Cold Sores

The 8 Herpes Secrets for
Living Completely
Outbreak Free
Updated Edition - Revised April 2008

Real Ways you Can Prevent Herpes Outbreaks
and Start Living Your Life Again

2003 - 2008 http://www.xherpes.com/ - 1 -
Table of Contents

Introduction.........................................................................- 5 -
Section One: What Causes Herpes? ....................................- 10 -
A Brief History of Herpes.................................................................................- 13 -
What is a Virus?..................................................................................................- 15 -
The Herpes Family.........................................................................................- 16 -
How does the virus work?...............................................................................- 18 -
What happens to your body during an outbreak?.................................- 20 -
Growth Cycle of the Virus...........................................................................- 22 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 25 -
Section Two: Testing for Herpes.........................................- 26 -
Noticing the symptoms ....................................................................................- 27 -
Available Tests for Herpes..............................................................................- 28 -
Types of Tests..................................................................................................- 28 -
How to Prepare................................................................................................- 30 -
How is the Test Performed?.......................................................................- 31 -
Results................................................................................................................- 32 -
Emotional side of genital herpes..............................................................- 34 -
Emotional Side of Oral Herpes..................................................................- 35 -
More about testing.............................................................................................- 35 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 40 -
Section Three: Prevention of spreading the herpes virus ...- 41 -
Mother to baby................................................................................................- 43 -
Steps you can take............................................................................................- 45 -
Spreading Herpes to Yourself........................................................................- 46 -
When is herpes most likely to be spread?............................................- 47 -
Avoid spreading oral herpes ......................................................................- 48 -
Avoid spreading genital herpes ................................................................- 50 -
What about public places?..........................................................................- 51 -
Can I get herpes through sperm?............................................................- 52 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 53 -
Section Four: Genital Herpes and Oral Herpes explained....- 54 -
Genital Herpes.....................................................................................................- 55 -
Signs and symptoms of genital herpes .................................................- 57 -
Oral Herpes...........................................................................................................- 60 -
Signs and symptoms.....................................................................................- 61 -
Phases of HSV......................................................................................................- 62 -
Asymptomatic..................................................................................................- 63 -
Warning Phase.................................................................................................- 63 -
Early Redness ..................................................................................................- 64 -
Vesicles...............................................................................................................- 65 -
Wet Ulcers.........................................................................................................- 65 -
Dry Crust ...........................................................................................................- 65 -
Healed.................................................................................................................- 66 -
Other Questions Answered.............................................................................- 67 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 70 -
Section Five: Herpes and Stress .........................................- 71 -
How does stress affect herpes?....................................................................- 72 -
Proven ways to reduce stress .......................................................................- 73 -
Beat Anger ........................................................................................................- 74 -
Stress Relieving Steps..................................................................................- 76 -
Get enough sleep ...........................................................................................- 77 -
Support Groups...............................................................................................- 78 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 79 -
Section Six: The Importance of Diet & Nutrition with Exercise.. -
80 -
How does nutrition affect herpes?...............................................................- 81 -
What is a healthy diet for someone with herpes virus?......................- 84 -
What foods are good for you?...................................................................- 86 -
What foods are bad for you? .....................................................................- 87 -
What can you do at home nutrition wise to help? ............................- 88 -
What herbs help suppress herpes outbreaks?....................................- 89 -
What vitamins can help reduce outbreaks?.........................................- 90 -
How does exercise help?.................................................................................- 91 -
How to get daily exercise............................................................................- 92 -
Importance of the Immune System.......................................................- 93 -
Chapter Review...................................................................................................- 94 -
Section Seven: Herpes Treatments.....................................- 95 -
Medications for herpes treatment................................................................- 96 -
Treatment without prescription medication.............................................- 97 -
Is there a cure for herpes?.............................................................................- 98 -
What are the treatments for herpes?.........................................................- 99 -
Treating herpes naturally..............................................................................- 100 -
Can you spread herpes to others while being treated? ....................- 101 -
What is being done to find a cure or vaccine for herpes?................- 101 -
Chapter Review.................................................................................................- 102 -
Section Eight: Herpes and the immune system.................- 103 -
What is the immune system?......................................................................- 104 -
How does the immune system work? ......................................................- 105 -
Blood cells .......................................................................................................- 105 -
Building a strong immune system.........................................................- 107 -
How does herpes affect the immune system?......................................- 107 -
How can vitamins help?.................................................................................- 108 -
8 Great Immune Boosters!.......................................................................- 111 -
Herbs for a healthy immune system........................................................- 114 -
Get moving!........................................................................................................- 115 -
Air purifiers.........................................................................................................- 115 -
Chapter Review.................................................................................................- 116 -
Conclusions ......................................................................- 117 -

Recommended Herpes Resources.Page 119


Introduction

Herpes

What comes to mind when you hear that word? What do you
think about? What images does it produce in your mind? What
emotions does it stir up within you? What do you know about this
disease? Do you have it? What about someone close to you?
You might be surprised at the answers

What is herpes simplex virus? Chances are you have
probably heard of herpes before (especially if youve chosen this
book). You might have seen advertisements for herpes treatments
on the television or in magazines or maybe you know someone who
has it. In fact, growing media coverage is part of a global plan to
inform more people about this virus and how it works. 80 Million
people in the United States alone are believed to have this virus and
there are many more in other parts of the world.

You might have it yourself and not even know it. Or maybe you
have been diagnosed with herpes already and you are struggling and
fighting a daily battle with the virus. It can be devastating to find out
you have herpes. It can truly be a life-changing event and many
people have mixed feelings about it and what they should do. You
might not know what to do or where to go. Its hard sometimes to
know where to get the answers to questions such as these.

You wonder how this will affect the rest of your life and
what can be done to treat it.
Maybe someone you love has been diagnosed with herpes
and you are wondering how it will affect them and also
how it will affect you if you have a relationship with them.
You might not even be aware of how many people out
there actually have some form of the herpes virus.
These are all very common questions and concerns for you if you have
been diagnosed with herpes whether it was recently or years ago. Its
important that you take the time to learn all you can about this virus,
how it affects you and what you can do about it. The more you learn,
the better able you will be to fight the virus.

There are also different types of herpes that have different
symptoms and affect different parts of your body. Also, the very same
type of herpes virus can cause different responses in different people
who are infected with it.
The biggest problem with herpes is misinformation.
People are unsure of what it really is and how it spreads even
though it has been around for a very long time. This misinformation
leads to the condition spreading more and more and people not getting
treatment they need and deserve. Another problem with information
about herpes is that for so long people were afraid to talk about it.
Even today, it is not as commonly discussed as you may think, even
though millions of people all over the world have the virus.

However, you dont have to suffer in silence. You owe it to
yourself to learn more about the herpes simplex virus, whether you or
someone you know has been diagnosed with it or not. Its very
important that everyone become aware of it and the signs, symptoms,
treatment and more.

You need to know that you can live outbreak free and that
you can enjoy a happy and healthy life with the herpes
virus. I even have a friend that has gone almost 10 years
without an outbreak or recurrence!

So while there might not be a definite cure at this time, with
proper lifestyle changes and maintenance, you can control your herpes
instead of it controlling you!

But its not just about being outbreak free. If you have herpes,
you need to know that you are not alone. There are millions of people
out there living with the virus. There is also a wealth of information to
be obtained about this disease and how it is treated.

Studies are being conducted every day and people are learning
new ways to treat the virus and reduce the symptoms that come with
it. There is an emotional and psychological side to the virus as well and
there are support groups out there to help you. You can meet other
people living with the herpes simplex virus and share stories and
companionship and also learn how they cope with the virus on a daily
basis. You dont have to go through this alone.

Twenty-some years ago, people were contracting the herpes
virus and spreading it to partners and many of them had no idea they
even had the virus. Some went to doctors that misdiagnosed it or
failed to recognize the symptoms. Some just ignored the problem,
hoping it would go away. Few people knew about the disease and even
fewer about how it reacts in the body, how it can be treated and how it
was spread. All of this misinformation led to it being spread more
rapidly to more people and also for more people suffering because
they dont know how to make it better.

That is simply not true today. While it still remains a taboo
topic sometimes, there is a lot more information available about this
virus. Scientists understand how it works and how it affects the body.
Doctors are better able to test for it, recognize it and treat it.

Breakthroughs in the medical field are coming every day and
there is hope in the future for herpes sufferers. There is still a long
way to go and still a lot to learn about the virus but even with what is
known now, you can get your herpes under control. You can learn how
to live outbreak free and we want to help you with that!

We are going to give you some great information and facts on
herpes that you probably didnt know before as well as some valuable
secrets on how you can live outbreak free.

Congratulations on getting this book and taking the first step to
becoming outbreak free. I have taken the time here not only to give
you the facts on herpes simplex virus but also to answer some of the
most commonly asked questions about herpes.

Weve asked for feedback and we asked for questions from
people just like you and now Im going to give you the answers here in
this book. Were going to tell you what contributes to outbreaks and
how your lifestyle, diet and exercise can help reduce or even eliminate
outbreaks and much more. Herpes doesnt have to control your life
and here in this book I am going to give you the eight secrets to living
completely outbreak free!

Section One: What Causes Herpes?

Before you can understand how to prevent
herpes outbreaks, you need to actually understand
what herpes is and how it is contracted. The first step to living
completely outbreak free is to learn all you can about your herpes and
how it works.

There is actually a lot of misinformation about herpes and how it
works as well as what causes it and how it is spread from one person
to another. Even though there are millions of people in the United
States alone, not to mention people all over the world that have this
virus, there are not many people that know that much about it. I hope
to be able to help clear some of that up for you here in this section.

So, what exactly is herpes?
Herpes is defined as a contagious infection that is caused by the
herpes simplex virus. There are two common types of the virus;
herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV2).
Type one is commonly known as herpes of the mouth
because it causes cold sores (fever blisters) around the mouth and lips
and inside the mouth.
Herpes type 2 is most commonly referred to as genital
herpes, an STD (sexually transmitted disease). It is estimated that
50% to 80% of adults in the United States have HSV-1 and 20% have
HSV-2.
Technically, both types can occur in either place of the body and
in rare cases, even in different parts of the body so its important to
know they are not restricted to the specific area mentioned. This is
simply where you most commonly find that type.
How do you get herpes?

Herpes can be spread from person to person through direct
contact.
HSV1 can be spread through kissing, sharing drinks and
eating utensils and other items that come into contact with
the sores.

HSV2 is spread through intimate sexual contact with
someone who is infected with the virus. A mother with
genital herpes can spread it to her baby if she delivers
vaginally while she has an active outbreak.

Another thing you need to understand is that both types can
cause outbreaks on both the genitals and the mouth. This means, you
can have Type 2 on your mouth (possibly from oral sex) and you can
have Type 1 in your genitals as well. Both types act very much the
same way and are very similar. They are also similar in the way they
are diagnosed and treated. Certain tests can determine which of the
types you have if this is a concern.

Is herpes hereditary?

We will talk more in the coming sections about how herpes is
contracted and spread but this is a common question. Herpes is not
hereditary and you can not get it by having a parent that has it. It is
not passed down through the blood from mother to child. Parents can
not give it to their children unless they have direct skin to skin contact
while infected. (Sometimes cold sores can be passed by sharing
glasses, utensils, etc.)

Congenital herpes happens when a mother with an active
outbreak gives birth vaginally to a newborn baby that contracts it. If
the baby is delivered via C-section, this does not occur as the virus is
not in the mothers blood and can not be transferred any other way
except direct contact with the lesions. Again, we will talk more about
this later.

Herpes can also not be spread through the air the way other
viruses such as the flu is. You cant catch it just from touching
someone who has it, shaking hands or being breathed on. It is also not
spread through saliva, etc. However, the virus can be a bit tricky in
how it is spread since people can have it and not show any symptoms
yet still be a carrier and spread it to others.

So what else do we know about the incurable virus called
herpes? How long has it been around? What is being done to treat it?
What happens to people infected with it? Lets begin with a brief
history of herpes and what it is.

A Brief History of Herpes

Herpes is not some new phenomenon. In fact, the term
herpes is over 25 centuries old. It goes back to Ancient
Greek times. It means to creep and was so named by
Hippocrates, the father of medicine.

In those days, diseases were always classified and named according to
how they looked or what they did to the body. While we were not very
close to understanding how it works back then, doctors did have a
general idea of what it did to the body and there is evidence that it has
been around for a very, very long time in human history.

In fact, it is even believed that Shakespeare was familiar with
the herpes simplex lesions and how they are transmitted. This
evidence comes from a part in Romeo and Juliet where he writes
Queen Mab to say "O'er ladies lips, who straight on kisses dream,
which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, because their breaths
with sweetmeats tainted are."
So history shows that some form of herpes has been around for
a long time. Regardless of all this evidence, it was not until 1893 when
Vidal recognized that human transmission of herpes simplex infection
from one individual to another exists.
Before this discovery, we didnt know much else about the condition or
how to treat or prevent it. During the twentieth century, HSV research
really took off. Histopathologic studies characterized the
multinucleated giant cells associated with herpes virus infection.
In 1919, Lowenstein confirmed experimentally the infectious
nature of HSV that Shakespeare had only suspected back in his day.
This was a breakthrough in the disease and how it is spread from one
person to another.
In the 1920's and 1930's, the history of HSV was widely studied
and it was found that HSV not only infects the skin, but also the
central nervous system.
By the 1940's and 1950's, research continued on the many
diseases caused by HSV. More recent research has focused on antiviral
research, differences between HSV strains, and using HSV vectors for
use in vaccines to help prevent the disease and find a cure.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (chickenpox) also has a long recorded
history. However, historical accounts often fail to distinguish between
the poc marks caused by VZV and those caused by small pox. In the
late eighteenth century, Heberden established a way to clinically make
a distinction between the two diseases. In 1888, it was suggested by
von Bokay that chickenpox and herpes zoster were due to the same
type of virus or agent. It was not until Weller and Stoddard isolated
viruses from both chickenpox and zoster and compared the viruses
that this connection was confirmed. Chickenpox and herpes zoster are
indeed due to the same virus!
However, medicines understanding of herpes has continued to
come a long way since those early beginnings. We now know that
herpes is caused by what is called a filterable virus. This means the
virus is so small that a particle could pass through a paper filter
without being discovered by a microscope.
And yet, these filterable viruses are known for causing a great many
diseases and conditions such as polio, hepatitis, influenza, rhinovirus
(the common cold) and the various herpes viruses.
What is a Virus?

So now you know that herpes is a virus. It is not
genetic and it is not caused by bacteria or in the
ways that cancers and similar conditions are caused.

Do you know what a virus really is?
Do you understand how they work within the body?

Its important that you do if you hope to understand how and why
herpes acts the way it does in the human body and how you can work
to prevent outbreaks.

A virus is actually a very small living thing. Viruses are defined
as parasites of cells, which mean they attack the cells of your body
and this is how they thrive. You likely know that your entire body is
made up of cells and each cell has a different function. Different
viruses affect different cells and have a different affect and outcome
on the body.

The whole purpose of a virus is to continue to reproduce itself. It
cant live on its own and it depends on DNA or RNA to continue to
replicate itself. The virus is a parasite so it has to latch on to a cell in
your body to be able to live and reproduce itself. This is how the family
of herpes viruses acts. The different viruses will attack different cells of
your body (also depending on where you received your initial
infection). They will attack that particular part of the body at the
cellular level.

The herpes virus can lie dormant in your nerves for a period of
time and when it becomes active again, will travel down the nerve and
to the skin usually in the same location as the original infection and
cause you to have a re-episode of your symptoms.

Did you know that there are different types of herpes viruses?
They are all still part of the herpes family of viruses as they are similar
but they cause different reactions in the body.

The Herpes Family

Many people do not realize how many different types of herpes
there are in the herpes family and they dont realize the certain
common diseases are caused by a herpes virus (such as chicken pox).

There are actually 5 different types of herpes viruses in the herpes
family. The term herpes has become common when referring to the
HSV1 and 2 types. The focus of this book is on those types but its
good to know the other types that are in the same family so you can
understand the virus and also understand why some studies say there
is an estimated 90% of the population with some form of herpes virus.

1. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2: You know these to be
the most common types that cause outbreaks on the mouth
and/or genitalia.

2. Herpes Zoster (Varicella zoster): This is the herpes virus
type that causes chickenpox and shingles.

3. Epstein-Barr virus: Causes mononucleosis, the kissing
disease

4. Cytomegalovirus: Fairly new discovery in the herpes family.
Can also cause mono and can cause hepatitis and problems in
newborns. Can be transmitted sexually.

5. Human herpes virus Type 6: Causes Roseola (a viral infection
that causes skin rash and fever in small children, usually below
the age of three). There has also been a type 7 that is linked
with this one.

Studies on each of these different types and strains of the herpes
virus can help progress toward better treatments and eventually a
cure of HSV1 and 2. Already there is a vaccine against chicken pox and
there is hope that there will one day also be one for other viruses in
the herpes family.

How does the virus work?

Before you can ever hope to understand how to live herpes free,
you need to understand how the virus works and what it is actually
doing in your body. You need to understand what happens when you
become infected and what happens each time you have an outbreak or
recurrence. This will help you better understand how certain
treatments work and how things like your diet and exercise can help
reduce the recurrence of outbreaks if you have herpes.

Now that you know that herpes is caused by a virus, do you
understand how the virus works in your body? Do you know why there
is no cure for herpes? This is one of the most misunderstood viruses
known to affect humans and also one of the most common.
Herpes simplex virus is in the same family of virus that causes
chicken pox, mononucleosis and shingles (herpes zoster). There are no
cures for viruses (think of the common cold) but there are treatments
available to help with the symptoms. However, once you have herpes,
it will be with you for the rest of your life (unless a cure is discovered
in your lifetime).
In many cases, herpes doesn't cause any symptoms, so it's
possible for a person to carry it and unknowingly pass it on to
someone else. In other cases, herpes infections can lead to infections
in other parts of the body.
There is no cure for herpes. In fact, once you have been infected
with the herpes virus, it's in your body forever. There are medications
that can lessen some of the discomfort that outbreaks cause and
medications to help prevent outbreaks from occurring. And there are
things you can do to help protect yourself - and your family -from
getting infected by the virus. The best way to handle this is to inform
yourself as much as possible.
Sometimes people who have oral or genital herpes only have one
outbreak. You may have an outbreak when you first contract the virus,
or you might not. In some cases, the extent of the outbreak is so mild,
you might not recognize it for what it is. Other people have many
outbreaks, which are less painful and shorter than the initial episode.
To understand this, you need to know that the herpes simplex
virus can exist in two different stages:
1] The active stage, when lesions are growing on the skin.
2] The latent stage when the virus is lying dormant in the
nervous system.
The virus can move from a latent stage into an active stage and
cause a reoccurrence. There are different reasons for this and different
things that may cause or contribute to a reoccurrence. Also, every
persons body reacts differently to the virus which is why some people
have more outbreaks than others.


What happens to your body during an outbreak?

The best way to understand how the virus works is to
understand what happens to your body during an outbreak.
When you do not have an outbreak, the virus is lying
dormant in your system. This doesnt mean you have been
cured. You still have the virus. It just means that the virus is not
actively causing symptoms in your body. It is still possible to spread
herpes to others even if you are outbreak free. Remember the
different stages that the virus can go into.

Remember that it lies dormant in your nerve cells, a teeny-tiny
organism feeding off your cells but it never dies and never goes away.
Also remember that some people may be in the active stage with
very little to no symptoms at all. You might not have large sores or
lesions so you may not realize you are in the active stage and you can
still spread the virus to someone else.

Why is it that some people go for years without an outbreak and
other people seem to have them often? Why is it you can have the
herpes virus without ever having an outbreak? To understand the
answers to these questions, you need to understand what happens to
your body during an outbreak.

In HSV1 blisters form on the lips and on the inside of
the mouth, and soon develop into painful ulcers. You
have probably heard of them called cold sores or fever
blisters.
The gums become red and swollen, and the tongue may develop a
white coating.
Other symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, trouble with
eating, a generally ill feeling, irritability and swollen neck glands.
These symptoms can last from two to three weeks.
After your get the initial herpes infection the virus can lie
dormant without causing any symptoms for some time. But the virus
can reactivate at a later time, leading to a tingling and numbness
around the mouth, then a blister that breaks and forms a crust. The
virus tends to activate itself during or just after some type of stress on
the body such as a cold, an infection, hormone changes, menstrual
periods or even a tooth extraction.
Symptoms of genital herpes, HSV2 typically begin with pain,
tenderness, or itching in the genital area and also include fever and
headache. In males, blisters appear on the penis. In females, blisters
appear on the area around the vagina and in the cervix. In both, the
blisters may appear on the thighs and buttocks. Blisters soon erupt to
form painful sores that last 1 to 3 weeks.
There are also some other symptoms that may appear such as
pain or a burning sensation during urination; a clear mucus-like
discharge from the vagina or urethra (opening for urine) in females; a
clear mucus-like discharge from the tip of the penis in males; and
tender, swollen glands in the groin area.
As with HSV1, after an initial outbreak of genital herpes blisters,
HSV2 also remains dormant in nearby nerves and can be reactivated
later in life. The symptoms of reactivated genital herpes are similar to
those of first outbreak, but they're generally less severe. However, the
virus may react differently in different people. Some people have more
frequent outbreaks than others and some have more severe
outbreaks.
Growth Cycle of the Virus

The herpes virus, like all viruses goes through a growth cycle. So
what stops a viral infection? The growth cycle of the virus is halted by
your bodys natural immune system. Your immune system produces
proteins called antibodies, which you have likely heard of before.
These antibodies work together with other cells called lymphocytes and
macrophages to cling to the viral participles and inactivate them.
Remember, they dont destroy them or get rid of them, but they
inactivate them.

A healthy immune system will kill the living viral particles and
clean up the sick and infected cells and make room for new and
healthy cells to grow. So why doesnt this cure you of herpes? Why
doesnt our body develop immunity to the virus? Well, have you ever
wondered why you dont become immune to the common cold? Its
kind of the same thing.

You might be surprised to learn that you actually do develop
immunity to the herpes virus. As we described above, in a healthy
person, the bodys immune system will attack the virus and shut it
down. Then, it all gets a bit trickier. Scientists are not 100% clear on
exactly how all of it works but basically; the herpes virus goes into its
latent phase which is essentially, a state of hibernation.

Normally, the virus will stay in a latency stage until something
comes along to reactivate it. The virus lies dormant in your nerve cells
not in the skin cells where you typically see signs of the infection.
When something triggers the nerve and reactivates the virus, it will
travel down the nerve to the site where it originally infected (such as
the genitals or the lips) and will begin attacking healthy cells again.
The herpes virus has an inside tricks or traveling from cell to cell
instead of developing inside a cell and then bursting out of it.

Since it remains inside the cell, this makes it hard for the
antibodies to kill it which is why it remains in the body. This is why
there is currently no vaccine for the herpes simplex virus. A strong and
healthy immune system can help suppress the virus so it does not
reactivate but there is currently no way to rid the body of it completely
because it hides or creeps in the bodys cells.

We will talk more in this book about the immune system and
also about treatments for herpes and ways to prevent recurrences and
outbreaks. There are current studies being done to analyze how
herpes reacts in the body and ways to prevent spreading it to others.
There is also regular work being done to try to find a cure for this
condition. There are now medications that can help suppress outbreaks
and help lower your chances of spreading it to a partner. However, at
this time abstinence is the only 100% guarantee that you will not
spread genital herpes to a partner.

Below is an official statement from the Medical Advisory Board
on current herpes treatments and how taking them may protect your
partner. "Recent scientific research has shown that a dramatic
reduction in shedding of herpes simplex virus occurs when people with
genital herpes take antiviral medications such as Valtrex or
acyclovir. Research studies are ongoing at this time to determine if
this reduction in viral shedding will protect the (an) uninfected partner
from catching herpes.

The Medical Advisory Board of Herpes.org has determined that it does
seem reasonable, in anticipation of the results of these transmission
studies, that infected persons should consider taking their prescribed
antiviral medication on a regular, suppressive basis in an attempt to
help, as much as possible, to protect an uninfected sexual partner
from becoming infected.

At this time, the FDA does not have an official approval for the use of
antiviral medications taken by infected persons for the protection of
intimate partners.

Infected persons interested in taking suppressive therapy in an
effort to help protect an uninfected sexual partner from becoming
infected with genital herpes should contact their private physicians to
discuss this matter."

You can do your part and stay up to date on the latest herpes
treatments and breakthroughs if you or someone you love has the
virus. You can also learn a lot about the virus and how it works in your
body from reading more into this book.

Chapter Review

1. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
2. The virus works by residing in the nerve ganglia after initial
exposure to the herpes virus and then reactivating itself during
certain times in the persons life.
3. During an outbreak, your skin cells are affected by the virus and
an outbreak of lesions occurs.
4. Herpes simplex virus is part of a family of viruses that caused
other infections such as mono, shingles and even the chicken
pox.
5. Popular topical anti-septic herpes treatment is Dynamclear.
6. Popular anti-viral medication is Valtrex.


Section Two: Testing for Herpes

How do you know if you have herpes?
What tests are there for herpes?
Can the doctor test you for herpes simplex if you do not
currently have an outbreak?
How soon after possible exposure with an affected person
can you be tested?

There are many, many questions surrounding herpes and how it is
tested and treated. This is a very important topic since many people
with herpes do not even know they have it or have never had an
official diagnosis. Also, in some cases, herpes is misdiagnosed so
getting a test to prove it is very important.

If you think that you might have herpes, you should see your
doctor right away and talk to them about it. It is even better if you can
go while you actually have an outbreak but even if you do not, you can
still visit your doctor right away and talk to them about your
symptoms and why you think you may have the virus.

The doctor will then be able to tell you about possible tests to
detect the virus in your body as well as other options for you if you do
have the virus.

If you have open, active sores from what you think could be a
herpes virus; this is the ideal time to go to be tested. If the doctor is
able to swab the sore for analysis, it is much easier to get a diagnosis.
However, if you think you may have the virus but are not in the active
phase, you can still talk to your doctor and there might be other tests
that can detect if you have the antibodies for herpes virus in your
system.

Noticing the symptoms

Most people do not find out they have herpes from a routine
test. Most people notice the signs and symptoms first and then go to a
doctor to have it confirmed. You need to be aware of what the
symptoms are. Most often the initial exposure is the worst case of an
outbreak you will get. This primary infection is what tells most people
that something is wrong. This primary infection is worse because your
body has never made any antibodies to the virus before this initial
exposure to it and it takes time for your body to begin to fight it off.

The primary infection may have more sores and may spread to a
larger area of the skin. You might feel more generally ill and have flu-
like symptoms. You might have muscle aches, fever and fatigue. You
might also have painful burning, itching and irritation in the genital
area. With oral herpes, you might have painful irritation or sores
around the mouth and possibly even inside the mouth. You might also
have swollen lymph nodes with your outbreak.


Available Tests for Herpes

The best time to go to the doctor is when you
have an active outbreak of the virus. If you see
lesions or sores, you should see the doctor right away to get tested.
The primary methods of testing for the virus are the herpes culture
and HSV DNA testing. Tests for HSV are usually done only for sores in
the genital area. In rare cases, the test may be done using other types
of samples, such as spinal fluid, blood, urine, or tears. Below are the
common methods of testing for the herpes simplex virus.

Types of Tests
Herpes viral culture.

Cells or fluid from a fresh sore are collected with a
cotton swab and placed in a culture container. A viral
culture is typically considered the most specific
method of diagnosing a genital herpes infection.

Herpes virus antigen detection test.
In this test, cells from a fresh sore are scraped off and then
smeared onto a microscope slide. This test detects markers (called
antigens) on the surface of cells infected with the herpes virus. This
test may be done in addition to or in place of a viral culture.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
PCR testing can be done on cells or fluid from a sore or on blood or
on other fluid (such as the persons spinal fluid). PCR detects the
genetic material (DNA) of the HSV virus. This test can distinguish
between HSV-1 and HSV-2. The PCR test is not commonly done on
the skin lesions themselves but it is best for testing spinal fluid, for
rare cases in which herpes may be causing infection in or around
the brain.

Antibody tests.
Blood tests can detect antibodies that are made by the immune
system to fight a herpes infection. Antibody tests are occasionally
done but are not as accurate as a viral culture at identifying the
cause of a specific sore or ulcer. Antibody tests cannot distinguish
between a current, active herpes infection and a past infection.
Because antibodies take time to develop after the initial infection, a
positive antibody test may not be present if you have recently been
infected. Some blood tests can diagnose the difference between
HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Herpes testing is done to determine where it is in fact, the herpes
simplex virus that is causing sores that may appear in the mouth or
genital area. Usually the tests are performed because the person has
an outbreak of sores and comes in to find out what is causing it.
If you are planning a test for herpes, what do you need to do to get
ready for the tests? Are there any special things you need to do, or not
do?

How to Prepare
If you think you might have genital herpes and you are waiting
until you can take the tests or get the results of your tests back, you
should avoid sexual contact until you see your doctor again. Even
though there is no cure for herpes, you can still spread it to others,
especially if you have an active outbreak. Also, if herpes is not the
cause of your sores, you still do not want to spread what you have to
someone else.
If the doctor will be taking a sample from the urethra, you will
be advised not to urinate for 2 hours before the test. Women should
not douche 24 hours before the test is done in case a cervical sample
is taken.
Otherwise, there is not really anything that you can do to
prepare for the test.

How is the Test Performed?

Many people wonder about what exactly is done during the test.
For the viral culture, viral antigen test and the PCR test, its pretty
simple. They are going to use a clean cotton swab (Q-tip) and rub it
against one of the sores to collect fluid to be examined. The sample
might be taken from the penis, vagina, eye, throat or skin, depending
on where your outbreak is. It is much better if they can get the sample
from a small and new sore. These newly formed sores will contain
more of the virus, making it easier to detect in the tests.

For an antibody test, you need your blood drawn. They will do this by:
Wrapping an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the
flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is
easier to put a needle into the vein.
Cleaning the needle site with alcohol.
Putting the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may
be needed.
Attaching a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
Removing the band from your arm when enough blood is
collected.
Applying a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the
needle is removed.
Applying pressure to the site and then a bandage.

This is the same method that is used for collecting blood for other
tests and when you are sick and you have likely had it done several
times before. There really arent any risks involved in any of these
tests and very little, if any, complications. The swab test might feel a
little uncomfortable at the time of the swab but its over in seconds
and usually feels fine afterwards. So, the tests are basically non-
intrusive and should not cause you any problems.
You may experience some complications from having your blood
drawn but they are typically mild. They could include:
A small bruise at the puncture site. You can reduce the risk of
bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes
after the needle is withdrawn.
Rarely, the vein may become inflamed after the blood sample is
taken. This condition is called phlebitis and is usually treated
with a warm compress applied several times daily.
Continued bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding
disorders. Aspirin and other blood-thinning medications can also
make bleeding more likely.
Results

If you have been tested for herpes simplex virus,
you are probably anxiously awaiting your results. The
actual time it takes to get your results back can vary.
Results of a viral culture can require 2 to 3 days for a r
culture or up to 14 days with a standard culture. Antigen detect
results are usually ready in about a day. Polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) test results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.
apid
ion test
Results from an antibody blood test are usually available within 2
days. But again, this can vary according to the doctor you see and the
lab they use so dont be surprised if it takes a little longer. However,
typically if someone has HSV, the clinic or physician will try to let you
know as soon as possible to prevent spreading of the disease.
So, what do your test results mean?

Normal:
Normal results are called negative. This occurs when no HSV
grows in the viral culture, no viral antigens or DNA are detected and
when no herpes antibodies are present in the blood.
Abnormal:
Abnormal results that detect the presence of HSV are called
positive. This occurs when HSV grows in the viral culture, HSV
antigens or DNA is detected or Antibodies to the herpes virus are
present in the blood.
If the test results show that you do have herpes, the doctor will
likely call you back in to discuss it with you and to make sure you
understand the disease as well as to talk with you about possible
treatment methods and how you can prevent spreading it to others.
Its very important that you attend this appointment and also, dont be
afraid to ask any questions you may have.
Emotional side of genital herpes
One of the hardest parts for many people is actually getting to
the doctor to begin with. Some people have a very hard going to the
doctor when they suspect they have an STD. It is embarrassing and
you will typically have to call and make an appointment which will
require telling a receptionist why you are there. You will then usually
have to tell a nurse why you are there and then finally, the actual
doctor.
You might feel silly or embarrassed or like everyone in the
waiting room is staring at you. The fear and anxiety that goes along
with it is one thing that leads many people to never get diagnosed or
treated.
But what you need to understand is that no one else needs to know
why you are there and the doctors and nurses are just doing their job.
They do not care about who you are or really even how you got it. All
they care about is diagnosing and then treating you for the virus.
If they think anything at all, it will be that they are glad you made the
mature decision to come in and be treated for your problem as
opposed to the many people that are too afraid to do so.
You also need to remember that they have seen many people
just like you and they understand that you are worried, scared and
even embarrassed. They can also help set you up with a support group
that can help you deal with this new change in your life and your
diagnosis.

Emotional Side of Oral Herpes

When it comes to oral herpes, there is less social stigma.
However, many people do not seek proper treatment for this as well
because they think Oh, its just a little cold sore, no need to go to the
doctor. And this is where they are wrong because where it might
seem like just a little cold sore, it still needs to be properly diagnosed
if it is herpes and you need to understand what you have, how it is
spread and how it can be treated.

Too often people tend to brush it aside as something that
everyone gets and that will go away on its own and they never get the
treatment they need and deserve. They might also be unknowingly
passing it on to other people because they dont understand how it
works.

This is why it is important for both types of herpes that you
understand the symptoms; seek available testing and diagnosis which
can lead to treatment and more information about the herpes virus
such as great ways to treat it naturally on your own. But it all begins
with that first step of going to your doctor.

More about testing

There is often a lot of confusion about herpes and the tests for
herpes. Sometimes people do not understand how the tests work, how
they detect the presence of the herpes virus and how results are
obtained. If you have had or will have tests for HSV, dont be afraid to
ask your doctor questions about the tests, what is being done and
what it all means.

However, to answer some fairly common questions about herpes
testing, we have added this section. If you think you may have been
exposed to the herpes virus, you can not immediately run out to your
doctor and have a test to prove you are safe. If you want to make an
appointment, this is fine and if you have physical symptoms of some
type of infection, it is suggested that you go ahead and make an
appointment to have it treated. However, if you have been exposed to
the herpes virus, it can take time to get accurate results as to whether
or not you have the virus since most tests work by checking to see if
you have antibodies against the virus.

So basically, if you feel you have an STD or if you suspect you
might have HSV1 or 2, you can see your doctor right away but be
aware that in many cases, it might take time to get accurate results
back. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your tests and
your results, you should be sure to ask your doctor. This is an
important aspect of your life and its important that you fully
understand everything.

Are there tests to show you which type of the virus you have?

There are tests that will show you whether you have the
antibodies for HSV1 or type 2. These new blood tests are typically
referred to as Type Specific Serology.

Not all blood tests are able to tell between the two types of
herpes virus and since both can occur in either the oral areas or the
genital areas, you cant always go by location either.

However, for most people, herpes is herpes and sores are sores
and its not that important which particular type you have. If it is
important to you, then you need to be sure you are asking your doctor
for a type-specific test.

Serology tests are types of tests that check for antibodies in a
persons blood. If you have the antibodies in your blood, it means your
body has been exposed to that particular virus and has produced these
substances to fight the past infection. This will also mean that the
virus is still dormant in your system which makes you are carrier of
the virus. Blood tests can be done at any time, whether you have an
active outbreak or not because it doesnt require taking a swab of a
lesion or sore.

However, many commercial tests for herpes do not distinguish
between the two types of the virus so if you want to know this, you
have to talk to your doctor about getting type specific tests before
hand. These serology tests are more accurate that antigen testing but
there are a couple things you need to keep in mind.

One is that all doctors do not automatically order type-specific
blood tests. The other thing is that it can take from several weeks up
to three months for a person to make antibodies against the infection
so if you have been recently infected, it can still take some time to get
accurate test results.
How do type specific tests work? The tests are based on antibodies
to two proteins that make up part of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus
structure.
One protein is called glycoprotein gG-1 and it is found only on
the outside of the HSV-1 virus or in cells infected with HSV-1 as
the virus is produced.
The other protein is called glycoprotein gG-2 and is found on
HSV-2 virus or in cells infected with HSV-2.
Are there any tests that can show you how long you have had
the virus?

Currently there are not any tests that can show you how long
the virus has been in your system. For example, the tests will only
show that you have antibodies for a particular strain of herpes virus.
They can not tell you that you developed these antibodies in 1998, etc.

You may hear of testing for IgG or IgM. This is testing for the
lymphocytes in your body hat occur when you are exposed to the
herpes virus and if your test is taken soon after exposure, it can tell
you whether you have IgGs or IgMs in your body but this is not really
a way to determine how long you have had the virus, particularly if
you were exposed more than 3 months ago. Whether it was 3 months
or 3 years, the result would be the same.

To understand these tests you need to know that B lymphocytes
are the cells that are responsible for antibody-mediated (this is also
called humoral immunity) responses, which is what occurs when
exposed to HSV. (If you look up any of the previous terms you can find
lots of information about how your immune system works.) These B
cells are coated with immunoglobulins and that's what gives them the
ability to recognize the protein in HSV and trigger an antibody
reaction. There are fives classes of these immunoglobulins or
antibodies. Two of them are the IgM and IgG that you mentioned.
IgM's are formed during the early phase of exposure as you
mentioned. IgG's are the major blood plasma antibodies that are
formed in response to a virus or bacteria.

Can I be tested for herpes even if I have never had any
symptoms?

Again, this is a fairly common question. Since many people who
have been exposed to the herpes virus show no symptoms or signs,
they may continue spreading the virus to other people. It is important
that if you think you have been exposed, you get tested even if you
show no signs or symptoms of outbreak.

You can be tested even if you have no signs and have never had
any symptoms but it will require a blood test instead of a swab test.
However, its important to note that you might need to take the test
more than once to completely rule it out, especially if you have been
exposed recently. It may take some time for antibodies to show up in
your system if you have never had an outbreak.


Chapter Review

1. Symptoms of herpes include sores or lesions on or in your mouth
or on or around the genital area. General ill feeling or flu-like
symptoms.
2. Doctors test for herpes by taking blood or taking a sample of an
active lesion or sore.
3. Positive test results mean you have been exposed to the herpes
virus. Tests can also show which type of herpes simplex virus
you have.
4. You can be tested even if you have never had signs or
symptoms.
5. There are tests that can distinguish which type of the herpes
virus you have. There are also non-type specific tests that just
check for herpes virus, not a particular strain of it.

Section Three: Prevention of spreading the
herpes virus

How can you be sure you will not transmit the herpes virus to
other people? Well, first you need to understand exactly how the virus
is spread. Then you will be able to take steps to avoid spreading
herpes to others.

Before herpes can spread from one person to another, it has to
be able to attach to the other persons skin cells. The virus does not
survive very long outside of a cell and it can not be spread across open
space, only from direct contact. For example, someone can not sneeze
and spread herpes across a room to another person. Also, you can not
get herpes from someone spitting on you or bleeding on you.

Herpes is spread by the direct skin to skin contact between an
affected person and another person. It is not like the viruses that
cause colds and the flu which can be spread through the air. However,
it is important to understand direct contact and how this virus works.

The skin is very resilient and protects you from many disease
and viruses so while it is possible, it is rare that you get herpes just
from touching someone. The transfer of the virus typically occurs in
areas of mucous membranes (such as the genitals and the mouth). If
you have a cold sore and you kiss someone, you can transfer the virus
to them. If you have genital herpes and have sexual contact, you can
spread it to your partner. In some cases, such as if you have a cut on
your lip or in your genitals, it can make it easier for the virus to get
inside if you are exposed.

Herpes can be spread through both vaginal and anal intercourse.
You can also spread either type from oral sex. If you have a cold sore
on your mouth, you can transfer the virus to your partners genitals. If
your partner has genital herpes, you can get it on your mouth from
oral intercourse. Again, it is not the exchanging on bodily fluids that
spreads the disease (such as with HIV) but instead it is the exposed
contact with a sore or lesion.

On those same notes, a person with oral herpes can give it to a
baby through kissing them or even transfer the virus if they touch
their open sores and then touch the baby without washing their hands.
This is because infants have a weaker immune system that is not
equipped to fight off the virus. So while a typical, healthy person
wouldnt get it this way, you should be careful around infants and
people with certain immune diseases that weaken their system.

In some cases, herpes can also be spread from sharing lipstick
or Chapstick, glasses, silverware and other items that come in contact
with the sores of the mouth and then someone elses mouth. The same
can be said about underwear or anything that comes in direct contact
with infected genitals and then someone elses genitals. However, this
type of transfer is not as common because the herpes virus cannot live
long on these items. The transfer would have to occur immediately.

Some people worry that they will spread the herpes virus to
someone else in their family from a towel, etc. This isnt likely to
happen but you can be sure to be safe by not sharing towels and
making sure you always wash them. Herpes can not live long on a
towel or clothing, especially after it has been washed so your family
members will be safe.

Mother to baby

Another question that many people have is if
they will be able to have children after being
diagnosed with herpes. Men with herpes can not pass
it down to their children through genes. They do
o be careful not to infect their pregnant wives.

however, have t
omen diagnosed with herpes will not pass it to their baby through

The herpes virus can also be spread from a mother to her baby.
Howe
erpes doesnt spread to your baby through your blood the way
some
W
genes either. However, there are some ways a mother can pass it on
to her baby but there are also ways to prevent it.

ver, it is important that you understand how this transfer occurs
so that you can prevent it if you are in the situation.

H
diseases can. Congenital herpes happens when the mother has
an active outbreak during the delivery of her baby.

Congenital herpes can be very devastating and possibly fatal in a
newborn but it is preventable.

A pregnant woman diagnosed with herpes will be checked
regularly throughout her pregnancy and before the birth of her baby. If
the herpes virus is not active at the time that labor begins, a normal
vaginal delivery is usually possible. However, if outbreak occurs, the
baby will have to be delivered via caesarean section to prevent the
infant from contracting the virus.

If you are pregnant and think you may have herpes or have
been exposed to herpes, tell your doctor immediately. If you
already know you have herpes and you plan to become pregnant, you
should talk with your doctor so that you can get started on prevention
medications as early as possible and so that you can be monitored
throughout your pregnancy.

The problem many women do not realize is that you may have
an outbreak in your cervix or other areas of the genitals that you can
not see but that will affect your newborn. Its never a good idea to
assume you are okay and outbreak free but always better to tell your
doctor and get monitored during the pregnancy.

Can the mother pass the herpes virus to her baby through her
blood?

This is a common question as some diseases and conditions can
be passed on in this manner. Herpes however, lies in the nerves and
can only be passed to the baby if the infant comes into contact with an
open sore. Therefore, the baby is safe if the mother does not have
active genital herpes during a vaginal delivery or if she delivers via C-
section.

Steps you can take

So now that you know how herpes spreads, what steps can you
take to avoid spreading it to others? It is very important that you
understand that there is no cure for herpes and even with treatment,
you can still spread herpes to others.

You are responsible for not spreading this condition to other
people. Knowing this, below are some steps to begin to help you on
your way of prevention of spreading herpes to other people.

1. Recognize that you have herpes.
2. Seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a medical
professional.
3. Learn all you can about the type of herpes you have and
how it affects your body.
4. Learn how you can prevent spreading the virus to others.
5. Be active in preventing the spread of your virus to others.
6. Form good habits and good hygiene practices that will
prevent the transmission of the virus to people you come
into contact with.
7. Learn how to suppress active outbreaks to reduce your
chances of spreading the virus to others.

Spreading Herpes to Yourself

Is it possible to spread herpes to yourself and to other parts of
your body? Can you get herpes in your eyes? Can herpes spread to
your brain? These are all good questions and we have the answers for
you.

The term for spreading infection for one part of your body to
another is called autoinoculation. This doesnt usually occur with
herpes if you follow proper hygiene. Since genital herpes is typically
confined to your underwear, you dont have to worry unless you have
been scratching or touching your sores. You need to try not to ever
touch your sores and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly if you do.

With genital herpes, you also want to keep in mind if you shave
in the area to not shave over sores or lesions, not reuse razors you
had during an outbreak or just avoid shaving altogether during an
active stage of herpes. The blade can give you a tiny knick and spread
the virus from an open sore to another part of your genitals, making
your outbreak worse.

Oral herpes also doesnt usually spread to other parts of your
body unless a broken blister gets into a cut or sore somewhere else.
You should be careful not to pick at or play with the sores to prevent
spreading them. Or, if you touch the sores and rub your eyes, you can
get herpes infection of the eye.

Can you get HSV1 on your genitals by touching your mouth sores and
then touching your genitals?

While this is technically possible, its not very probable. The amount of
herpes needed to auto inoculate in this way would be very high and
not likely to just accidentally happen from touching yourself. However,
in some cases it does happen or if you touch your mouth sores when
they are blistered or open and then touch someone elses genitals. So
again, its always best to just get in the habit of not touching them or
washing your hands right away if you do touch your sores.

When is herpes most likely to be spread?

There are some times when herpes is more likely to be spread
than others. Recognizing this can help you avoid transmission to
others.

Herpes is more easily spread when a sore is present- when the
herpes virus is active is your body.

However, it can also be spread at other times. Some people might
have prodromal symptoms of itching, tingling and other skin
sensations before any sores actually occur.

Another thing that you have to keep in mind is that after the
initial outbreak, many people may be in the active stage and not even
know it. Or you may have only one small sore that is hard to see.

Women can have an outbreak on the cervix but never show any signs
on the outer vaginal area. So knowing exactly when you are in the
active stage of a herpes outbreak is not always as clear cut as with
your initial outbreak.

Herpes is most likely to be spread from the first moment these
symptoms appear (itching, burning, etc) until the skin is completely
healed and looks normal again and all symptoms are gone.

Since the symptoms can vary from person to person, it is not always
easy to tell if you are in the active stage of herpes so you need to
understand that you can always spread herpes to someone else.

Your sexual partners need to know the risk involved. You also need to
know effective ways to avoid spreading herpes to others- no matter
which type you have.
Avoid spreading oral herpes

There are steps you can take to avoid spreading oral herpes to
others. When you have an outbreak, or think you may be getting one,
you need to take the proper precautions to avoid spreading it to
others. You need to be careful, especially when you have active mouth
ores, not to share drinks, glasses, eating utensils and other objects
that come in contact with your mouth.

You also have to be careful of kissing and if you have an active
cold sore, it is best to avoid kissing altogether so you do not spread it
to someone else.
In fact, its best to get into good hygiene practices all the time,
especially if you are prone to frequent outbreaks. Make sure from the
first sign an outbreak is coming on that you:

Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your sores
Dont touch other open sores on your body (non-herpes
related)
Dont rub your eyes
Avoid kissing
Be especially careful around infants less than 6 weeks old.
Avoid oral sex
Dont share anything that comes in contact with your lips
or mouth (glasses, silverware, lipstick, etc)

Since herpes can still be spread even when you do not have an
outbreak, you need to follow the proper precautions. As we said
before, the virus can be reactivated without causing any noticeable
symptoms or sores.

Most of the precautions above should just become common
practice for you. Also, if you are intimate with someone, they need to
know the risk involved. Oral sex can spread the virus to your partners
genitals so you may want to use barriers, such as latex barriers or a
dental dam, to protect your partner even if you are not showing signs
of an outbreak. This is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.

Avoid spreading genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STD (sexually transmitted disease). This
means that it can be contracted through sexual contact. The only
100% sure-fire way to avoid spreading genital herpes to others is to
avoid sexual contact.

If you feel any symptoms at all- itching, burning, tingling, etc
even without sores appearing, you should avoid all sexual
contact at this time.

Again, herpes can spread even when there are no sores or
symptoms so the best way to protect your partner is to use latex
condoms during ALL sexual contact.

You might also choose to use spermicidal foams and jelly as
extra protection. You also need to keep in mind that herpes can be
spread from touching your open sores and then coming into contact
with someone else so be careful in intimate situations of touching
yourself and then touching your partners genitals. You should always
wash your hands carefully and avoid touching your open sores.

Also remember that genital herpes can be spread through oral
sex so your partner should use protection or avoid performing oral sex
on you if you have an outbreak or symptoms of an oncoming outbreak.

As an added precaution, you should avoid sharing towels with
anyone else in your home if you have an outbreak. Regular washing is
enough to kill the virus so you will be fine as long as no one uses the
same towel you have just used and not yet washed.

You also need to know that babies can be infected with the
herpes virus which can be very devastating to a newborn. If you have
genital herpes and are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant,
you should tell your doctor right away so the proper precautions can
be taken to protect your baby.

What about public places?

Many people worry that they can get herpes (or
spread it to others) through public places like toilet
seats or hot tubs. There are no known and
documented cases of someone getting herpes from a
toilet seat. Studies have shown that the herpes virus can not live mo
than about an hour on a toilet seat.

re

Also, typically the only skin that comes into contact with a toilet seat is
that of the buttocks and thighs. This skin is tough and resilient and
makes a great barrier against the virus.

So basically, unless someone spreads herpes to a toilet seat and
you come along immediately afterwards and rub your exposed genitals
directly on the seat, it is highly unlikely you can contract the virus this
way.
Even if there were herpes still alive on the seat, there wouldnt
likely be enough to infect you with the virus and it would be very hard
to contract it.

Can I get herpes through sperm?

Herpes is not spread through saliva, blood, semen, vaginal
secretions or any other bodily fluids.

It is only spread through direct contact with the sores or
ions from the sores and lesions. It is also not a genetic conditio
and is not hereditary. Therefore, you can not get herpes from conta
with sperm or semen.
secret n
ct

However, typically when you come into contact with another
persons semen, it is in a sexual situation. If that person had an active
outbreak and they had open sores and the semen mixed with fluid
from the sores and then onto you, then there is a chance you could get
herpes from this. However, herpes itself does not actually live in
semen or any other bodily fluid.


Chapter Review

1. Herpes is spread by direct skin to skin contact with the virus.
Rarely, it is spread other ways.
2. Avoid spreading oral herpes by not sharing things that come into
contact with your mouth or lips, washing your hands often and
not kissing.
3. Avoid spreading genital herpes by avoiding sexual contact during
an outbreak, using protection during sexual activities and
washing your hands if you touch your sores.
4. You can not typically contract the herpes virus from public places
such as a toilet seat or hot tub.
5. Herpes is not spread through saliva, blood, semen, vaginal
secretions or any other bodily fluids.

Section Four: Genital Herpes and Oral Herpes
explained

You probably know now even if you didnt before that
there are different types of herpes. They are most often referred
to as genital herpes or oral herpes.

What are the differences between these two types of herpes?
How do they affect your life and lifestyle?
How do they affect you emotionally?
What can you do if you are diagnosed with one of these types of
herpes?

There are so many different questions. Here in this chapter, we
are going to go a little more in-depth with the information on these
different types of herpes.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind as you are reading
over the signs and symptoms is that herpes does not affect everyone
the same way. It also does not affect you the same way every time.

While your lesions or sores will typically appear in the same
place each time an outbreak or recurrence occurs, other symptoms
may be different. For example, you may not always have headaches or
burning or itching before or during an outbreak.

Different things in your life and your general health can also
affect it. For example, you may have a more severe outbreak or more
severe symptoms when facing times of stress or other illness.
Therefore, it is important to realize that the symptoms of herpes are
not always the same or the same for different people.

Genital Herpes

We have already explained genital
herpes in previous sections of this book.

You should now know that both herpes simplex
type 1 and 2 can occur on the genitals but that
when someone refers to genital herpes they
usually mean type 2 of the virus.

Click HERE for to see more examples of genital herpes pictures.

There is a bit of a social stigma that goes along with genital herpes
due to the fact that it is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) but in
actuality, a lot of people have this virus. Some studies have shown
that 70% of the people with genital herpes got it from a partner that
showed no signs of an outbreak.

Out of all those partners, some might have thought they were safe and
would not spread the disease but many of them might not have even
known they had it.

This misinformation about genital herpes is what has caused it to
spread so rapidly among so many people. Another reason is because
people are afraid to go to the doctor or afraid to admit that they may
have it and they never seek treatment for herpes. What you need to
understand is first that this disease is very common. Secondly, your
doctor is there to help you and they are not going to judge you
because of your genital herpes. They see cases just like yours every
day and its not a big deal like it may seem to you.

After the initial outbreak, many people may not have another or
recurrences may not be as severe or very frequent so people tend to
push thoughts of it aside and never seek treatment or diagnosis. The
problem seems to go away on its own and they see no reason to seek
medical attention or help for it.

This is an unfortunate way to look at it because not only can you
still be spreading herpes to others, but also because a genital herpes
infection that appears dormant for months or years can then recur at
very inconvenient times if left untreated. For example, during times of
stress in your life or when your immune system is weakened, your
herpes might reappear.

Just think about it for a little bit. What are some stressful
situations in life? When are times that your immune system might not
be the strongest? What if your herpes returns right before your
wedding? Or what if you are a soldier getting ready to deploy, a
student about to graduate or a family member who just lost a loved
one? Are you pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant? In these
situations, you are going to have enough to deal with besides a herpes
outbreak, especially if you have never even been diagnosed. You will
have to go to the doctor, explain everything, get tested, wait for
results and then get treatment.

Its much easier to just deal with it when you first suspect you
might have the virus or have been exposed to it. Not only that but who
wants to live in fear? Do you really want to go through your life
wondering if this thing you had was herpes and if its going to come
back? Do you want to have to live with the fear that you could be
spreading it to other people? Its much better to find out for sure and
then you can take the proper steps to get control of your herpes.

Signs and symptoms of genital herpes

Many people with HSV2 do not even realize they have the
infection. Some people who initially become infected may have no
symptoms and not even realize they have the virus. In some cases,
they may have few or no symptoms until much later in life when
something triggers a recurrence that can be more severe than the
initial outbreak.

However, in most cases for most people, the initial outbreak of
the infection is the worst and is more pronounced.

The initial outbreak as well as subsequent ones may cause:

Sores, lesions or blisters on the genitals
Sores on the perineum or anus
Sores on the buttocks or skin surrounding the genital area
Flu-like symptoms
Body and muscle aches
Fever
Swollen glands/lymph nodes

Why do some people have frequent outbreaks and some have
little or none?

This is a common question since herpes affects different people
in different ways. Most people who have their first outbreak of herpes
can expect to have several recurrences over the first year. Typically,
people have four or five within the first year of contracting the virus
and after that, they tend to taper off in frequency for most people.

Again, this varies though. And the severity of the outbreak
varies. Some people will have symptoms so mild they mistake it for a
bug bite or similar medical condition.

People with weaker immune systems will have more
severe and more frequent outbreaks and symptoms.

The same can happen when an infected person goes
through a time of increased stress or lower immune (such
as when they suffer from another illness).

Regardless of how severe and how frequent your herpes
outbreaks are people who discover they have it typically suffer from
psychological distress as well. There are a whole slew of emotional
issues that can go along with having an STD, especially one in which
there is no cure, like genital herpes.

For some people, genital herpes is very painful. For most, it is at
least uncomfortable and inconvenient. Some people get a lot of sores,
which blister and burst as they go through stages and are very painful,
especially to touch.
If the sores are around the urethra it can also be painful when
urine comes into contact with them. Herpes lesions of the skin on the
buttocks can also be very painful and uncomfortable when sitting.
Wearing clean, breathable and comfortable underwear can help relieve
some of the discomfort of a herpes outbreak until it has passed.

When an outbreak occurs it is best to treat it immediately with a
topical anti-septic treatment kills the virus on contact and will
significantly shorten the term of the outbreak.


Oral Herpes

Many people are confused about oral
herpes and what it really is.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the virus
that causes cold sores.
A large amount of the population has this
virus. You have probably seen a lot of people
with cold sores even if you didnt know what they were.

Typically people do not go around calling their cold sores herpes
because this reminds them too much of the STD and it makes people
uncomfortable. It is, however, the same virus. It doesnt carry as
much social stigma as genital herpes but it can still cause
psychological effects, especially on people that have severe and
frequent outbreaks of cold sores.

This is why cold sores continue to come back in a person again
and again and usually in the same place. You are not getting a new
cold sore each time you get sick. You are actually getting a recurrence
of your original herpes virus. When you get sick (such as from a cold
or flu), the herpes virus that has been lying dormant reactivates and
travels down your nerves into the same place as your original
outbreak.

Oral herpes is sometimes spread in families where people share drinks,
eating utensils, etc without washing in between. You need to be careful
if you have active cold sores that your children (or other family
members) do not drink after you, share your lipstick, etc.

Signs and symptoms

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type one. They
are also known as fever blisters. They get their names because often
they appear when the person is sick or has a cold and often the herpes
virus itself can cause a fever. After the initial infection, recurrent
outbreaks typically occur when the person with the infection has some
other illness such as cold or flu.

Signs of HSV1 may include:

Tingling sensation in or around the mouth
Sores on the lips, corners of the mouth or in the mouth
Sores inside the mouth and on the back of the throat, etc
Fever, muscle aches
Flu-like symptoms

Cold sores can sometimes be very painful, especially when they
occur in the corners of the mouth and when they blister and burst.

They may hurt when you talk or when food and drink comes into
contact with the sores. They can also be very embarrassing since they
occur on the face where people see them (like acne) and can have
emotional distress as well as the other symptoms.

Typically, when someone has a cold sore, they just want it to go
away as soon as possible. It can be painful, irritating and
embarrassing. Its also important that you dont ever pick at the sores
on or around your mouth although for some people it is tempting to
because they are there are they are irritating. But picking at them can
make them worse, hurt more, become infected and can cause them to
spread to other areas. Its best to leave them alone until they heal.

Phases of HSV

HSV goes through different phases, as we have talked about
earlier in the book. Your signs and symptoms can vary according to
the phase your virus is in at the time. Its very important to learn
about these different phases as it can help you understand your
herpes and also help you know when it is in the active stage.

The stage of the herpes virus immediately prior to an active
herpes infection is often referred to as the Prodrome (warning) stage.

You might also hear people refer to early redness, vesicles, wet ulcers,
crusts and healed and these are different stages that the herpes virus
will go through on your body.

Some of these phases may be obvious in you and some may be more
conspicuous. During the asymptomatic phase, the virus is in a latent
state and is lying dormant in your nerves. You will have no outer signs
of the virus. You may even forget that it is there. This is the phase
that everyone with herpes would like to remain in for as long as
possible. With proper diet, exercise and lifestyle, most people can
achieve this and thats what this book is all about.

Asymptomatic

When you are in that latent or asymptomatic phase, you are
relatively safe to go about your normal actions. Your herpes is lying
dormant in your nerves and is not active on the skin or surfaces of
your body anywhere. You can not spread herpes to others in this stage
because the virus in hiding in your ganglion. The problem with this is
that many people can not accurately predict what phase their herpes
virus is in. So you might think that you are in an asymptomatic stage
when in fact, you are not.

Warning Phase

When you move into the prodromal stage, or the
warning stage, you may experience very mild to no
symptoms at all. But if at any point you start to feel
weird or different, it could be your herpes getting
started. You might feel tingling, itching or burning in the area where a
previous outbreak has occurred. Not everyone has a warning stage
before an outbreak but many do.

This sensation is a sign that the virus has been reactivated in
your body and is making its way through your nerve and back to the
location on the skin of the initial outbreak. Some other signs of
warning include:

Pain in the leg or buttocks
Numbness or coldness at the location of previous outbreak
Tingling and or numbing at the location
Itching at the location
Rarely, some people have fever or headache

This warning stage can last from only a few minutes to up to five
days but for most people it is about 12-24 hours. It is possible to
spread herpes during this stage so as soon as you start feeling
something coming on, you need to be careful.

Some people have this warning phase come and go without ever
going into the other phases. This is a good thing they dont get a full-
blown outbreak but you still need to learn to recognize it so you can
protect others from contracting the virus from you.

Early Redness

The next phase is often called early redness. This is because
that is exactly what you get early redness in the area. It is usually
just a small area of the skin and it may be red, itchy and painful to
touch. The virus is just starting to grow on the skin in this stage and
the skin might be itchy or sore to touch.
Its best to try not to touch the area where a sore might be forming.
You can spread herpes at this stage (to yourself or others).

Vesicles

Vesicles are the small blisters that will typically form on the top
of your reddened area after early redness appears. You may have only
one or you may have a small cluster of them and they are filled with a
clear or whitish fluid. They can be very sore to touch or if clothing and
underwear rub against them.

This is the best stage of the virus to have a culture taken to test
for herpes since fluid can be collected easily for the vesicle. Its also
easy to spread herpes to others and to autoinnoculate. Sometimes
women have blisters on the labia burst and leak down to the perineum
or anal area and the herpes can spread throughout the genital area.

Wet Ulcers

This is the ulcer stage which is also quite uncomfortable and
even painful for many people. The ulcers are basically just the vesicles
when they have burst. They may feel raw and wet to touch and they
may glisten like they are wet.

Dry Crust

This is also called scabbing and as the wet ulcers begin to heal
and dry up, they will form a scab over themselves. Even though you
are healing, the virus is still active and you can still transmit it to
someone else. It usually starts to be less painful and uncomfortable at
this stage but you might experience itching as the dry crust forms and
the ulcers heal. New skin is growing and forming under the dry crust
and when the crust dries away, new fresh and healthy skin will be in
its place.

Healed

After the crusting phase, your skin will then heal and active
herpes signs and symptoms will go away. When all the sores have
healed, all the dry crust is gone and you go back to the asymptomatic
phase, you are healed. There might be a red spot or scar where your
sores once were. The mark can last from a few days to a couple weeks
but then usually goes away.

During most, if not all of these active phases of herpes, you may
experience discomfort and pain. With genital herpes, you will likely
want to avoid things like:

Soaks in bubbly or scented bath water
Scented toilet paper
Feminine sprays and washes with soaps or scents
Harsh soaps or shampoos in the genital area

You should also always wear clean underwear, cotton is best and
allow the sore areas to breathe. Too-tight underwear or pants can
irritate the area causing you more discomfort and even causing the
outbreak to last longer or become more irritated.
Never scratch at the sores or blisters with your fingernails or try to
burst or pop them. This can spread the virus and cause infection in the
sores.

Other Questions Answered

To fully understand these types of herpes, you need to
know everything. There are many questions that people have
regarding this virus and how it affects the body. Below are some more
common questions that you might be wondering about.

Can herpes cause headaches?

Actually, yes it can. There is such as thing as a herpes headache
and it is pretty common during an active outbreak of genital herpes.
You might get a headache with your initial occurrence of herpes and
some people (though rare) get meningitis with their initial occurrence
of herpes. After that, you might get headaches along with the
prodromal phase of your herpes outbreaks. These headaches signal to
many people that an outbreak is on its way.

Can herpes make me sterile or impotent?

This is another fairly common question and for good reason
because there are some STDs that can make you sterile. While there
are many STDs that can make you sterile, such as gonorrhea and
Chlamydia, herpes is not known for causing people to be sterile. Often
people with herpes may have another STD and in some cases, herpes
is confused as another STD. So if you have any thoughts that you
might have herpes, it is best to get a proper diagnosis.

Am I immune to herpes if I had chicken pox in the past or
the vaccine for chicken pox?

While chicken pox is in the same family of
viruses as HSV1 and 2, it is not the same virus and
therefore, having one does not make you immune to
the other.

It is possible to have had chicken pox as a child which can lie
dormant in the system and result in shingles later in life and still have
herpes simplex type one or two.

Just like it is also possible for a person to have both HSV1 and 2
types at the same time. You might have contracted type 1 and have
cold sores when you were a small child and you shared a glass with a
family member and then caught type 2 later in life from a sexual
partner.

Can continuing to have sex with the person who gave me
herpes make my symptoms worse?

Once you contract the herpes virus, it is in your system for the
rest of your life. How many outbreaks you get and the severity of your
recurrences vary according to your body, your immune system and
how you react to the virus.
Having repeated intercourse with the person who initially gave
you the virus is not going to make the virus more severe. However,
coming into contact with open sores of the other person can cause you
to have sores in new places where you didnt before so it is best to use
protection or abstinence during an active outbreak.

However, you cant get more herpes or more severe herpes from
repeated sexual contact with an infected person so basically if you
both have it already, theres not much else to worry about anymore.

Will it make our symptoms worse if I have genital herpes
and have sex with another person who already has genital
herpes as well?

You can not be doubly infected with the same virus. If you
have already been diagnosed with herpes, you will have it for the rest
of your life. The same thing goes for your partner. Therefore, if you
both have herpes, there is no risk of one infecting the other or of your
symptoms becoming worse due to it. However, it is still advised to use
protection or abstinence during an active outbreak to keep from
spreading the infection to other parts of your body.

Can I still spread herpes to others even if I am on anti-
viral medication?

This is an important question since sometimes people think that
being on medication means they are not contagious. You need to know
that you can still spread the virus to other people even if you are on
anti-viral medication, especially if you have an active outbreak of
sores.

If you have questions about the medications you are on and
whether or not you can spread your virus to partners, you need to ask
your doctor. Just remember, antiviral medication as well as
suppressive therapy does not mean you are not contagious and you
can still spread herpes to others.

Chapter Review

1. The difference between oral and genital herpes is where it is
located and the type of the virus. Type one usually causes oral
herpes and type 2 usually causes genital herpes but both types
can occur in either place of the body.
2. Signs of oral herpes are cold sores or fever blisters on the
mouth.
3. Signs of genital herpes are sores or lesions in the groin, genitals
and buttocks (or surrounding areas).
4. HSV goes through different phases and can lie dormant in the
body for long periods of time.

Images ask.metafilter.com,brittanica.com

Section Five: Herpes and Stress

You might already know that stress plays a big role in our
health. But stress is everywhere, right?

Everyone seems to have it at some time or another and to
some degree or another.

In fact, the more convenience our society has, the more stress it
seems we have. We create ways to make things faster so that we can
cram more into each day and it just adds to the burden.

It seems humans are always on the go, always on the rush and
always have something to worry about. But what we dont always
realize is that all this stress and worry puts a strain on our bodies and
it can really take its toll, especially on someone who already has an
illness.

Stress can really be a pain if you have herpes. But do you
understand how- and why? What role does stress play in herpes and
possible outbreaks and recurrences?

The more stress you have in your life the more outbreaks you
may have. It has been shown in many cases that stress can actually
bring on a herpes outbreak in someone who has been in the latent
stage.

My friend tells stories of always getting an outbreak right before
a big exam in college. Its pretty common to have this happen or when
you have other illness in your life such as if you get the flu.

So are you wondering why it happens like this and why stress
affects your herpes virus? People often ask why some people have
more outbreaks than others and most often it has to do with lifestyle.

One person may eat healthier, exercise more, have a stronger
immune system and manage stress better than another, causing them
to have fewer outbreaks and recurrences. Its not because one person
has a worse case of herpes over the other person. Its because one
persons immune system is better able to fight the virus and keep it
from becoming active in the system again.

How does stress affect herpes?

So just how exactly does stress affect your
herpes and outbreaks and reoccurrences?
You might be surprised to know that stress can
actually lead to outbreaks.

When your body is stressed, your immune system is weakened. You
are more susceptible to disease and infection. This gives the once
dormant virus ample opportunity to activate itself again in your
nerves.

Moments of stress in your life can cause the herpes virus to
reactivate in your system and recur. If you are a highly stressed
person, you may continue to have more outbreaks than another
person might.

Getting your stress under control can help you get your herpes
under control and live with fewer outbreaks and less intense
symptoms when they do occur.

Proven ways to reduce stress

If you reduce the stress in your life, you will also boost your
immune system and make your body more resistant to infection and
relapse of your herpes outbreaks.

You will also feel better and healthier all over which also contributes to
fewer outbreaks. Just like with diet and nutrition, its all part of an
overall better body plan. There are many different ways to help reduce
stress and you need to find ways that work best for you and your
personality but here are some suggestions to help you.


Beat Anger

One major cause of stress in people is anger.
Anger is one of the strongest human emotions and
people who are higher-stress individuals often tend
to get angry much quicker in situations.

If you can learn to control your temper and your anger, then you will
have less stress and lower your chances of being hit with an outbreak
of your herpes infection.

Here are some steps you can take when you feel yourself about
to anger in a situation:

1. Recognize that you are angry.
2. Take a time out. Walk away from the person or situation.
3. Count to 10.
4. Find a safe release for your anger. Some people run, punch a
pillow or perform karate. Just find something that works for you
that is safe and let that be your outlet when you get angry.
5. Talk calmly about the things that are angering you instead of
losing your temper.
6. Distract yourself with something like a walk or some other
physical activity.
7. Talk your feelings over with a friend or family member to help
you calm down.
8. Write about your feelings.

Typically in these situations, getting angry doesnt solve anything or
help the situation in any real way. All it does is make you feel bad and
in some cases (such as if you blow up at another person) it can just
lead to even bigger problems anyway. Learning to control your anger
can play a big impact in you feel and how you relate to your herpes.

Different people handle anger and other stress in different ways so
the key is finding a good solution to help you remain calm and stress-
free, especially over the things that simply dont matter anyway. Then,
it will become routine for you and you will become a less-stressed
person.

Learning to control your anger is one step is reducing stress in your
life but there are also many other things that cause stress. Learning to
manage your stress will make you a happier, healthy person. Studies
have also shown that stress can weaken your bodys immune system
so if you want the best chance at fighting off your herpes outbreaks
then you want to build your immune system as strong as possible and
reduce the stress in your life.

Stress Relieving Steps

Below are some simple steps for reducing stress in your daily
life.

1. Get up 15 minutes earlier.
2. Eat breakfast.
3. Make To Do lists.
4. Remember to stop and relax.
5. If you are getting upset, remove yourself from the situation.
6. Avoid negative people.
7. Take a breather when you feel stressed. 10 deep breaths in
through your nose and out your mouth.
8. Brush your hair. The motion and the massage on your scalp can
be relaxing.
9. Get a massage.
10. Read a book.
11. Keep a clean and clutter-free workspace.
12. Dont over-schedule.
13. Allow time for fun.
14. Remember to laugh.
15. Always be prepared.
16. Get enough sleep at night.
17. Exercise regularly.
18. Have hobbies.
19. Eat a healthy diet.
20. Remember your priorities.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is very important to reducing t
stress in your life. Not only does it allow your body and
your brain time to rest and relax, but it also puts you in a
better mental state the next day to face whatever
challenges may lie ahead for you. A well rested mind and body is much
better capable of handling stressful situations when they occur.
he
If you are having trouble sleeping, try the following steps:
Take a warm bath about an hour before bedtime to help you
relax and wind down.
Keep a regular schedule of going to sleep and waking up at the
same time, including during the weekends.
Avoiding working in bed or doing other activities in the bedroom
that can make sleep a stressful time.
Try not to skimp on sleep. Allow yourself enough time to get
proper rest at night.
Establish a good sleeping condition such as a cool dark room.
Some people like to have a fan or background white noise to
help them sleep.
Plan the following days activities ahead of time so you dont
stress about it at bedtime.
Try not to allow yourself to become over-tired or it can be even
harder to sleep.
Cut out caffeine, nicotine, etc before bedtime. (Preferably a
couple hours before you plan to go to bed).

Support Groups

There are support groups and counseling available if you need
help coping with your herpes diagnosis or even with anything else that
might happen in your life that causes you stress. If you experience the
death of a loved one, a big move or loss or change of job or some
other significant change in your life and lifestyle, it could warrant some
therapy or counseling to help you manage this stressful event so that
you can still keep your herpes in control as well.

Having good friends and family that you can talk to in times of
stress is a great way to keep your feelings in control and reduce
stress-related outbreaks of the herpes virus. Remember that to
suppress your herpes outbreaks, its all about having a balanced life.
The healthier you feel, the fewer outbreaks you will have.


Chapter Review

1. Stress affects herpes because it weakens your immune system
and your body.
2. Reducing stress can prevent outbreaks.
3. You can reduce stress by getting more sleep, managing your
anger and having a good support group.
4. Take an active role in beating and combating stress in your life
so you can live herpes free.

Images better-sleep-site.blogspot.com

Section Six: The Importance of Diet & Nutrition
with Exercise

You have probably heard time and time again
about how important diet and nutrition along with
exercise is to your body. From childhood we are
reminded to eat your vegetables and exercise
daily. We are taught about the food pyramid and the dangers of too
much fat and sugar. However, what you may not know is that nutrition
can also affect viral reproduction.

This means that what you eat can really make a difference in the
number of herpes outbreaks that occur. It can also affect how severe
these outbreaks become.

If you really want to take an active role in your herpes outbreaks
instead of letting them control your life, then you need to know
and understand the importance of diet and exercise.

If you want to be able to suppress your outbreaks without
medication that can have unwanted side effects and live a more
normal, balanced life, then you just need to take a look at your diet
and lifestyle.

There may be some things that you need to re-evaluate and
prioritize. You may need to make some adjustments to your daily diet
and the types of foods you consume.
But once you do, it will become habit and once you see the effect
it has on the way you feel and the way it affects your herpes, you will
never want to go back to your old ways again.

Maintaining a proper diet with good nutrition and exercise can
also help to decrease the length of time that a herpes outbreak lasts.
This is very important because the longer you have to suffer with an
outbreak simply means the less time you have to live a normal happy
life.

Anyone that has the herpes virus wants to be free of outbreaks
as much as possible. One good way to help accomplish this is through
a nutritious diet combined with an effective exercise plan.

A key aspect of your diet and nutrition plan is to realize that it is
all about finding and maintaining the proper balance in your life for
your body so that you are as healthy as possible even with the virus.

How does nutrition affect herpes?

Your diet and good nutrition is a form of
treatment for herpes that can be done immediately.
It is the only thing that you can do personally to
control your herpes outbreaks.

You have the power to eat foods that can directly influence the
herpes virus and the amount of outbreaks that occur.
You can be proactive. You can do something about your herpes
virus instead of letting it rule your life.

By learning what foods can help your herpes symptoms, you can
adjust your diet accordingly and take an active role in defeating this
incurable disease.

Herpes doesnt have to ruin your life.

But one thing that you need to understand about herpes nutrition is
that there are not any specific good foods that you should eat or
bad foods that you should avoid to affect your herpes. Instead, you
need to look at different vitamins and minerals that are in each food
and also at your total diet as part of an overall package.

Its all about choosing the right foods, avoiding too much sugar
and sweets and other things that are bad for you and combining your
healthy diet with a great exercise plan to reach your total body fitness
and nutrition goals. Remember that it is about a complete, overall
body and lifestyle transformation, not about a magic food that makes
everything better.

Helpful Amino Acids

Did you know that there are some amino acids found in certain
foods that can be very helpful to people with the herpes virus? Did you
also know that there are certain ones that should be avoided since
they can make your outbreaks worse? When you learn this, what they
are and what foods they are found in, you can adjust your diet
accordingly and you will notice a big difference in your outbreaks and
the way you feel.

Two main amino acids are known to directly affect herpes virus.
They are called lysine and arginine and are found naturally in foods.
This is the way that nutrition can directly affect herpes. Lysine is a
good amino acid that helps your body fight herpes while arginine is
amino acid that can increase your outbreaks.

The herpes virus is proven to reduce a persons immune system
considerably. Its a double-edged sword because a weaker immune
system also makes you prone to more outbreaks. Therefore, receiving
a balanced diet with the proper nutrition can counter attack the
infection by helping to increase your immune system.

Certain foods containing arginine can cause stress on your
immune system which help to increase the number of outbreaks you
experience. They can also make these outbreaks more severe. We will
talk more about the immune system later but it is very important that
you keep it healthy and strong so that your body can fight the herpes
virus when it tries to show its face. Other foods can strengthen the
immune system which in turn will help to reduce the number of
outbreaks.


What is a healthy diet for someone with herpes virus?

Now that we have talked some about the foods
you should avoid, we will talk some about what is a
healthy diet for a person infected with the herpes
virus.

The herpes virus requires the amino acid arginine to help it
reproduce itself. This is the reason that staying away from foods that
contain this amino acid helps to decrease the herpes virus.

The key to having a healthy diet when you have the herpes virus
is to balance the lysine and arginine ratio.

That is, if you eat foods that contain a high ratio of arginine then
counter it by eating foods that are also high in lysine. If it is difficult
for you to eat a lot of food that is high in lysine then, you should
consider using a supplement that contains lysine. The normal
recommended dose of a lysine supplement for herpes would be
500mg.

A healthy diet for someone with the herpes virus would be one
that included high fiber along with vegetables and fruits. Fish, chicken,
whole grains and turkey is a healthy diet to follow when you are
between outbreaks.

It can also help slow down how often they reoccur. It is essential
for anyone with herpes to drink plenty of water but it is especially
important for someone with herpes. You should also avoid sugar,
coffee and alcohol as these can increase your outbreaks.

Good foods include:

Fish
Chicken
Whole grains
Turkey
Lots of water

Things to avoid or reduce:

Sugar
Coffee
Alcohol

In addition to all of this, you want to remember general health
and nutrition advice. You want to keep your body in shape and at a
healthy weight range not over or under your ideal weight range. You
want to eat a balance of foods from the different food groups each day
and be sure you dont skip breakfast or other meals. Try to reduce the
amount of fast food and processed foods that you consume. Fresher is
always better.

Following the same basic diet and nutrition guidelines that
everyone should follow in turn, makes you a healthier person and
builds a stronger immune system that is better able to fight off the
herpes virus.

What foods are good for you?

So are there any foods specifically good for herpes sufferers?
Lysine has been proven to slow down the growth of the amino acid
arginine that increases herpes outbreaks. Therefore, any foods
containing lysine will be food that is good for you. These foods include
things like cold water fish, sprouts and vegetables. Also dairy products
such as butter, egg yolks, cheese and milk contain lysine. Potatoes
and cod liver oil are also good foods for you if you have the herpes
virus.

There are many ways to eat these foods that are good for you
and still have them taste good. These foods are not only good for your
herpes but they are better for your general health which means you
can plan meals that are great for the entire family. There are also
many websites and books out there that offer cooking advice, recipes
and more for people with herpes.


What foods are bad for you?

Some of the worst foods that you can eat if you
suffer with the herpes virus are oats, nuts, Soya beans,
coconuts and chocolate.

These foods are rich in arginine and may increase your
outbreaks. When you are suffering from an outbreak it can also be
beneficial for you to avoid foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.

Products containing vinegars should be avoided if you have
herpes. Processed foods and animal products are also very bad for
you.

You should avoid drinking products that contain caffeine such as
sodas and coffee as much as possible.

Try to avoid:

Oats
Nuts
Coconuts
Chocolate
Tomatoes
Citrus fruit
Processed foods
Caffeine
Sugar

What can you do at home nutrition wise to help?

So how can you improve your diet and nutrition
at home? Do you need to have a specialist help you?
Can you prepare herpes-friendly meals at
home? What are some easy ways you can have
better nutrition at home?

The first thing that you need to do at home is to learn as much
about nutrition as possible. The more informed you are the better
choices you will be able to make.

Knowing which foods increase the outbreaks, making them
worse, will help you to avoid these foods.

On the other hand, knowing which ones to avoid when you are
having an outbreak will help it to end faster. Avoiding these foods can
also help the outbreak to be less severe. You will feel more confident
and less stressed over your herpes because you will feel more in
control of the virus.

Before going grocery shopping make a list of foods that are good
for you and take that to the store with you. Stick to your list and that
will help prevent you from buying foods that should be avoided. By
eliminating these foods from your home you are help to rid yourself of
the temptation to eat them.

You can also plan your meals around foods that are good for
you. Whenever you are trying a new diet, this is always easier. Take
the time to seek out some recipes that sound good to you and contain
the foods you need in your diet.

What herbs help suppress herpes outbreaks?

One herb that helps herpes outbreaks is called
Blackmores Lypsine. This product contains vitamin
C, Zinc and Lysine which is what makes it so helpful.
Other herbs help to build the immune system which
will help to suppress herpes outbreaks. Some of the herbs that help in
this way are listed below.

Ginseng
Astragalus
Echinacea
Ginger
Ganoderma

Herbs can be used in different combinations to help slow down
herpes outbreaks. One of the great things about using herbs to treat
herpes is the fact that they are safe to use. Most come in a capsule
form making them easy and convenient. The cost is also something to
consider because normally herbs are much cheaper to purchase than
most prescription drugs.

People also enjoy that when they choose herbs and vitamins or
supplements, it is better than taking prescription medications that may
have many other unwanted side effects. Most people enjoy being able
to control their herpes outbreaks in a more natural way.

What vitamins can help reduce outbreaks?

Certain vitamins can help reduce the number o
herpes outbreaks that you may suffer from. Vita
E has been proven to help to decrease the length of
time that an outbreak will last.
f
min

Therefore, a diet that includes foods rich in vitamin E is
healthy for a herpes sufferer. Vitamin B complex has been proven to
also be very helpful.

Vitamin C helps to increase your immune system by helping your
white blood cells fight against the infection of the herpes virus. This is
very important since having a healthy immune system is a big part of
the fight against herpes. Zinc also builds your immune system and
helps your body to protect against the viral diseases. However,
anything containing citrus should be avoided during an outbreak.

Vitamin A has been found to help reduce the number of
outbreaks that a herpes sufferer deals with. It works because vitamin
A helps the immune system to fight against any virus that invades the
body. Since herpes is a virus then vitamin A can help reduce your
outbreaks. Even so, Vitamin A is not normally recommended because
it can build up in the body. In high doses it can become toxic. It has
also been linked to birth defects so anyone pregnant should avoid this
vitamin in large quantities.

How does exercise help?

Proper exercise habits are important in everyones
life. It helps you to keep your body strong and looking
great. Most people will agree that the better they look
the better they seem to feel.

Good exercise habits can help you feel more self-confidant and
help you have more energy than you thought possible. So how does
exercise help a person who has herpes?

When you are first told that exercise can help control herpes
your first thought may be how is this possible. After all, how can
exercise affect a viral infection?

The answer is quite simple.

Exercise helps build and maintain a healthy immune system. The
healthier you are the healthier your immune system will be. This
in turn helps your body to naturally fight off the herpes infection.

Exercise also helps to restore balance in your life which is
important to help you relive stress. Stress has been proven to cause
herpes outbreak to be more frequent and even more severe. So the
more stress free you are the fewer outbreaks you may suffer from.

This is another way exercise can help. Exercise should be
included along with your diet and other steps to keep your immune
system healthy and to prevent outbreaks of your herpes virus.

How to get daily exercise

If you are not used to exercising regularly, this will be a
significant change in your life but one that is good for your herpes as
well as other aspects of your health. It is very important that you work
some regular exercise into your daily routine and make it a habit. You
dont have to spend hour after hour in the gym pumping iron or
become obsessive over your workout regime. Just finding little ways of
getting regular exercise into your life is a great idea.

There are also some quick and easy ways to get a little more
physical activity into your day.

1. Dont park so close at the shopping center, grocery store,
work, etc.
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
3. Walk your dog (or someone elses dog).
4. Ride a bike.
5. Do some stretches and aerobics while watching your favourite
television show.

Importance of the Immune System

Do you understand why your immune system is
so important and why we keep mentioning it in this
book?

The stronger your immune system, the better able you will be to fight
off a recurrence of the herpes virus. You can remain outbreak free as
long as the herpes virus remains dormant in your cells. Having a
healthy immune system is one of the best ways to fight the herpes
virus.

The immune system helps to protect the body by fighting off
viruses and infections that invade the body. Herpes is a virus which
can lie dormant in the bodys cells.

If your immune system is weak then it cannot fight the herpes
virus and you will experience more outbreaks that can last for
days.

A healthy immune system will seek out and attack the herpes
virus with antibodies. When this happens the white blood cells will
become active and begin to destroy the virus. This is why the immune
system is so important to anyone. However, if you suffer with herpes it
is even more important. It could mean the difference between having
a lot of severe outbreaks that last for a long time or shorter, milder
ones further apart.

Chapter Review

1. Diet and nutrition is important because certain foods decrease
your chances of outbreak and certain foods increase your
chances. Proper diet boosts your immune system.
2. A healthy diet can help prevent outbreaks.
3. Exercise is important because it helps you reduce stress, get
better rest at night and build a stronger immune system.
4. Regular exercise helps prevent outbreaks of herpes.

Section Seven: Herpes Treatments

One question you might have asked
yourself, especially if you or someone you love
has been diagnosed with herpes is What is the
cure?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for
herpes.

There is also no vaccine that you can take that
will keep you from contracting the virus. Although, they have created a
vaccine for chicken pox which is in the herpes family of viruses and
this is a good sign that one day in the future, there might also be a
vaccine for HSV 1 and 2.

Research is being conducted every day to try to advance technology
for a cure for herpes but until then, there are treatments available
that are very helpful to many people.

For many years, there was no effective drug therapy available
for herpes infections. Patients would have to wait until the herpes
cleared up on its own and for some people; this was a very painful or
uncomfortable experience. Some people have severe outbreaks or
outbreaks that occur very often and they can interfere with normal life
and function. Not only is it bothersome physically but there is also a
psychological aspect that goes along with having herpes.

This lack of treatment and drug therapy meant people with
herpes simply had to suffer through it. Many people wonder Can I live
a normal life now that I have herpes? They may wonder if they will be
able to date, marry, and have children and other things.
The good news is that with proper treatment, you can continue
to have a normal life and do all those things that people without
herpes can do. But the more you know, the better able you will be to
do these things and do them successfully so knowledge is very
important.

In the past, people had to suffer through their herpes outbreaks
no matter how frequent or severe they were. That is not the case
today as there are several different medication options for someone
suffering from herpes. There are at least three different medications
available for people who suffer from herpes infections.

Medications for herpes treatment

They are acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir
(Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir). All three of these
medications are very effective at treating herpes
outbreaks. Typically, these drugs are prescribed
during active outbreaks and may not be needed for mild cases. There
are side effects to medications as well so typically it is preferred by
patients to try to prevent outbreaks instead of having to depend on
medication to treat it.

There are also long term drug therapies available that act as
suppressive therapy to try to prevent outbreaks from occurring. These
can be helpful to people who experience frequent outbreaks that they
can not seem to control through diet, exercise and stress
management. Suppressive therapy is believed to reduce outbreaks by
as much as 85% in some individuals. There are also some topical
medications available that can be helpful during an outbreak to
prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Treatment without prescription medication

Many people seek natural or alternative methods of treating
their herpes outbreaks so they do not have to resort to these
medications and the adverse reactions that can come with treatment
such as this. Sometimes preventing outbreaks is as simple as making
some lifestyle changes and reducing the stress in your life. Getting
more rest at night and eating a healthier diet can play a big role in
your herpes treatment. Some people are even able to treat themselves
without any prescription medications.

As you have seen we have talked about in other sections of this
book, there are certain vitamins and herbs that can help suppress
outbreaks and build a healthier immune system. There are also other
ways you can fight your herpes outbreaks such as having a better diet
overall, keeping your weight in a reasonable healthy range, trying to
stay as healthy as possible and getting regular exercise. Reducing and
managing the stress in your life is another great way to boost your
immune system and keep yourself healthy and herpes-free.

I s there a cure for herpes?

Everyone who is infected with the herpes virus is faced with
many life altering changes. It is not easy to learn that you have just
been diagnosed with any STD, especially one that can be as serious as
herpes. There will no doubt be many questions that you will need
answered. Most likely the first question that comes to mind will be is
there a cure for herpes.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for herpes and there is
no vaccine to prevent people from contracting the herpes virus. Once a
person contracts herpes it lives in their DNA. Even though it may lie
dormant for long periods of time, it is still in your body. Outbreaks
could occur even if you appear to be cured and have not had
problems with the virus in years. Sometimes certain events or stress
or illness in your life can bring on an outbreak when you havent seen
one in years.

Since there is no cure for herpes at this time, the next step will
be to find out what types of treatments are available for the virus. This
is important for your own health and well being as well as the health of
your partner. Finding out which treatments will work best for you is
very important in helping you to protect your partner from contracting
the virus.

What are the treatments for herpes?

The most popular treatment for herpes is the use of specific
drugs. These medications include Famciclovir, Acyclovir and
Valacyclovir. Although they cannot cure the herpes virus they can
make living with it much easier. These drugs can help to reduce the
severity of the herpes outbreaks. They can also slow down the number
of outbreaks that occur and could possibly stop them all together.
However, keep in mind that even if you are not having outbreaks you
are not cured; the virus is still lying dormant in your body. It is also
still possible to spread herpes to others even while you are on these
medications.

During an outbreak it is important to make sure that you are
taking all measures to keep from spreading the herpes virus. First of
all, you want to avoid sexual activity during an outbreak. This would
include the entire time of the outbreak from the first symptom until all
sores are completely healed. If you have sex during an outbreak you
are subjecting your partner to the herpes virus. The same rules apply
to oral herpes. You can spread it from the first sign of tingling or
burning or appearance of cold sores on or around your mouth.

It is very important to keep the area of the outbreak as clean
and dry as possible. This could prove to be a little difficult as you
should avoid touching the sores while washing the area. Nevertheless,
taking these measures can help the healing process and lessen the
length of time of the outbreak. Make sure that you wash your hands
thoroughly with soap and warm water to help avoid spreading the
virus to other body parts.

Many people have also found that using a combination of herbs
can also help reduce the number of herpes outbreaks that they suffer
from. These herbs also seem to reduce the severity of the outbreaks
that do occur. However, anyone who has herpes should first consult
with their physician to discuss all forms of treatment that are
available.

Treating herpes naturally

As we have already mentioned in other parts of this book, there
are things you can do to help treat your herpes naturally and prevent
outbreaks from occurring without taking prescription medications.
There are also some people who use prescription medications but find
that even that is not enough to stop their outbreaks and they may
decide to try other methods as well.

If you:

1. Eat healthy
2. Plan your diet according to foods that affect herpes
3. Exercise regularly
4. Take herbs or vitamins that help build your immune system
5. Learn to reduce and manage stress in your life
6. Take steps to build a stronger immune system

You can live a healthier life and treat your herpes naturally. You will
have fewer if any- outbreaks and you will feel much better.

Can you spread herpes to others while being treated?

You need to be aware of the fact that even with treatment; you
can still spread herpes to others. If you are in the active stage of
herpes then you are much more likely to be able to spread this virus to
others. Since people with treatment often have lesser symptoms, it
can be hard to tell when you in the active stage therefore, it is best to
just always use protection. Even if you are not noticing any sores you
could still spread herpes to your partner.

The only way to be a hundred percent sure that you are not
spreading the herpes virus is by never having sex. However, you can
help to prevent the spread of the virus by following the advice of your
doctor and using all safety measures available. This includes the use of
condoms every time you have sex to help protect your partner. You
should also inform your partner of the risk they are taking by being
intimate in that way.

What is being done to find a cure or vaccine for
herpes?

There was only recently found a vaccine to prevent chickenpox
(herpes zoster virus) which means that a vaccine for other types of
herpes may be on the way. Research is being performed every day to
help find a cure and vaccine for this disease. There are several
vaccines that are already in different stages of development. One of
these vaccines includes the study of the DNA makeup of the herpes
virus itself.

Others include creating a vaccine by using the protein and
enzymes that the virus needs to survive in your body. Since it is
known that types of amino acids increase outbreaks research is also
being done using these to manufacture a vaccine. It is very possible
that in the near future we could see a vaccine for this virus but until
then, people need to inform themselves as much as possible, seek
treatment and do their best to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Chapter Review

1. There is no cure for herpes.
2. There are different treatment and prevention methods for
herpes.
3. There is no vaccine for herpes.
4. Current treatments for herpes include suppressive therapies as
well as treatment medications to help lessen and clear up
existing outbreaks.
5. Prevention is still the best policy for treating herpes.
6. Even with treatment, it is still possible to spread herpes to
others.


Section Eight: Herpes and the immune system

We have already talked briefly in other sections about the
immune system and how building a healthy immune system can help
prevent recurrences of the herpes virus. But do you really understand
how it works and what you can do to help boost your immune system?
Do you understand the connection between your immune system and
your herpes virus?

We also mentioned how proper diet, rest and exercise can help
boost your immune system which in turn, makes you healthier,
stronger and less likely to have a recurrence of your herpes virus.
Understanding the immune system does not only help you prevent
outbreaks but it will help you understand the herpes virus and how it
reacts in the virus.
What is the immune system?

You have also heard us mention in other sections that a healthy
immune system can help prevent outbreaks of the herpes virus. But do
you understand what your immune system is and how herpes affects
it? Before you can understand the role that the herpes virus plays on
your immune system, you need to understand what your immune
system actually is and how it works.

The immune system is one of the most important systems within
the human body. It works to help defend the body against foreign
invaders such as a virus. It is a very strong and complex system that
has many different functions to help it keep you healthy. Lets take
some time to explain this system and how it works so that you can
understand how to build a better and stronger immune system and
how doing so will affect your herpes outbreaks.

The immune system is a complex network that patrols the
body and all the different cells to keep on the look out for foreign
invaders that can cause you to be sick. The immune system searches
your body for antigens and identifies them as infectious agents or as
self antigens (which are normal parts of the body).

To understand this completely, you need to understand how the
immune system works. To know how it works, you need to know how
it is made up.

How does the immune system work?

Now that you know what your immune system is, you need to
know more about how it works so you can understand how it helps you
fight herpes.

Blood cells

The human immune system is made up of mostly white blood
cells. However, there are many different types of white blood cells.
Most in the immune system are lymphocytes. The two major classes of
lymphocytes are T cells and B cells. The T cells help destroy infected
cells in your body and keep your immune response healthy and on
target. B cells produce the antibodies that remain in your system after
fighting off a disease.

Some other types of blood cells are the macrophages and
neutrophils. These blood cells help circulate the blood and they search
it for foreign substances. If they locate a foreign antigen such as
bacteria, they destroy it.

You also have MHC and Co-Stimulatory molecules in your
immune system. These are an active part of your bodys defense
against foreign antigens and disease. These molecules work by binding
to the virus and then communicating with the T cells to help fight the
virus. These cells are important to the response of the immune system
for a timely response to the invading virus or antigen.

For the immune system to work properly and most effectively,
all the parts and components need to be working together so that the
whole system will function at its peak. When all of the system is
working correctly, your body is better able to fight against viruses that
may be attacking it such as the herpes virus.

Since the herpes virus never goes away, but just sits there in
your nerves, you cant destroy it completely and be cured. However, a
healthy immune system can help fight off recurrences when the virus
gets triggered into being active in the body again. As soon as this
trigger occurs, your immune system (if healthy) will get to work to
fight it off and make it dormant again so you do not get an outbreak.
Or, if you do, it can help reduce the time and severity of your
outbreaks.

Building a strong immune system

So what determines how strong and healthy your immune
system is? Well, actually some parts of it can not be controlled.
Genetics have a play into how well your immune system works. Some
people are just born with more ability to fight off disease and infection
than others. Genes can affect the way your body produces certain cells
in the immune system and the way your body reacts and responds to
viruses and antigens.

However, genes are not the only factors involved and there are
things that you can do to help build and maintain a stronger immune
system in your own body which is important for anyone with herpes.

How does herpes affect the immune system?

Herpes affects the immune system because it can weaken it and
also make you more susceptible to other diseases and infections. Your
body is busy trying to fight off the herpes virus and might not be as
active at fighting off other things that might come along.

Your bodys natural defense, called the immune responses
comes from the immune system. The herpes virus attacks your
immune system and your immune system fights back and a battle
ensues between the two. If the herpes virus wins, you get an
outbreak. Sometimes the immune system will kick into gear and fight
the outbreak and it will end quickly or not get severe. But sometimes if
the immune system is strong enough, you can prevent the outbreak
before it even occurs.

Anyone with herpes knows that the ideal would be to keep the
outbreak from happening and keep your herpes in control at all times.
To be able to do this, you need to have your immune system up to
par. While you cant help certain genetic factors, there are some things
you can do to help build a stronger immune system.

How can vitamins help?

There are vitamins that can actually help your fight against
herpes outbreaks by building a stronger immune system for you. When
you take these vitamins in addition to a healthy lifestyle, regular
exercise and reduced stress, you will see even better results and truly
be on your way to living outbreak free and without having to depend
on suppressive medication that can have adverse reactions and
unwanted side effects.

Many people up-to-date on the new revolutionary approach to
medicine may know about micronutrients already. Micronutrients are
vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help support the human immune
system. It is now possible to help boost your bodys immune system
responses by taking supplements. However, what can you take and
how does it work to help?

Vitamin A: Vitamin A has retinol which is at-soluble and proven to
help white blood cell function, enhances resistance to infection and
carcinogens and help maintain skin and mucus membrane defenses to
infection.

Carotenoids and beta-carotene: Beta carotene has its own
exceptional immune-stimulating properties that Vitamin A does not so
both are essential. Beta carotene is also a great anti-oxidant and there
are over 600 other carotenoids found in nature.

B vitamins: The B vitamins are usually looked at together as what is
called "B complex". The B vitamins can be very helpful in immune
responses. For example in AIDS, more rapid disease progression is
seen in patients with deficiencies of the B Vitamins B6 and B12. B6 is
predominantly important for immune function.

B12 is also central to immune processes because it manages cell
division and growth. Without adequate B12, white blood cells cant
mature and multiply. Folic acid also plays a key role in immune system
development and maintenance so you sometimes see it with vitamin
B.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is well known as an immune system booster.
White blood cells use Vitamin C to combat infections, and in the face of
inflammation or microbial challenge, levels of Vitamin C are depleted.
When you are under stress you need additional sources of Vitamin C
as well. So this is how vitamins and stress reduction all go together to
combat your herpes outbreaks.

Vitamin E: Deficiency of Vitamin E is also fairly common and this is a
great immune booster.

Chromium: Some recent research has shown that chromium can
enhance the ability of white blood cells to respond to infection.

Copper: A recent study shows that a diet deficient in copper affects
the human immune system by reducing the activity of some cells that
attack invading bacteria.

Iron: Iron deficiency paralyzes the immune response. But too much
iron can also be harmful to the immune system so dont go overboard.
The immune system fights invading microbes by depriving them of iron
via a specific immune defense substance called lactoferrin.

Manganese: Manganese has been shown to enhance macrophage
activity.

Selenium: Research suggests that selenium deficiency may allow
viruses to mutate into more dangerous pathogens. It is also a great
antioxidant.

Zinc: Numerous studies now prove supplemental zinc can restore
flagging immunity. As with iron and Vitamin E, more isnt automatically
better. Daily doses of 100 mg. or more of zinc may actually be
immuno-suppressive.

Non-vitamin mineral supplements

Other non-vitamin mineral supplements may help boost your immunity
as well. Here are some of them:

Alkylglycerol
CoEnzyme Q10
Dimethyglycine (DMG)
Phytonutrients

8 Great Immune Boosters!

Like we have mentioned before, boosting your immune system is
a fantastic defense against the herpes virus. Feeding your immune
system immune boosters is like fueling soldiers for a war. Your cells
will be stronger and healthier and ready to beat the herpes virus if it
rears its head. Using immune boosters can help increase the number
of white blood cells in your immune system, train them to be better at
fighting viruses and help the cells work together and function properly.
Immune boosters will also help your system remove any substances
that are dragging down the body and causing it not to function
properly.

Below are 8 fantastic immune boosters that every herpes
sufferer should know about.
1. Vitamin C. Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosters for many
different reasons. It increases the production of infection-fighting
white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of
interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the
entry of viruses. You dont need a lot of Vitamin C to make a
difference. Studies show that around 200 mg per day is usually
efficient.

2. Vitamin E. Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer
cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells.
Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells
that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E
supplementation may also reverse some of the decline in
immune response commonly seen in aging. You need 100-400
milligrams per day, depending on your general lifestyle to
properly boost your immune system.

3. Carotenoids. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-
fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as
being a powerful antioxidant.. It has also been shown that beta
carotene supplements can increase the production of T-cell
lymphocytes and natural killer cells and can enhance the ability
of the natural killer cells to attack cancer cells.

4. Bioflavenoids. These help the immune system by protecting
the cells of the body against environmental pollutants.
Bioflavenoids protect the cell membranes against the pollutants
trying to attach to them.

5. Zinc. Zinc increases the production of white blood cells that fight
infection and helps them fight more aggressively. Zinc increases
the number of infection-fighting T-cells, especially in elderly
people who are often deficient in zinc, and whose immune
system often weakens with age.

6. Garlic. Garlic is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the
multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural
killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody
production.

7. Selenium. This mineral increases natural killer cells and
mobilizes cancer-fighting cells. Best food sources of selenium are
tuna, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, whole grains, vegetables,
sunflower seeds, etc.

8. Omega-3 fatty acids. The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and
fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune
boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white
blood cells that eat up bacteria.

Herbs for a healthy immune system

Are there certain herbs that you can take to help boost your
immune system? This is another common question. You might be
happy to know that there are some herbs that can help boost your
immune system and it is typically easy to get them into your diet,
especially if you take a supplement equipped with them. The most
famous herbs for immune responses are Echinacea, Goldenseal and
Astragalus.

Echinacea
Echinacea increases the levels of a chemical called properdin in the
body which activates part of the immune system responsible for
increasing the defense mechanisms against bacteria and viruses.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been proven to be very effective against parasites and
in stimulating the immune system and for mouth ulcers. It reportedly
increases the blood supply to various digestive parts.

Astragalus

This Chinese herb is often regarded as Asia's equivalent to America's
Echinacea. Studies show it has certain potent anti-viral properties and
helps boost white blood cell fighting properties.

Get moving!

We discussed it some in a previous section as well but exercise
can help boost your immune system, especially when done in
combination with the other steps we have listed. Exercise gets your
circulation going which gets that blood moving through your body and
keeps your system healthy. Any type of movement is better than none
so do your best to get your exercise every day. Its also very
important to drink a lot of water. With all of these things combined,
your immune system will be working at its peak performance and you
will see fewer and less severe herpes outbreaks.

Air purifiers

Another option if you are looking to boost your immune system
and keep it working great is to invest in an ionizer or air purifier.
Studies have shown that these devices keep the air you breathe free of
harmful allergens and bacteria. Keeping one in your home can help
keep your immune system functioning properly which will in turn, help
your overall health and reduce herpes outbreaks.

An ionizer alone will not prevent herpes outbreaks but when
used in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise and total
body health plan, you can build your immune system and reduce
outbreaks.

Chapter Review

1. The immune system helps your body fight off disease and
viruses such as HSV.
2. The immune system is affected by your herpes virus and also
affects the herpes virus and what it does to your body.
3. Certain vitamins and herbs can help build a healthy immune
system.
4. Regular exercise and reducing stress also help build a healthy
immune system.


Conclusions

Now we are here at the end of the book. There is a
lot to say about herpes and how this virus works in the
human body. There is a lot of rumor, confusion and
speculation regarding HSV and we hope to have cleared
most of this up for you in this book.

You should now feel more confident in your knowledge of the
herpes simplex virus. If you have herpes yourself, you will have more
information on what it is, how it is transmitted to others as well as how
you can live a healthy and normal life with the virus. You know how to
avoid spreading it to others, including if you are a woman who wants
to have children. You know that you can live a happy, healthy, normal
life even with the herpes virus and that this disease does not have to
control your life.

You also know how to get therapy or counseling if needed to
help deal with your diagnosis and the psychological aspects of having
this lifelong virus. You know great ways to reduce stress in your life
that will help not only with your herpes outbreaks but also just to have
a better life in general. You also know how to help and be supportive
of a loved one that has been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus. You
have 8 excellent secrets to living completely outbreak free. They are:

1. What causes herpes and how it reacts in the body.
2. How to recognize the signs of herpes and how to get treated.
3. Prevention of spreading the herpes virus to others.
4. In depth explanations of genital and oral herpes.
5. How stress affects herpes and how to reduce stress.
6. Why proper diet, nutrition and exercise help reduce
outbreaks.
7. Herpes treatment options.
8. The importance of the immune system and the role of
vitamins.

These eight secrets to understanding herpes help you get in
control of your virus and how it responds in your body which helps you
treat and prevent outbreaks from occurring. You should feel more
informed and more confident about your body and how it is affected by
this virus. You have knowledge about how it is spread and how not to
infect others. You have most of the most common questions regarding
herpes answered for you.

We have talked about the immune system, how it works and
how it is affected by herpes. You know have great tips on how to boost
your immune system and ways to keep it functioning properly. Since
you now know that herpes attacks the immune system and having a
stronger healthier immune system can help keep you outbreak-free,
you are well on your way to learning all the secrets to controlling your
herpes for good. Just because there isnt a cure at this time doesnt
mean you have to suffer with this virus anymore. Take control of your
herpes and take control of your life!


Our Trusted Online Herpes Resources

www.xherpes.com Herpes resource and information site.

Topical Herpes Treatments

Dynamiclear Topical anti-septic treatment that kills the virus on
contact.

Amoils Natural healing oils

Zovirax - Topical Zovirax does not prevent the recurrence of sores but
may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms
first appear.

Aldara - Aldara cream is used to treat external genital and perianal
warts and is different from most other treatments.

Prescription Herpes Treatments

Generic Valtrex - slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so
that the body can fight off the infection. Lessens the symptoms of
these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick.

Valtrex - Valtrex comes in tablet tablet. To treat genital herpes it is
usually taken twice a day for 5 days. For cold sores, Valtrex is usually
taken for one day only.

Acyclovir - Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip,
and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not
cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes
healing.

Famvir - Famvir is an oral antiviral prescription medication. The usual
dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days.

Herpes Dating

XherpesDating Free Signup to the largest and most trusted
STD dating site in the world.

StdFriends.com sign up free Dating site for people with
herpes


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