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WELCOME TO HERPESITE! ~ Our mission is to provide Herpes resources, support, and
transmission, treatment options, self-help, diet, nutrition, dating, relationships, research,
and news. HerpeSite is a non-commercial website, established in 1994 by a former AOL
Community Leader and Facilitator of the America Online Health Channel's Herpes
Support Community.
HerpeSite is mostly focused on Genital Herpes, but we also have a wealth of resources that
apply to Oral Herpes and Cold Sores, too. You'll find information and resources here that will
help you and others you may know who may be dealing with an emotionally and physically
difficult diagnosis of Herpes. 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.
And remember, it's a skin rash caused by a virus, it doesn't define you and it won't kill you!
transmission, treatment options, self-help, diet, nutrition, dating, relationships, research,
and news. HerpeSite is a non-commercial website, established in 1994 by a former AOL
Community Leader and Facilitator of the America Online Health Channel's Herpes
Support Community.
HerpeSite is mostly focused on Genital Herpes, but we also have a wealth of resources that
apply to Oral Herpes and Cold Sores, too. You'll find information and resources here that will
help you and others you may know who may be dealing with an emotionally and physically
difficult diagnosis of Herpes. 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.
And remember, it's a skin rash caused by a virus, it doesn't define you and it won't kill you!
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
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
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 Herpes Information & Background
Remember, a Herpes infection is something people *get* - it's not who they *are*! It's a skin rash caused
by a virus. 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. There are more than
nine herpesviruses in humans. 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 a Greek word 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 herpes
viruses, and perpetuates the social stigma associated with the word "herpes." More about this on the
Overview page of HerpeSite.
Cold Sores vs Herpes - Don't Buy into the Media-Driven Fear Campaign!
The social stigma associated with Genital Herpes is not found with Oral Herpes. The fear and
stigma around Genital Herpes is unfounded, unfair, and solely based on the LOCATION of the infection!
Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes are a skin rash caused by a virus... Except in exceedingly rare cases,
neither will kill you, neither will cause long-term medical or cosmetic issues, neither will occur more than a
couple times a year at most, and neither will prevent you from doing, being, or having anything you want
in life. We think that the antiquated puritanical MEDIA-DRIVEN LOCATIONAL prejudice about
Genital Herpes needs to stop. Between 50% and 80% of the World's population has Oral Herpes, yet
no one is running around freaking out about it or making comments about the lifestyle or character of the
people who have it or writing articles about how bad it is.
One reason for this may be that Oral Herpes is generally not referred to as "herpes," even by
people who know that HSV is the cause of the outbreak. When speaking of their oral/facial
outbreaks, people say they "get cold sores," or "get fever blisters." Usually, when people refer to genital
herpes, they say they "have herpes." The difference is in "get" (which is external and less personal)
versus "have" (which implies ownership and makes it seem like part of a person's identity). Another
difference is in using the word "herpes," to which so many people have negative associations. Add that to
the "genital" location which some people even in this day and age have issues with, and you've got
yourself a social stigma.
So here's an idea: Since Oral Herpes is called "Cold Sores," or "Fever Blisters," it can help your mindset
to also refer to Genital Herpes as "Cold Sores."
Remember that all it is is a skin rash caused by a virus, the same as "cold sores" or "fever
blisters." Any idea about the "badness" of it stems from an outdated social convention based
on puritanical notions of health, sexuality, and LOCATION! It won't kill you and will most likely
have a minimal effect on your life... unless you let it.
There's a lot more here at HerpeSite! Check out our pages on Symptoms, Treatments,
Testing, Outbreak Prevention, Support, and Dating...
Remember, a Herpes infection is something people *get* - it's not who they *are*! It's a skin rash caused
by a virus. 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. There are more than
nine herpesviruses in humans. 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 a Greek word 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 herpes
viruses, and perpetuates the social stigma associated with the word "herpes." More about this on the
Overview page of HerpeSite.
Cold Sores vs Herpes - Don't Buy into the Media-Driven Fear Campaign!
The social stigma associated with Genital Herpes is not found with Oral Herpes. The fear and
stigma around Genital Herpes is unfounded, unfair, and solely based on the LOCATION of the infection!
Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes are a skin rash caused by a virus... Except in exceedingly rare cases,
neither will kill you, neither will cause long-term medical or cosmetic issues, neither will occur more than a
couple times a year at most, and neither will prevent you from doing, being, or having anything you want
in life. We think that the antiquated puritanical MEDIA-DRIVEN LOCATIONAL prejudice about
Genital Herpes needs to stop. Between 50% and 80% of the World's population has Oral Herpes, yet
no one is running around freaking out about it or making comments about the lifestyle or character of the
people who have it or writing articles about how bad it is.
One reason for this may be that Oral Herpes is generally not referred to as "herpes," even by
people who know that HSV is the cause of the outbreak. When speaking of their oral/facial
outbreaks, people say they "get cold sores," or "get fever blisters." Usually, when people refer to genital
herpes, they say they "have herpes." The difference is in "get" (which is external and less personal)
versus "have" (which implies ownership and makes it seem like part of a person's identity). Another
difference is in using the word "herpes," to which so many people have negative associations. Add that to
the "genital" location which some people even in this day and age have issues with, and you've got
yourself a social stigma.
So here's an idea: Since Oral Herpes is called "Cold Sores," or "Fever Blisters," it can help your mindset
to also refer to Genital Herpes as "Cold Sores."
Remember that all it is is a skin rash caused by a virus, the same as "cold sores" or "fever
blisters." Any idea about the "badness" of it stems from an outdated social convention based
on puritanical notions of health, sexuality, and LOCATION! It won't kill you and will most likely
have a minimal effect on your life... unless you let it.
There's a lot more here at HerpeSite! Check out our pages on Symptoms, Treatments,
Testing, Outbreak Prevention, Support, and Dating...
| Bookmark this page and click the topics below to continue: Questions, Comments, & Feedback contact: support (at) HerpeSite .org Over 3,000,000 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. ASHA 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. In addition, any links to other external sites, resources, and references are for your information and convenience only, and are not to be construed as en endorsement, approval, or recommendation of the sites, opinions, information, or products by HerpeSite. This Reference Copyright © 1996 … 2010 HerpeSite(tm) Our Privacy & No Spam Policy Copies may be made and distributed to anyone who may benefit, as long as there is no charge and the disclaimers remain intact. www.herpesite. org Originally a resource for the AOL Herpes Support Community at www.members.aol.com/herpesite/ |
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| Welcome! We're adding more resources every day, so please come back soon to check out the interactive HFiles Success Stories page, and more Herpes news! ~ HS |
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