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By Martha Kerr Wed Apr 16, 4:39 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Recurrent outbreaks of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), or "genital herpes," can be effectively treated with a one-day course of valacyclovir (sold under the trade name Valtrex), according to results of a pilot study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Dr. Stephen K. Tyring of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and colleagues enrolled 115 patients with recurrent HSV2 infection. The patients were given a one-day supply of valacyclovir - 2,000 milligrams, twice daily, for a total of 4,000 milligrams a day), to be taken at the first signs of a recurrence. Patients kept diaries of their symptom duration and collected genital swabs for viral cultures to be performed 14 days following initiation of treatment.

Tyring's team reports that 90 patients (78 percent) had a recurrence or the signs of initial symptoms, and 4 patients (5 percent) developed a second recurrence during the 14 days after valacyclovir treatment.

The average duration of genital sores and pain was 5 day and 3 days, respectively.

Viral shedding was detected in 60 patients and lasted an average of 2 to 3 days. Viral shedding is when virus is detectable in the genital area -- a time when the infection is easily transmitted. Of the 60 subjects with viral shedding, 14 (23 percent) had an additional shedding episode after the initial sore healed, and this second recurrence lasted about 2 days.

"The one-day course appears to be as effective as the three- to five-day course," Tyring commented in an interview with Reuters Health. "The question of viral shedding between these different schedules, however, is yet to be studied."

He and his colleagues conclude that the one-day valacyclovir regimen "may be a convenient treatment for recurrent genital herpes and comparative trials are warranted."

SOURCE: Sexually Transmitted Diseases, April 2008.


The American Herpes Foundation (AHF): is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing information and clinical education about genital herpes and other herpesvirus related disease. Clinicial trials, updated medical information.


Transmitting Herpes: How To Protect The Ones You Love
by Charlotte Grayson, M.D.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
How many of you are TOTALLY confused - and anxious about how herpes is transmitted? Are you afraid that you can give the virus to your friends by sharing meals? Do you worry that that intimate kiss you shared with your partner a couple of days before an outbreak exposed him or her to the virus? Do you encourage your friends to use a different toilet because you're afraid you will give them the virus?

Here are a few basic facts on herpes:

1. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and 2 (HSV2) are just two of 8 known human herpes viruses. Believe it or not, chicken pox is also a herpes virus.

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2. The terms "genital herpes" and "oral herpes" describe where the infection is occurring, not necessarily which herpes virus is causing it.

3. HSV 1 is the virus that typically causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips and mouth.

4. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV2.

5. Because HSV 1 usually causes cold sores, it is usually passed from person to person by kissing. It can also spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. If this happens, it causes genital herpes - or herpes in the genital area. If a person HAS genital herpes due to HSV 1 , it can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse.

6. HSV 2 is usually transmitted by vaginal or anal sex. Theoretically, HSV2 can pass from a person's genitals to a partner's mouth during receptive oral sex causing oral herpes, but that is not commonly seen. Experts aren't sure why.

7. While the genitals and mouth - mucous membrane areas - are the usual target of the HSV1 and 2 infection, the infection can also target the cervix and urethra. Also susceptible are warm, moist areas such as the upper thighs, hairline, underarms, lower back, scrotum and buttocks.

8. Historically, it was thought that herpes could only be spread if you had sex with a person with an outbreak - with open lesions. However, that theory was blown out of the water several years ago with the discovery of a phenomenon called viral shedding.

Researchers found that many people with a herpes infection "shed" virus in their secretions -- saliva, vaginal fluids, semen or even tears -- even when they don't have an active outbreak.

9. Treatment with anti-virals may not always eliminate viral shedding. The drugs do reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak if taken right away and they DO REDUCE viral shedding. But they don't always eliminate it.

10. A person with active herpes can spread the infection to another part of their body by masturbation, or even the use of a vibrator.




More People Have Herpes Than You Think
by MK -- From Herpes Connection
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Hello everyone! Just wanted to alert you to an article recently published in The Chicago Sun-Times on the stigmas associated with genital herpes. Turns out that one in four people suffers from the virus, a thirty percent increase since the 1970's. And not only is it more prevalent than you might have thought, the article sights it as a cause of anxiety, depression, and feelings of self-destruction. So take comfort, you're not alone.



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Post created: Jun 13, 2007 | Updated May 06, 17:52