Herpes Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of infections of the skin and mucous membranes and an uncommon cause of more serious infections in other parts of the body. HSV is one of the most difficult viruses to control and has plagued mankind for thousands of years. Herpes simplex is part of a group of other herpes viruses that include human herpesvirus 8 (the cause of Kaposi's sarcoma) and herpes zoster (the virus responsible for shingles and chicken pox). They differ in many ways but they share certain characteristics, notably the word "herpes", which is derived from a Greek word meaning "to creep." This is a reference to the unique characteristic pattern of all herpes viruses to "creep along" local nerve pathways to the nerve clusters at the end, where they remain in an inactive state for some indeterminate time. There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus. They are distinguished by different proteins on their surfaces: · Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). · Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). They can occur separately or they can both infect the same individual. Until recently, the general rule has been to assume that HSV-1 infections occur in the oral cavity and are not sexually transmitted, while HSV-2 attacks the genital area and is sexually transmitted. It is now widely accepted, however, that either type can be found in either area and at other sites. In fact, in new cases of genital herpes the number of HSV-1 cases now matches and even exceeds that of HSV-2.

Herpes Treatment of Herpes? Researchers are working on many drugs that may eventually provide faster diagnosis and better treatment of recurrent genital herpes. Vaccines Herpes vaccines are currently being investigated and it is felt that an effective vaccine may be available in 3-5 years. Vaccines will only function to prevent the infection in new patients. Those who already have the simplex virus disease will probably not gain any benefit. Some vaccines have been tried to prevent the HSV occurrence, but so far had no noticible effects. These include the smallpox, Polio and Lupidon C vaccine. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals announced the launch of their phase III trial, called the “HERPEVAC Trial for Women”, which began in November 2002. Isoniplex (Isoprinosine) is already available in over 56 countries. Most countries have approved it for use in HSV infections due to its antiviral action, and more significantly, the ability to stimulate the body's immune response. Isoniplex is currently under investigational trials for HSV primary and recurrent cases in the United States. What About Treatment? Although there is no cure for herpes, some drugs have been effective in reducing the frequency and duration of outbreaks. It might be a good idea to discuss options with your doctor. During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate. Finally, a healthy immune system may be important in controlling the virus. Don't ignore the need for proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. Alternative Solutions

Herpes We have also provided links to many alternative treatments for those who wish to suppress herpes naturally: Red Marine Algae, Aviralex, Vir-L-Lysine, Aeura, and H-Balm Facts About Facts The program described, we can confidently say, has changed more lives and helped create more peace of mind than any other programs ever developed for the remission of herpes. It helps people get their lives back on track, and has also saved many friendships. Two control methods are being examined today. One is an antiviral therapy, and the other is immunotherapy. The object of antiviral therapy is to develop drugs that can distinguish cells which harbor the virus from those that do not. These drugs must be selective by destroying the virus inside infected cells without harming normal cells. The drug must destroy the entire virus without leaving fragments or producing mutants that may cause later problems. Essentially, antiviral agents must only be lethal to viruses, but also non-toxic to body cells. Immunotherapy is an exciting area of medicine. Immunological researchers are developing agents that help fight viruses naturally by stimulating the body's immune response system. Some currently available substances can activate the specialized white blood cells. Diet is a very important factor in keeping herpes in remission. It has been found that foods high in I-Arginine may cause herpes outbreaks. The Amino Acid Lysine Controls Herpes Is it true that the amino acid called lysine, is good for preventing herpes outbreaks? Yes!!! Supplementation with free-form lysine has shown to be beneficial in controlling herpes along with a diet high in lysine and low in arginine. "This suggests that physicians in a position to study the effect of lysine in herpes simplex infections should do so. It appears to do no harm and may be a useful therapeutic measure." Tissue culture studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of arginine to lysine favors arginine. The opposite, preponderance of lysine to arginine, suppresses viral replication and inhibits cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus." L-Lysine appears to be a very effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection. What foods are high in lysine and low in arginine? Fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer's yeast, mung bean sprouts and most fruits and vegetables have more lysine than arginine, except for peas. Gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and, white flour, peanuts, soybeans, and wheatgerm have more arginine than lysine. Supplementing your diet with L-Lysine helps to assure that you tilt the scales toward the lysine side, helping to prevent outbreaks. (See Nutrition) What are Lysine's Method of Action? Nine proteins have been identified in the enveloped herpes simplex viron. In addition to the capsid proteins, the naked virions contain two additional proteins (VI and VII). Protein VII is an arginine-rich protein of the viral core. It is also known that the proteins synthesised by the herpes simplex virus infected cells contain more arginine but less lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryrosine, and isoleucine relative to leucine than the proteins synthesised by unaffected cells. L-lysine 390 mg. was given orally at the first indication of onset of herpetic oral lesions in eight patients and vulvar lesions in two patients, with uniform rapid resolution of the lesions. This suggests that physicians in a position to study the effect of lysine in herpes simplex infections should do so. It appears to do no harm and may be a useful therapeutic measure. Dosages: The amount of lysine required to control herpes varied from case to case but a typical dose to maintain remission was 500 mg daily and active herpes required 1 to 6 g between meals to induce healing." Symptoms Symptoms of genital herpes can vary. Many individuals infected have few, if any, noticeable symptoms. In people who do have symptoms, the symptoms start 2 to 20 days after exposure to someone with HSV infection. Symptoms may last for several weeks. The first episode of genital herpes is usually worse than subsequent outbreaks. The following symptoms may occur during the first episode of herpes: * Painful bumps or blisters that break open and form ulcers in the genital area * Itching, tingling, or burning sensation of the skin * Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) around the genital area * General flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches * Headache * Vaginal discharge * Painful urination Following the primary infection, HSV-2 infects nerve cells, which allows the virus to remain indefinitely in a dormant state within the body. Sporadic reactivation of the virus can occur resulting in a recurrence of lesions on the genitalia. In fact, most infected persons with genital herpes have five to eight outbreaks per year, but not everyone has recurrent symptoms. As time goes on, the number of outbreaks usually decreases. Sores typically come back near the site of the first infection. Usually, as the outbreaks recur, there are fewer sores and they heal faster and are less painful. Recurrent outbreaks of herpes can be triggered by illness, stress, fatigue, menstruation, sunburn, or sexual intercourse. Causes Two types of herpes simplex virus infections can cause genital herpes. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, though it can be spread to your genital area during oral sex. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious whether you have an open sore or not. However, in many people the infection causes no recognized signs or symptoms and can still be spread to a sexual partner.