FAQ:   FOR HERPES: COLD SORES AND GENITAL HERPES

   What is the cause of herpes sores that are known as cold sores or genital herpes sores?

        These herpes infections in humans are caused by either Herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

        or Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 in general causes cold sores. HSV-2 in

        general causes genital herpes sores.

    Sores on the body that look like cold sores, could they be caused by bacteria such as “Staph”

      and then would antibiotics work to cure them?

       Herpes sores are caused by viruses that can not be destroyed by the use of antibiotics.

       Antibiotics may work for secondary bacterial infections of herpes sores on and in the body, if

       this happens under certain circumstances.

    What drugs work for herpes sores?

       There are virus chemotherapy drugs that have been used for some time but may produce

       unsafe side effects.

    If a person contracts a herpes infection whether it is cold sores or genital herpes, how many

       herpes outbreaks can be expected overtime?

       This depends if you contract herpes as a child from adults through close contact including

       sexual which will then involve both cold sores and genital herpes. Outbreak frequency can

       vary from a month to several years between outbreaks.

    What are some of the stress factors that bring on a herpes sore outbreak?

       Stressors include extreme temperature conditions (very cold and very hot weather condition

       exposure), sunlight, skin damage, food allergies, other viral infections (common cold),

       menstruation, fatigue and any other stresses that depress the immune system.

    Once a person is infected with herpes, will the herpes sore eruptions ever stop?

       Virologists report that herpes is forever. Once the herpes moves into the body’s nervous

       tissue, it will stay there until the person dies. The herpes eruptions may become less frequent

       with time to the point where it appears another eruption is not likely to occur.

    Can the use of a condom by the male partner prevent genital herpes transfer between either of

       the sexual partners?

        Genital herpes can be contracted from herpes sores (from blister to crusting stage) NOT

        located in the genital organ area but close by such as the thighs, anus region and buttocks

        which are not covered by a condom.

    Can genital herpes virus cause cold sores located in the head region of a person?

        Yes, the genital herpes virux (HSV-2) can infect the head region and cause cold sores that

        are often more severe than those caused by HSV-1.

    Can cold sore or genital herpes sore virus infections be life threatening?

        Yes, they can be life threatening in people with impaired immune systems caused by AIDS,

        chemotherapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplant situations.

        Oral (in the mouth) herpes can cause a fatal meningitis.

        A mother with genital herpes can pass the herpes infection to her newborn baby. This

        neonatal herpes condition can cause the baby to die. If the baby survives, he may suffer from

        serious and permanent nervous system damage.

    How does one know if their sex partner is free of genital herpes, if genital herpes sores have

       not been observed below the waist?

        Without a blood test being done on this sexual partner screening for genital herpes virus

        titers, there is no assurance that they do not carry genital herpes. There can be years between

        herpes sore eruptions, while this person still can still be infective to others.