that people infected with HSV genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases can be more at risk of contracting HIV because their other condition(s) compromise their immune system making them more susceptible to the HIV virus. A part of the CDC strategy therefore consists of the testing of more people in high risk communities for other sexually transmitted diseases. By targeting and prioritizing the largest ?at risk? groups in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, CDC aims to maximize the effectiveness of its strategy, stating: ?To make a substantial difference in new infections, priority should be placed on interventions that are practical to implement on a large scale, at reasonable cost. More time and resource-intensive interventions?.should be reserved for people at the very highest risk of transmitting or becoming infected with HIV.?

  • Oct 14, Herpes, The Menopause and Valerian - 14-10-2011
    Today I want to talk about a hardy, summer-flowering, sweet-scented plant called Valerian. Why would I want to diversify into botany? Well although the plant can be beautiful in itself, its root can be processed into a dietary supplement known to have sedative effects. Many women write to me saying that although they haven?t experienced a herpes outbreak for years, as they get older they once again seem to suffer regular outbreaks every couple of weeks or so. As I?ve often emphasized before, stress can be a major factor in herpes outbreaks, but so can lack of sleep, and it?s no coincidence that with the menopause comes hormonal change ? often the cause of both stress and insomnia. A recent study by the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at the Universityof Medical Sciences,Tehran took a sample of 100 post menopausal women aged between 50 and 60 years who were experiencing lack of sleep. Divided randomly, half the sample was administered 530mg of concentrated valerian extract twice daily. The remaining half was delivered a placebo. Almost one third of the women given valerian (30%) reported improved patterns of sleep, giving credence to this supplement?s efficacy in aiding sleep. If you?re affected by sleeplessness you could consider trying a valerian supplement. Just a warning, though, of some possible side-effects you may experience. An earlier study (1991) of valerian found it could cause vivid dreams in some patients. Additionally for a very few people, valerian seems to work as a stimulant rather than an aid to sleep. Other reported side-effects of valerian use include headache, dry mouth and morning drowsiness. If you find that valerian affects you adversely then clearly you should cease using it and in the unlikely event of more serious side-effects you should consult your physician. In my twenties, I used valerian to help me sleep. I found it most useful when combined with hops. Hops seemed to do little on their own, but enhanced the sedative effect when combined with valerian . I find this combination most effective to prevent insomnia. Sleep deprivation will increase your chances of experiencing herpes recurrences. That's why I believe the temporary use of these herbs could be most useful to help you prevent herpes if you tend to suffer from mild or occasional insomnia.

  • Oct 4, Herpes Research: New Hope for EBV sufferers - 04-10-2011
    Although the Epstein-Barr herpes virus infects about 95% of the population, it normally lies dormant for life and causes no ill effects whatsoever. But in patients with a weakened immune system, the story can be very different, and EB can lead on to cancer and other autoimmune diseases. In spite of some dubious sites you may see on the internet offering miracle cures, as with other varieties of herpes virus, there is no cure for EB. Its symptoms may be alleviated by rest and many holistic remedies are thought to be useful. But once you have the virus, you have the virus. Now researchers at the University of Copenhagen believe they have discovered a means of regulating one of the body?s receptors which seems to play a part in the spread of EB infection. It has been observed that when the EB virus has penetrated, an excess of a receptor known as EB12 suddenly sprouts from the surface of B cells. So far, nobody has figured out why this happens, but whatever the reason it seems to be a part of the process of spreading the EB herpes virus. The Danish team developed a tiny molecule that they believe is capable of binding to the EB12 receptor and inhibiting the disease-spreading process. Lead report author, Tau Benned-Jensen says: ?In time this block may be able to help transplant patients. If we can restrain EB virus reproduction when the immune system is being medically suppressed, we may well be able to avoid cancer."

  • Sep 28, Herpes vaccine research: Iscovena and Genocea strengthen vaccine co-operation - 28-09-2011
    Vaccine adjuvant company Isconova AB and vaccine developer Genocea Biosciences have recently announced the expansion of a collaboration to develop vaccines for six infectious diseases, including HSV-2 herpes, and Chlamydia. The lead program will be that for herpes. The new collaboration agreement allows Genocea to use Iscovena?s Matrix M? additionally in vaccines targeting malaria and gonorrhea. Genocea CEO Chip Clark said: ?A safe and effective adjuvant that elicits strong B and T cell immune response is essential to our aim to prevent or treat the world?s most intractable infectious diseases. For that reason we are delighted to expand our collaboration with Isconova for Matrix M.? Iscovena CEO Lena Söderström commented: ?We are pleased that ?Genocea has selected Isconova's Matrix M? for use in two additional diseases, thus confirming the strengths of our products. All the targeted diseases of the collaboration have high unmet medical needs and therefore significant commercial potential.?

  • Sep 20, Herpes Foods: Hungarian Government says no to GM Maize Crops - 20-09-2011
    Hungary is one of the few European countries to have banned genetically modified food crops in their entirety. So when it was discovered that some maize had been accidentally planted using GM seed, the Hungarian government ordered one thousand acres of it to be ploughed back into the land before its pollen could spread and potentially contaminate other crops. Genetically modified food crops have been causing controversy world wide since the introduction by the giant American agricultural biotechnology company Monsanto of seed trials in the US,UK and elsewhere back in the 1990s. Since then there has been conflicting and contradictory evidence about adverse health effects on humans. By means of extensive lobbying and political pressure by Monsanto and others, many crops both in North America and Europe are grown from genetically modified seed, producing yields resistant to the most widely used herbicide, ?Roundup? which is manufactured by ? yes you guessed ? Monsanto. But the unwanted side effects of these GM crops are not just limited to any known or unknown consequences to human health as a result of their consumption. There is evidence that many weeds are now resistant to Monsanto?s ?Roundup?, possibly because of cross contamination from GM food crops. So the enforced experiment may finally be backfiring on those who set it up. I advocate a diet containing as much natural, organic produce as possible and ?Roundup? treated crops certainly don?t fit that profile. I don?t believe that GM crops of any kind do either. You can find arguments for and against GM crops but ultimately I believe there has to be some kind of payback for messing with nature to this extent. It could be harmful health effects or it could be the choking of perfectly good food crops by ?super weeds.? Either way, I?m with Hungary on this one.

  • Sep 15, New Drug for a Herpes Virus - 16-09-2011
    B3C Newswire reports that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track status to German pharmaceutical AiCuris GmbH?s drug Letermorvir, aimed at the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) HCMV, which is a variety of herpes virus, is particularly harmful to HIV positive individuals and those with a lowered immune resistance for a variety of reasons, including organ transplant. FDA fast track status is reserved for treatments with the potential to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and demonstrating the fulfilment of a previously unmet medical need. Ai Curis CEO, professor Helga Rübsamen-Schaeff said she hoped this would facilitate the eventual regulatory process for Letermorvir, currently undergoing Phase II trials and has already received approval for safety. Test results for efficacy are anticipated by the end of 2011.

  • Sep 12, Herpes, Stds and Teens? (Scary) - 12-09-2011
    It?s been estimated that as many as one in five of the world?s sexually active women may be infected with genital herpes along with about one in nine men. By now that figure will probably no longer shock or surprise you. The argument for practicing safe sex has been repeated over and over by those who ?pick up the pieces? in the medical profession as well as victims of herpes and other STDs. All too often, however, advice seems to fall on deaf ears. So here?s a figure that just might shock you a little. A recent request in the UK under Freedom of Information legislation, revealed that nearly one thousand children, some as young as 11 years old, have been treated for herpes, Chlamydia, genital warts and other sexually transmitted diseases in British clinics over the past three years. Meanwhile, a survey conducted recently by the Co-operative Pharmacy (UK) interviewed 3,000 people and showed that one in three admitted having unprotected sex with a new partner while on holiday. Reasons cited were predominantly an excessive intake of alcohol and poor availability of condoms. The Family Planning Agency added its weight to the safe sex message, a spokesman commenting: ?Investment in sexual health services pays off and spending on sexual health services should be sustained.? Government budget cuts are hitting just about everyone worldwide, but can it really make sense to ?save? money in key areas like this when in reality the health spend on the consequences can be so very much higher?

  • Sep 3, Medivir renegotiates Xerese? sales in US, Canada and Mexico - 04-09-2011
    MedivirAB, Swedish-based producer of HSV-1 herpes treatment Xerese? has negotiated a much-needed boost to its fortunes by giving Meda full rights to sales of the prescription drug in the United States, Canada and Mexico in return for a $45 million cash injection. Under a previous agreement, Meda marketed the product and producer Medivir returned a percentage royalty on sales. The patent originator for Xerese is the giant AstroZeneca who will also see a return on the deal. Meda also gains exclusiveUSrights to develop Xerese as a HSV-2 genital herpes treatment and should this application be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then Medivir will receive a further $10 million payment. Medivir will continue to receive a royalty payment on US sales and retain full commercial rights outside of the United States. Medivir?s stock market value had seen a dramatic fall since July in the Swedish stock market, but now seems to be recovering following this renegotiation.

  • Aug 29, Herpes and other Stds: Is Gonorrhea becoming a superbug? - 30-08-2011
    Scientists in Sweden have confirmed that a new strain of the gonorrhea bacterium is resistant to antibiotics. This strain of Neisseria gonorrhea, classified as HO41, was first discovered in Japan. Dr Magnus Unemo of the Swedish Research Laboratory for Pathogenic Neisseria described the findings as ?alarming and predictable?. The predictability of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases becoming resistant to treatment with antibiotics has been all too apparent in recent years with the over use and over prescription by some physicians of the ?catch all? antibiotic seen by many as the answer to just about every medical situation. The Mayo clinic warns: ?If antibiotics are used ...for things they can?t treat ? like colds, flu and viral infections ? they become less effective against the bacteria they?re intended to treat..? What was initially and correctly seen as a ?wonder drug? with the discovery of penicillin is becoming less and less effective as antibiotics are misused and bacteria become ?smart? at resisting their use. Research continues into newer and more effective antibiotics, but it?s time also to stop thinking of antibiotics as ?first aid? in treating every minor ailment known to mankind. Most coughs, sore throats and ear infections are viral ? untreatable with antibiotics ? and yet antibiotics still seem to remain the first port of call far too often. Meanwhile, gonorrhea remains one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world, with 50% of women and a far smaller proportion of men exhibiting no symptoms whatsoever. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications for women as well as men. Dr David Livermore of the Health Protection Agency (UK) says: "Prevention is better than cure, especially as cure becomes harder, and the most reliable way to protect against STIs - including resistant gonorrhea - is to use a condom with all new and casual partners."

  • Aug 26, Online Herpes Cures Get Busted - 26-08-2011
    In a belated attack of common sense, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to come down hard on US internet sellers purporting to offer a ?cure? for herpes. The move is aimed at removing products such as Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo and C-Cure from the American market. Richard Cleland, assistant director of advertising practices at the Federal Trade Commission said: ?We have reviewed the claims on the websites and have found them to be extremely problematic.? He added: ?When it comes to health products, the internet can be a toxic wasteland for consumers.? read more

  • Aug 16, Herpes Diet: Stay Cristal Clear From These Troubled Waters... - 17-08-2011
    How would you like to join me in a good, healthy(?) glass of malic acid, sucralose, potassium citrate and a few coloring agents ? all diluted with very pure water, of course? Has she gone mad, I hear you ask? Well no. My advice is to stay well clear of such a toxic cocktail. What has happened is that consumerism has gone mad and some very big companies have spotted their opportunity to jump on a fast-moving bandwagon. The ingredients above all form part of the latest craze for adulterated water from Kraft Foods MiO liquid water enhancer. Well you couldn?t make up a more ridiculous term than ?liquid water enhancer? if you tried. If it were not so potentially harmful it would be downright funny. But where is the keenest market for a brightly colored, pleasantly fragranced sweet beverage? You?ve got it in one ? KIDS! I have strong doubts about the safety of adding even fluoride to the domestic water supply and my thoughts about some artificial sweeteners and other food additives are well publicized. So to bring all these things together in brightly colored packaging and advertise it on prime time television begins to make my blood boil. I can?t even begin to think how all these colors and additives may affect an outbreak of herpes that you?re trying to keep under control. Even the amount of additives per drink is not limited. Kraft?s own advertising states: ?Add a little or a lot?. Well here?s my final word. Add this junk product to your banned list. If you have kids make sure you don?t let them near it and if you can find the time, why not write to the FDA and complain that the product is even available.

  • Aug 6, Herpes Drug Research: Important Vical Herpes Vaccine Research Update - 06-08-2011
    San Diego based Vical is working with the University of Washington School of Medicine and Sealy Center for vaccine development (University of Texas) on the development of an HSV-2 genital herpes vaccine, Vaxfectin® aimed primarily at people already infected with HSV-2 with the aim of eliminating or reducing active outbreaks of herpes lesions. Initial trials of the vaccine had already indicated a degree of success, and that is backed up by the latest research update presented at the Washington DC BIO convention on June 28. Executive VP of product development, Alain P. Rolland PhD confirmed tests had shown a significant reduction in HSV-2 lesions displayed by guinea pigs in clinical trials of the vaccine. Hitherto, HSV-2 vaccine research and development has centered on the prevention of infection, but Vical?s innovative approach, using DNA delivery technology to interfere with the shedding of virus in patients already infected may produce a safer and more cost-effective treatment method than current antiviral drug regimens. Vaxfectin is a lipid based adjuvant which was first developed for use with DNA vaccines, notably against influenza. In simple terms an adjuvant is an additive which although not directly active itself, stimulates the body?s immune response to virus infection and enables the active ingredient to work in new ways.

  • Aug 4, Herpes research and the money markets and what it means for you. - 04-08-2011
    You?ve heard me bleat before about how herpes research seems to be all about the profits of the big pharmaceutical companies and keeping their shareholders happy with little regard to those who are at the ?sharp end? of research ? those whose lives are sometimes literally torn apart by herpes. Well now a Global Strategic Business Report has been released about just how profitable the herpes ?market? is right now. And guess what? I?m not going to get apoplectic and rant about shareholder dividends vis-à-vis global suffering. Instead I?m going to take a look at the positive side of all this. It still grips me to talk about herpes and market in the same breath, but I guess we have what we have in Western society and unless we have a taste for revolution we?re just going to have to deal with it. You can download the full report if you have a spare $4,500 to spend. I hope you?ll forgive the fact that I relied on a synopsis for my research. So here?s the good news as I see it. According to the report, the main factors in the growth of this ?market? are as follows: * Rapid rise in cases of herpes infection - currently estimated at 4.0 billion worldwide * HSV virus becoming resistant to current antiviral treatments * Unwanted side effects of current herpes drug treatments So how is this good news? Well it means that the main thrust for the future will be in the research and development of new treatments, including the elusive search for an effective vaccine. None of the big pharmaceutical companies is ready to roll over and submit to its competitors right now, so with an estimated $4.8 billion herpes market at stake by the year 2017, I think we can settle down to watch the battle of the giants. We?ll see the usual run of promising research and not-so-promising research. We will probably witness some more takeovers and mergers in the pharmaceutical jungle and it?s a racing certainty there will be financial casualties along the way. But putting aside profits, shareholdings and the like, it will ultimately be to the benefit of herpes victims, and that can only be a good thing. I?ve never kidded myself into believing any pharmaceutical company is motivated primarily by altruism or philanthropy. But should I let this get in the way of wanting, like every other herpes sufferer, a cure for this curse? No. I should welcome the fact that publicity for this Global Strategic Business Report may just hasten the advent of the day when this blog is redundant and herpes is a thing of the past.

  • Jul 29, Herpes drugs may have value in HIV treatment - 29-07-2011
    Recent trials in both Uganda and Kenya have revealed that treatment of patients infected with both HIV and HSV-2 genital herpes with high dosage acyclovir or valacyclovir showed very significant reduction in HIV viral load. In the Kenya experiment, involving 32 patients, of median age 37 and distributed 17:15 women/men, patients were given either acyclovir or valacyclovir ? whichever drug they had not previously received. The experiment was not blind, however, with patients being aware which of the two drugs they were taking. Dosage given for each drug was 1500mg valacyclovir or 400mg acyclovir twice daily over a period of twelve weeks. Prior to starting this trial each patient had a two week period of taking neither drug. The Ugandan experiment involved acyclovir alone, and showed a threefold drop in viral load. The Kenyan trial showed valacyclovir produced significantly improved results A notable constraint on the continued use of valacyclovir however is its cost. The drug is currently ten times more expensive that acyclovir and in some cases more expensive than anti-HIV drugs. Presenting the results at the 6th IAS conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Rome, study lead Kenneth Mugwanya of Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda said: ?Given the constraints on ART (anti-retroviral therapy) programs, the potential for high dose HSV-2 suppression to delay ART initiation warrants further evaluation.? In more guarded language, Steve Reynolds MD of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland commented that acyclovir treatment ?may be warranted? in people co-infected with HIV and HSV-2

  • Jul 28, Herpes Research: Huge Scientific Breakthrough May Mean the End of Animal Testing - 28-07-2011
    A team in Stuttgart, Germany, headed by Dr. Anke Burger-Kentischer of the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology has successfully developed a 3D herpes infection model. The significance of this achievement is that it allows simulation, for the first time, of the dormant stage of herpes infection. Dr Burger-Kentischer explains: ?The 3-D herpes infection model simulates an in-vivo situation exactly.? She adds: ?Just like in human nerve cells, particles of the virus cannot be seen. Only the presence of its DNA can be proven by means of a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis.? The model enables the study of infection mechanisms and may be used to test new shingles (herpes zoster) medications. One of the major advantages of this technology may be that it precludes the need for research on animals.

  • Jul 20, Herpes Transmission & Symptoms: Swedish Specialist joins call for wider HSV testing - 21-07-2011
    A study of patients attending sexual health clinics in Gothenburg, including a sample of over 1000 patients both male and female showed that more than 20% of women and 10% of men were infected with HSV-2 genital herpes. But the study also revealed that only 40% of infected patients were aware that they had herpes, even though many subsequently reported having experienced frequent genital sores and blisters. The study?s author, Matilda Berntsson, of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Sweden) commented: ?The study reinforces our perception that genital herpes is common and that most people carrying it are unaware that they have it.? Suggesting that anyone with non-specific genital symptoms and who are concerned about genital herpes should visit their doctor, she adds: ?If the symptoms and/or findings suggest herpes, there are good methods for testing for the disorder.? It seems to me that many people suffering herpes symptoms are simply too frightened to do what they know they really should and take a short, simple and painless herpes test. I understand that herpes diagnosis can be scary and how you may think it?s the end of your world ? but I also know that you don?t have to suffer nasty herpes symptoms and that once you accept and understand your herpes infection you can go a very long way toward ensuring your partner or partners remain herpes free by taking my straightforward, no-nonsense advice.

  • Jul 19, Herpes, Sex and Porn - An attitude problem - 19-07-2011
    Porn stars Dylan Ryan and Danny Wylde (both stage names) recently boasted to CNN?s medical correspondent, Elizabeth Cohen, that they weren?t too worried about contracting STDs because they both get monthly tests for various infections. Ryan claims she has sex with about five partners each month in the course of her work and has not contracted a single STD in eight years. Given that genital herpes is thought to be present in about 20% of the world?s population and that the majority of those infected do not know they are, I find this claim very hard to believe. Wylde claims nonchalantly that he reckons to be diagnosed with Chlamydia or gonorrhea about once each year. ?I take some pills and it goes away in a week?, he says, as if referring to a bout of hay fever or a nasty cold. Pink Cross, a religious organization dedicated to campaigning against pornography, claims that since 2004 there have been 2,396 cases of Chlamydia reported among sex workers ? the organization does not present figures for HSV-2. Alarmingly, although ?Talent Testing Services? (no I didn?t make up the name) of Miami FL, offers an STD testing service for adult performers, it does not routinely screen for HSV-2, claiming that results can be inaccurate. And the use of condoms? Ryan makes the bizarre claim that when having sex other than at work she always uses a condom. The risk, she believes, is greater outside the porn industry than within. Wylde claims only to bed fellow sex workers, even off set, for the same reason. I guess you have to make up your mind who you believe ? but for my money sleeping with multiple partners each month over an eight year period is not only asking for trouble for oneself, but putting each and every one of those sex partners at risk too. Pornography may not be directly responsible for the prevalence of HSV and other STDs, but so long as attitudes like this prevail I thank organizations such as Pink Cross for their anti-porn campaigns.

  • Jul 15, Herpes drugs: hepatitis drug breakthrough could influence herpes research - 15-07-2011
    The International Liver Congress held recently in Berlin was presented with research from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) centered on a new hepatitis treatment with synthetic anti-lipopolysaccharide peptides (SALPs) which, unlike conventional therapies which target the replication of the virus, instead prevent the virus from entering cells. EASL Secretary General, Professer Heiner Wedemeyer explained: ?Current treatments available for hepatitis B & D are limited. These novel drugs are the first promising treatments for many years. The shift in the mechanism of action of these drugs -- means they are less likely to produce viral resistance; a huge problem faced by many of today's clinicians.? One study which showed highly promising results in the treatment of liver cells with SALPs also showed activity against other viral infections such as herpes as well as microbial infections like pneumonia. Seems like we may be hearing more about SALPs in the treatment of herpes in the future.

  • Jul 7, Herpes could be key in fight against AIDS - 07-07-2011
    In a novel twist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, scientists have developed a vaccine which latches onto the herpes-related cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is estimated to be present in about half the human population and, like other herpes viruses, once it is in the body it is there for life. This means that once inoculated, the body constantly carries antibodies to fight the HIV infection. Tests were carried out on the primate equivalent of HIV, Simian Immunodeficiency Virus or SIV in a population of macaques. The results were outstanding, with more than 50 percent of the sample maintaining control over the virus for one year, gradually showing no indication that they were ever infected. There is, of course, some way to go before human trials can take place, but Jason Warriner, clinical director of the Terence Higgins Trust called the research ?an exciting new approach?. Study lead, Dr Louis Picker of the Oregon Health & Science University Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute said: ?For a human vaccine, the CMV vector would be weakened sufficiently so that it does not cause illness, but will still protect against HIV?. Dr Wayne Koff, Chief Scientific Officer of the International Aids Vaccine Initiative commented: ?For the first time, a vaccine has been able to fully control the virus in some animals, and the data suggested that the immune system could eventually completely eliminate the virus.?

  • Jul 4, Natural Herpes Treatment: "Hot? News on Herpes Pain Relief - 04-07-2011
    The chili pepper, beloved ingredient of oriental and Mexican foods and a long-used folk remedy in the treatment of the common cold, infections and various ills has found legitimacy in the relief of post-herpetic pain associated with shingles or herpes zoster. Back in 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NeurogeseX Qutenza, a drug made from an extract from the chili (capsaicin) in the form of a patch to be applied topically. Clinical trials had already shown that the patch could provide relief from post-herpetic pain for up to twelve weeks following a single one hour application. At the 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society in Austin, TX, Gordon Irving from the Swedish Pain Center in Seattle, WA presented findings which not only confirmed the efficacy of a similar drug, NGX-4010, but further demonstrated that the treatment was suitable for an elderly population of 80+ years ? a group whose risk of herpes zoster is high, but whose reactions to existing treatments can be a cause for concern. NeurogeseX, who funded the research, are hopeful that their drug may be commercially available within the near future. Scientists from Kings College, London (UK) had been conducting research into the use of a chili extract in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis since 2006. I think cayenne pepper also is great for people with oral and genital herpes who experience unexplained nerve pain in between outbreaks. I like to sip it with lemon juice and maple syrup but you may take capsules instead.

  • Jun 30, Natural herpes remedies: bioflavonoids remain at the forefront of scientific research - 30-06-2011
    I?ve long been advocating a natural approach to fighting herpes. I?m not saying that prescription drugs don?t have their place, but I would much rather exhaust all natural treatment options before attacking my body with drugs which may have side-effects worse than any original symptoms. So I was pleased to see Natural News.com report that at the 2011 Experimental Biology conference recently held in Washington DC, Dr Samuel Wheeler French Jr. of UCLA, presented some findings on the liver disease, hepatitis C which appeared to show that two plant-derived bioflavonoids showed highly promising antiviral properties without damaging cells and causing unpleasant side-effects in patients. The two bioflavonoids, catechin and naringenin showed strong antiviral effects on tissue infected with the hepatitis C virus. Previous experiments by Dr French had shown similar properties in the bioflavonoid quercetin, which is used by many as a nutritional supplement. The bioflavonoid rutin, naturally present in buckwheat, cherries, cranberries and the rind of citrus fruits, acts with vitamin C and is recognised as possessing anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral properties useful in the fight against herpes. Dr French and his team now intend to test catechin and naringenin on patients in a clinical trial which will hopefully bring us more knowledge as to just how effective these natural bioflavonoids can be as antivirals. But for me the greatest thing about this is summed up by Dr French in his own words: "The positive thing about this family of compounds is that they are non-toxic, and can be taken at high doses. Bioflavonoids represent a very promising therapy with very few side effects that could help millions of people."
    • Catechin, long used in Chinese medicine, is found in the tannins of green tea (no other kind of tea)
    • Naringenin is found in Oranges, Grapefruit (higher concentration) and the skins of tomatoes
    • Quercetin is found in black and green tea varieties, citrus fruit, red grapes, tomato, raspberry, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables.
    I do not recommend people with herpes to drink a lot of black tea. White tea has the strongest potential to help prevent symptoms. Tea is best used in between outbreaks to support the immune system. It may make herpes symptoms worse during an outbreak though for several reasons. I will not cover them here but one is that tea being a strong stimulant it may add to the stress an outbreak usually causes. If you want more details on the matter I suggest you visit Herpes Antidote.

  • Jun 27, Herpes Side-Effects: Could a herpes virus be a trigger for Multiple Sclerosis? - 27-06-2011
    Recent research by scientists at the University of Granada (Spain) analyzed the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus, a virus belonging to herpes family, in a sample of 75 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with 76 healthy people. Findings appeared to show that markers indicating a previous infection with Epstein-Barr were prevalent in MS sufferers; evidence of recent infection was discounted. The theory is that antigens produced by the body to fight the Epstein-Barr virus may be linked to the onset of MS. Researcher Olivia del Carmen Santiago Puertas stressed that further research would be needed involving a significant number of patients before any definitive conclusions could be reached. A study paper published in 2009 (Brain 2009: 132; 3318-3328: S.N. Willis et al) concluded that Epstein-Barr virus infection is not a characteristic feature of multiple sclerosis brain.

  • Jun 23, Lawsuits and Herpes ? the story continues? - 24-06-2011
    In yet another herpes lawsuit, this time filed in Los Angeles County Court, an unnamed plaintiff accuses an ?A-List Celebrity? of deliberately infecting him (or her) with the virus after a night of sex and drug-taking in the star?s Las Vegas hotel suite. Suing for sexual battery, infliction of emotional distress and fraud, the complainant claims that the couple discussed sexually transmitted diseases and each told the other they were free of infection. The plaintiff also claims to have ?been in a monogamous relationship for years?. The lure of the unnamed celebrity?s alleged 100 million dollar net worth, however, clearly proved too much, as this previously loyal person (we are not told if male or female) proceeded to engage in drug taking and a variety of sexual activities, which were allegedly recorded by both parties on their mobile phones. The fairy tale came to an end for the complainant when s(he) discovered s(he) had contracted herpes from his/her new celebrity lover, causing him/her ?physical pain, anguish, shock and humiliation.? Call me old-fashioned, but I reckon that a recording of a sex and drug-taking session with a stranger may actually prove to be far more shocking and humiliating ? particularly as various porn sites are apparently bidding for the evidence. But perhaps the thought of a multi-million dollar payout is enough to pacify this poor tormented soul. Cynical? You bet I am. Herpes is a serious condition deserving serious comment. Don?t misunderstand me ? to have herpes and to fail to inform a partner or worse to deliberately misinform that partner is cruel, dangerous and worthy of contempt. But episodes such as this help nobody and just lead people to believe that money can buy anything and everything. I can?t comment on a lawsuit about which I?m not armed with all the facts ? but whether it transpires that somebody thought they were too famous to care about a little detail like the truth ? or whether it transpires that somebody saw an opportunity to make a few million bucks for a night out ? there is a very nasty smell coming out of California right now. It?s the smell of dirty money.

  • Jun 17, Herpes Transmission and Safe Sex: More Exciting News about Vivagel® - 17-06-2011
    Just about a year ago, Australia?s StarPharma announced that they hoped to see their vaginal anti-herpes gel on sale within a couple of years. They had already entered into a partnership with the manufacturers of Durex® condoms to manufacture a vivagel coated condom. Now phase II clinical trials on the use of Vivagel against bacterial vaginosis (BV), one of the most prevalent vaginal infections experienced by women throughout the world have been completed with encouraging results. The trial showed that two to three weeks after daily treatment with Vivagel, 46% of a sample of 132 women experienced clinical cure. The figures for women given a placebo were just 12%. StarPharma?s intention is now to trial the product against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genitourinary medicine expert, Professor George Kinghorn, of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield (UK) commented: "These significant efficacy results are very promising and indicate that VivaGel® is a potentially useful alternative acute treatment for BV that is different from the systemic and topical antibiotic agents that are the current mainstay of treatment." It is believed that herpes sufferers are more at risk of catching other STDs, especially AIDS. That's why I think that the fact that Vivagel has the potential to protect herpes sufferers from other sexually transmitted diseases of infections as well as preventing herpes transmission is very exciting.

  • Jun 9, Herpes Side-effects: HSV-1 - Evidence of causal link to Alzheimer's - 09-06-2011
    Researchers have for some years now been probing an apparent link between infection with herpes virus HSV-1 and the onset of Alzheimer?s disease. Scientists from the University of Manchester (UK) reported in 2008 (Journal of Pathology) that evidence of HSV-1 had been discovered in 90% of plaques in the brains of victims of Alzheimer?s. Now teams from the University of Mexico, Brown University and House Ear Institute have developed a method of observing HSV-1 infections growing within cells by tagging the virus with fluorescent green proteins. They have been able to establish that active HSV-1 particles interfere with the normal transport of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Abnormal protein aggregation is seen in various degenerative conditions, including Alzheimer?s. Speaking of the finding, reported in Neroscience News, Dr. Shi-Bin Cheng of Brown University says: ?What we were able to see in the lab strongly suggests a causal link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer?s Disease.? Lead scientist, Dr Elaine Bearer commented: ?It?s no longer a matter of determining whether HSV1 is involved in cognitive decline, but rather how significant this involvement is.? Researchers recommend that a cold sore should be treated as soon as possible, to minimize the time the virus remains active. The faster treatment is administered, the sooner the virus will return to a safer, dormant stage. About 70% to 90% of the adult population is infected with HSV-1 oral herpes and Alzheimer?s disease does not affect that many people. Even though, herpes seems to be one of Alzheimer?s contributing factor today, it may be just one among several others that still need to be found. However, if it is confirmed that herpes affects the brain only during an active infection, it will become crucial to eliminate herpes outbreaks or cold sores as much as possible.

  • Jun 3, Herpes Research: HSV-2 genital herpes is far less infectious when no symptoms are present - 03-06-2011
    A recent study into HSV shedding carried out by the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center confirms earlier findings that the HSV-2 virus can and does shed among asymptomatic carriers. In scientific tests it was found that the shedding period for asymptomatic carriers was a little over half that of people showing herpes symptoms over an extended time period between March 1992 and April 2008 (10.2% as against 20.1%) This relatively high incidence may be accounted for by the fact that asymptomatic shedding tends to occur frequently after herpes outbreaks. The study further noted that the presence of lesions accounted for 43% of days of viral shedding among subjects displaying herpes symptoms and 16.4% of days in asymptomatic subjects. It's not very clear how lesions can be present in patients who are asymptomatic, but the conclusion seems to be that these are people who displayed herpes symptoms but failed to recognize them as such. Still, there is more than two and a half (2.62) difference between both results. The study?s authors note: ?Most HSV-2 infections are acquired from persons without a clinical history of genital herpes.? When this stark statement is taken in context with the fact that about one in every six Americans aged 14-50 is infected with the virus, the seriousness of the problem becomes more and more clear. The study advocates broader self-education into the early signs and symptoms of herpes infection and takes into account the fact that different people experience different symptoms at different times and with different severity. This is something I have been advocating for many years, and I?m delighted that a serious scientific survey has reached the same conclusion. There are many factors around herpes that science does not yet understand. Why is it that some people shed the virus more readily than others? How much of the virus is necessary to cause infection? Hopefully we may grow to understand herpes more fully in the future, but what is clear right now is that the only surefire way to understand whether or not you have the HSV-2 virus in your body is to undergo a medical test. Researcher Beth Tronstein told Medscape Medical News, ?[people] who are sexually active, who are concerned about sexually transmitted diseases, may want to be tested for HSV-2? Dr Peter Leone, from the University of North Carolina said the research underlined the need for broader serological testing for HSV-2 and a cohesive plan for control and management of the disease throughout the United States. I think it is a good idea as people who are aware of carrying the virus tend to be much less likely to transmit it than others. Here is a good article about how is genital herpes spread and how to avoid its transmission. If you're concerned about transmitting genital herpes to your partner, go read it now. It should be of great help.

  • May 27, Herpes Research: African herpes simplex virus strain may be more virulent - 27-05-2011
    Some time ago, somebody told me they thought the reason they suffered bad herpes outbreaks with some regularity was because they had contracted a more virulent strain of the virus. At the time, I dismissed this as pretty much impossible? But new research from Harvard Medical School suggests I should maybe think again. In southern Africa, some groups of people present with genital herpes at an alarming 80 to 90 percent. This is serious enough in itself, but with the prevalence of AIDS on the continent and given the proven fact that genital herpes is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of HIV infection, genital herpes is not to be dismissed lightly. Testing mouse model strains of the HSV-2 virus from both African and US sources, the Harvard research team discovered that vaccines were far more efficacious against the US strain than the African strain. The current most highly developed vaccine, due to start clinical trials within about a year, worked best against the US strain of HSV-2 but was found to protect laboratory animals against the African strain ? but only when administered at five times the normal dosage. The unexpected future challenge will be to develop a vaccine which is effective against both strains of HSV-2 or to develop separate vaccines. Professor David M Knipe, leading the research team, believes the results to date are promising. He commented: ?If the rate of herpes infection can be reduced, it?s conceivable the rate of HIV/AIDS infection will also come down, perhaps reducing the death rate.?


  • May 24, Herpes, California and Law Suits - 24-05-2011
    I?ve repeated the advice more often than I can say. If you are infected with herpes, you must disclose your condition to your partner before you have sex. That?s about common sense, kindness and decency. Bring the words ?California? and ?Law Suits? into the equation and not disclosing isn?t just going to weigh heavily on your conscience and cost you your good name ? it?s going to hit where it really hurts. Right in your wallet! Thomas Redmond, creator of the ?Aussie? brand hair care products, which he later sold to Proctor & Gamble, has been ordered by a court in California to pay a whopping $6.75 million in damages and medical costs to former girlfriend Patricia Behr who he infected with herpes without disclosing his infection to her before engaging in unprotected sex. Redmond had contested a law suit brought by Behr, but the court rejected his appeal. You may believe that none of this is relevant if you?re not super wealthy and don?t live in the glass bubble of Hollywood or some other up market Los Angeles suburb. But don?t be too sure that either of these rings true every time. As long ago as 1987, cellist Linda Feldman brought a case in the Manhattan (NY) courts against singer Tony Bennett, claiming that the singer had infected her with genital herpes. The case was settled out of court by an insurance company payout of $119,000, but not before details of the couple?s past and present sex lives had been aired publicly, no doubt to the needless embarrassment of them both. Since then, insurance companies have gotten wise to the potential drain on their profits, changing the terms of their policies to exclude such claims, but there seem to be no shortage of lawyers who will take up cases for the appropriate fee. So whether you live in California, New York or any other place and don?t disclose herpes to your partner you could find yourself involved in a lengthy and costly law suit. Your sex life will be microscopically scrutinized in the courtroom and quite probably strewn liberally around the media. Your reputation may lie in ruins and your chances of finding a future long term partner massively reduced?. ?And all because you didn?t heed that advice that could have saved all of those things. Disclosure to a sexual partner may not be easy, but it will give you the peace of mind you need to fight herpes effectively, sensibly and in partnership with someone who understands your situation and is prepared to help you.