genital herpes

Risks: 5 Pathogens Linked to Risk for Stroke

Posted in Chlamydia, genital herpes on November 13th, 2009 by std_test – Be the first to comment
A new study shows an association between five common pathogens and an increased risk for stroke.
Many strokes cannot be explained by known risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking.
The infections in order of significance are Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, according to the study, published online on Nov. 9 in The Archives of Neurology. Each of these infection persist after the acute stage, and perpetuate a state of chronic low-level infection, which can lead to inflammation in the vessel walls. This could be the reason leading to the disease.
This study did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between common infections and stroke, only an association, and that the evidence was circumstantial.
For the article in its entirety, please refer to original articles.

To reduce the risk of genital herpes, use a condom every time

Posted in genital herpes on July 14th, 2009 by std_test – Be the first to comment

We’ve assumed that condoms can reduce the spread of genital herpes – but without complete, or at least well-quantified, confidence in the assumption.  

This fact sheet from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sums up the reason for such hesitation: “Genital ulcer diseases can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered.”

Then there’s the problem of transmission without visible signs of infection. As the National Institutes of Health states: “Most people get genital herpes by having sex with someone who is shedding the herpes virus either during an outbreak or an asymptomatic (without symptoms) period. People who do not know they have herpes play an important role in transmission because they are unaware they can infect a sexual partner.”

Researchers at the University of Washington, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and elsewhere decided to try to clarify just how much condoms can reduce the spread of genital herpes, known medically as herpes simplex virus 2 (or HSV-2).
 
They analyzed six studies of various types, all of which featured data on individual condom use and on HSV-2 acquisition.

They found that people who always used condoms had a 30% decreased risk of acquiring genital herpes when compared with people who never used condoms.

In clarifying further, the researchers stated: “Risk of HSV-2 acquisition decreased by 7% for every additional 25% of the time that condoms were used during anal or vaginal sex. Risk of HSV-2 acquisition also rose steadily and significantly with increasing frequency of unprotected sex acts, and our findings were consistent throughout multiple analysis strategies.”

The results were published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here’s the abstract.

The upshot of the study: “Although the magnitude of protection was not as large as has been observed with other STIs, we found that condoms offer moderate protection against HSV-2 acquisition in men and women.”

Here’s more information on genital herpes from the National Institutes of Health, including details on asymptomatic shedding:

“Sometimes, the virus can become active but not cause any visible sores or any symptoms. During these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at or near places of the first infection, in fluids from the mouth, penis, or vagina, or from barely noticeable sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding. Even though you are not aware of the shedding, you can infect a sexual partner during this time. Asymptomatic shedding is an important factor in the spread of herpes.”

And here’s the aforementioned fact sheet on genital herpes from the CDC.

The key here is consistent use. Not sometime use, but consistent use.

For the complete article, please refer to http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/07/condoms-genital-herpes-.html

Antiviral Medications Have Proven Clinical Effectiveness Against Genital Herpes

Posted in genital herpes on July 1st, 2009 by std_test – Be the first to comment

Antiviral medications have proven clinical effectiveness against genital herpes. Here is a snapshot of the three most commonly prescribed medications; Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Acyclovir helps to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to other cells. It is used in the treatment of genital herpes, but also chickenpox and shingles. Acyclovir is available as tablets, capsules, an ointment, a suspension or as an injection. In ointment form it may be applied directly to the affected area. This is known to reduce pain, help limit the spread of infection and speed up the healing process. During the first outbreak of genital herpes a typical prescription is along the lines of tablets or capsules, 400 mg, three times a day for up to 10 days. This may vary slightly. Acyclovir may also be used in cases of recurrent outbreaks and, where more than six outbreaks occur in a year, it can be taken daily.

Famciclovir also helps to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to other cells. Like acyclovir it does not cure or prevent the spread of herpes. Famciclovir is available as a tablet for the treatment of cold sores (herpes simplex 1) and genital herpes (herpes simplex 2). Its action is broadly similar to Acyclovir in that it helps to relieve itching, burning and pain and speeds up the healing time. Because it has a longer therapeutic effect than acyclovir it can be taken fewer times a day.

Valacyclovir is classed as a prodrug. When taken, valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir in the body. Valacyclovir is available as a cream or in oral or intravenous forms. It has a longer therapeutic duration than acyclovir and can therefore be taken fewer times a day.

For the full article, please refer to http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/70190/famciclovir