WELCOME ~ this is a non-commercial website dedicated to providing
Herpes resources and support. We do not sell or promote any products!
6/16/08: Welcome! The site is back up and we've made major progress in
reinstalling the data from the recent server mishap. We're taking this
opportunity to make HerpeSite bigger and better than ever. Thanks for your
support and best wishes to you!
We hope you'll find information and resources here that will help you and others you may come across
online or elsewhere in your life. You may be in a relationship with someone with Herpes, or know
family, friends, and co-workers with the virus. Knowledge can help you in support of yourself and
others, and will empower you to make appropriate decisions about treatments, lifestyle, and
management of HSV infection.
Herpes resources and support. We do not sell or promote any products!
6/16/08: Welcome! The site is back up and we've made major progress in
reinstalling the data from the recent server mishap. We're taking this
opportunity to make HerpeSite bigger and better than ever. Thanks for your
support and best wishes to you!
We hope you'll find information and resources here that will help you and others you may come across
online or elsewhere in your life. You may be in a relationship with someone with Herpes, or know
family, friends, and co-workers with the virus. Knowledge can help you in support of yourself and
others, and will empower you to make appropriate decisions about treatments, lifestyle, and
management of HSV infection.
What to Do First ~
It is strongly recommended that anyone who may suspect a possible infection with Herpesvirus
immediately consult with a knowledgeable Health care professional. People should seek the advice of a
qualified medical practitioner for accurate diagnosis, testing, and to discuss suitable treatment options. In
light of the fact that there is ongoing scientific research, evolving developments in medical theory and
treatments, and much conflicting information about Herpes in the media and elsewhere, it is also advisable
to continue personal research on any and all aspects of HSV that pertain to each individual's situation.
It is strongly recommended that anyone who may suspect a possible infection with Herpesvirus
immediately consult with a knowledgeable Health care professional. People should seek the advice of a
qualified medical practitioner for accurate diagnosis, testing, and to discuss suitable treatment options. In
light of the fact that there is ongoing scientific research, evolving developments in medical theory and
treatments, and much conflicting information about Herpes in the media and elsewhere, it is also advisable
to continue personal research on any and all aspects of HSV that pertain to each individual's situation.
Introduction to Herpes ~
There are many HerpesViruses... the primary ones we will focus on here are Herpes
Simplex Types 1 and 2.
Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) ~
HSV is an acronym for the Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV-1 is the virus responsible for cold sores and fever
blisters. Research has shown that between 50 to 80% of all Americans carry the antibodies to HSV-1.
Between 10 to 20% of that population suffers recurring outbreaks. Even though a person may visibly
show no signs of recurrence, it is possible for a person to pass the HSV-1 virus.
A staggering number of people, even those who have been infected for years, are unaware that these
oral/facial outbreaks are a form of Herpes, and are therefore highly contagious. There is very little public
awareness, education, or discussion of Herpes.
HSV-1 can also infect the genital area, many times passed via oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.
It's estimated that approximately 30% of all new cases of genital herpes results from HSV-1.
Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) ~
HSV-2 is generally thought of as "genital herpes," although HSV-2 can also infect other areas of the body.
While these viruses are very similar to each other, HSV-2 tends to "prefer" the genital area, is usually more
virulent than HSV-1, and tends to recur more often. A genital infection with type 1 HSV has an average
recurrence rate of about once per year, while a genital HSV-2 infection has an average recurrence rate of
about 5 times per year. An oral infection with type 2 HSV will rarely, if ever, recur.
The difference between "genital" Herpes and "oral" Herpes is in location only, not viral type. Many
people mistakenly refer to type 2 as "genital herpes," and type 1 as "oral herpes," when in fact, Herpes types
1 and 2 can and do infect either area. While many people have type 1 oral infections and type 1 or 2 genital
infections as well, it is extremely rare for a person to have infections with type 1 and type 2 simultaneously
in the same location.
There are many HerpesViruses... the primary ones we will focus on here are Herpes
Simplex Types 1 and 2.
Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) ~
HSV is an acronym for the Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV-1 is the virus responsible for cold sores and fever
blisters. Research has shown that between 50 to 80% of all Americans carry the antibodies to HSV-1.
Between 10 to 20% of that population suffers recurring outbreaks. Even though a person may visibly
show no signs of recurrence, it is possible for a person to pass the HSV-1 virus.
A staggering number of people, even those who have been infected for years, are unaware that these
oral/facial outbreaks are a form of Herpes, and are therefore highly contagious. There is very little public
awareness, education, or discussion of Herpes.
HSV-1 can also infect the genital area, many times passed via oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.
It's estimated that approximately 30% of all new cases of genital herpes results from HSV-1.
Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) ~
HSV-2 is generally thought of as "genital herpes," although HSV-2 can also infect other areas of the body.
While these viruses are very similar to each other, HSV-2 tends to "prefer" the genital area, is usually more
virulent than HSV-1, and tends to recur more often. A genital infection with type 1 HSV has an average
recurrence rate of about once per year, while a genital HSV-2 infection has an average recurrence rate of
about 5 times per year. An oral infection with type 2 HSV will rarely, if ever, recur.
The difference between "genital" Herpes and "oral" Herpes is in location only, not viral type. Many
people mistakenly refer to type 2 as "genital herpes," and type 1 as "oral herpes," when in fact, Herpes types
1 and 2 can and do infect either area. While many people have type 1 oral infections and type 1 or 2 genital
infections as well, it is extremely rare for a person to have infections with type 1 and type 2 simultaneously
in the same location.
General Information & Background ~
Remember, a Herpes infection is something people *get* - it's not who they *are*! Proper management
of Herpes allows individuals and couples who have contracted this infection to live a full, rewarding, and,
yes, "normal" life. Management, like all other endeavors in life, may take work, time, and discipline. So
stay with it!
HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) is not just a sexually transmitted disease. Herpes has been around for
thousands of years, and reportedly ran rampant during the height of the Roman Empire. Ancient
Egyptian medical papyri contain remedies for herpes. The word "herpes" comes from the Greek root
meaning "to creep."
The highest incidence of transmission of Herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1, occur oral/facially in
children through non-sexual contact. Often, an adult with a "cold sore" will kiss a child on the mouth
and transfer the virus. The vast majority of Americans have had HSV-1 "cold sores" at one point or
another in their life. Many people who have oral herpes deny or do not recognize that the outbreaks on
their lips and face are caused by a herpes virus. Many will proclaim that they have "cold sores," "fever
blisters," or "sun blisters," and will not admit that these outbreaks are caused by a virus even when
presented with scientific documentation. This, we believe, contributes to the spread of herpesviruses, and
perpetuates the social stigma associated with the word "herpes."
There are at least nine viruses in the Herpes family that cause infection in humans. In addition to Herpes
Simplex types 1 and 2, the other identified herpesviruses are: Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the virus that
causes Chicken pox, and also Shingles; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes infectious mononucleosis;
Cytomegalovirus (CMV); and Human Herpes Viruses (HHV) types 6 and 7. Recently, Human Herpes Virus
types 8 and 9 have been identified. These other herpesviruses cause their own set of signs and symptoms,
and are different from the signs and symptoms of infection caused by the Herpes Simplex viruses.
There are also many herpes viruses that infect animals, birds, and fish. Most are not infectious to humans.
Remember, a Herpes infection is something people *get* - it's not who they *are*! Proper management
of Herpes allows individuals and couples who have contracted this infection to live a full, rewarding, and,
yes, "normal" life. Management, like all other endeavors in life, may take work, time, and discipline. So
stay with it!
HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) is not just a sexually transmitted disease. Herpes has been around for
thousands of years, and reportedly ran rampant during the height of the Roman Empire. Ancient
Egyptian medical papyri contain remedies for herpes. The word "herpes" comes from the Greek root
meaning "to creep."
The highest incidence of transmission of Herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1, occur oral/facially in
children through non-sexual contact. Often, an adult with a "cold sore" will kiss a child on the mouth
and transfer the virus. The vast majority of Americans have had HSV-1 "cold sores" at one point or
another in their life. Many people who have oral herpes deny or do not recognize that the outbreaks on
their lips and face are caused by a herpes virus. Many will proclaim that they have "cold sores," "fever
blisters," or "sun blisters," and will not admit that these outbreaks are caused by a virus even when
presented with scientific documentation. This, we believe, contributes to the spread of herpesviruses, and
perpetuates the social stigma associated with the word "herpes."
There are at least nine viruses in the Herpes family that cause infection in humans. In addition to Herpes
Simplex types 1 and 2, the other identified herpesviruses are: Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the virus that
causes Chicken pox, and also Shingles; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes infectious mononucleosis;
Cytomegalovirus (CMV); and Human Herpes Viruses (HHV) types 6 and 7. Recently, Human Herpes Virus
types 8 and 9 have been identified. These other herpesviruses cause their own set of signs and symptoms,
and are different from the signs and symptoms of infection caused by the Herpes Simplex viruses.
There are also many herpes viruses that infect animals, birds, and fish. Most are not infectious to humans.
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| Questions, Comments, & Feedback contact: support (at) HerpeSite .org Over 2,000,000 Visitors since 1996! * Most of the answers people seek can be found on this site or through the links to books and other sites found here. In any case, we cannot diagnose any condition via email - no one can. Please consult a qualified health care practitioner in your area immediately for examination and testing if you suspect a possible Herpes infection. The American Social Health Association's Herpes Hotline has counselors available daily to answer questions and offer telephone support. They can be reached at 919-361-8488. Best wishes to you! DISCLAIMER: Please note, the material contained in this document and/or website is a compendium of information only. HerpeSite(tm) assistants, facilitators, and many who contribute their services on a regular basis in live chats and in other arenas of Herpes Support are not medical doctors. Further, they are not to be misconstrued in conduct, or counsel to be such. It is not the intent herein to diagnose or prescribe. The intent is to offer health-related information to assist you in working with any health specialist you may choose, recognizing that within the health, medical, dietary, and exercise fields there are widely divergent viewpoints and opinions. Before beginning any practice related to health, diet, or exercise, it is highly recommended that you first consult a recognized medical professional. Should you choose to make use of the information contained herein and on the following pages without consulting a licensed health professional, you are prescribing for yourself - which is your right - and the authors(s) and publisher(s) do not assume any responsibility whatsoever under any conditions or circumstances. |
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