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.
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