It is difficult to avoid outbreaks of Herpes as there are many
different triggers. Herpes is a family of viruses, the most common of which
are:

• Herpes Simplex 1: Causes Oral Herpes -
  Cold Sores
• Herpes Simplex 2: Causes Genital Herpes
• Varicella Herpes Zoster: Causes Chickenpox
  and Shingles

Herpes is very common. It is estimated that 50-80% of the
world's population have a Herpes virus. It spreads very easily
and once it is in the body it is for life.

The Virus is Latent Most of the Time
The Trick is to Keep it That Way!

Here is some general advice for each type of Herpes virus. You'll find more
specific information in the individual sections for each form of Herpes on the
left.

Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

Herpes Simplex 1 results in Oral Herpes, also known as
cold sores.

What Triggers a Cold Sore?

Most people will begin to recognize what triggers an outbreak for them
after a couple of outbreaks. The most common triggers are associated with
a low immune defense system caused by:

• Stress
• Other ilnesses
• Tiredness
• Unhealthy lifestyle

You can use antiviral treatments to combat the onset or outbreak or cold
sores. Antiviral treatment will not cure Oral Herpes but is a big factor in
keeping outbreaks at a minimum. The treatment is a cream
available over the counter in pharmacies, Zovirax or Vectavir are
the most common brands. The creams work best if applied before
the symptoms appear where you may feel tingling or irritation around the
infected area before an outbreak.

• Do not use your fingers to apply the cream, use a cotton
  bud
• Wash your hands first and avoid touching the tip of the
  cotton bud
• Do not dip the cotton bud more than once in the cream,
  use several if needed to avoid cross contamination

The creams will reduce the risk of spreading as well as reduce the
frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.

Herpes Simplex 2 - Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is similar to Oral Herpes, but is found around the
genitals or anywhere between the knees and waist. Genital Herpes is
often mis-diagnosed because the symptoms may vary or be very mild.
The symptoms start with a rash which turns into blisters which then
turn into a dry scab.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults have Genital herpes but many
don't even know it because they haven't had an outbreak yet. The virus
is mostly contagious when there is an outbreak via sexual activity
but may also be contagious, even if there has been no prior outbreaks,
in the viral shedding period which is when the virus reproduces itself
and sheds virus with no visible symptoms.

Treating Genital Herpes

Although you can't cure Genital Herpes, you can treat the symptoms
with good results. You take an antiviral treatment in tablet form,
available from your doctor on prescription. The active ingredient is
either

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir or
• Valacyclovir

Your doctor will advise you of the most suitable type. The antiviral agent will reduce the risk of spreading
as well as reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.
For some people it may even eliminate further outbreaks.

Take Sensible Precautions with Genital Herpes

When you have an outbreak, you should take precautions to avoid
spreading the virus:

• Avoid sexual activity
• Use antiviral treatment
• Do not touch the affected area
• Wash your hands regularily

Herpes Zoster: Chickenpox & Shingles

With Herpes Zoster there is not
much you can do. First
of all it spreads via the humidity in the air. And it almost
always results in an outbreak of chickenpox shortly after catching
it.

Chickenpox is mostly seen in children and it is in the incubation
period of 7 to 23 days that it is most contagious. After breaking out as chickenpox
the Zoster virus is negligibly contagious and will be latent until it is
reactivated in some people (1 in 5) at a later age.

This outbreak of the Herpes Zoster virus is know as
Shingles, and
is minimally contagious. It is usually seniors and the seniors that contract
shingles, mainly due to a low immune defense system. Both chickenpox and shingles
will normally only be experienced once in a lifetime.

Conclusion

You can never completely eliminate the risk of spreading Herpes of any
type. However, if you take sensible precautions, seek advice FROM A
DOCTOR and make sensible lifestyle decisions you will almost
certainly lower the risk of passing the virus and suffer less outbreaks yourself.

Still Need Help?

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