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Up until this announcement, this definitely fell into the ... "They can put a man on the moon, but .... " category.

It's great they seem to have found a treatment for this condition. Many people I know fight with cold sores every year. It's also satisfying to know that treatments for herpes, shingles and chicken pox may be pending as well.

As a national expert in the field of herpes, both oral and genital, I read the report from Duke with great interest. This is a breakthrough and one that looks promising.

As soon as a person has the first sign that a cold sore might be on it's way, it's recommended that they take 2 grams of valacyclovir (valtrex) twice a day for one day. So, even if it just feels like a paper cut, or some itching, hit it early and hit it hard.

There are many types of herpes viruses, including HSV 1 which typically causes oral cold sores, but can also cause genital lesions when people have oral sex. The herpes virus lies dormant and doesn't cause symptoms, until something triggers it. Sometimes the triggers are sunlight, or lack of sleep, or stress. Often, it's difficult to figure out what the trigger is.

To suppress the virus from shedding and to prevent outbreaks, many people use valacyclovir, the pro-drug of acyclovir. This medication provides 5 times the blood levels of acycylovir and can be taken once each day to prevent outbreaks. I recommend it for my patients when they anticipate a big event, like a wedding, travel, or a presentation. It must be taken for at least 5 days to suppress viral replication.

Oral medications work better, because they stop the virus from reproducing (viral replication). The topical creams can be used, but I recommend them with the oral medications. As always, it's best to check with your own health care provider about what is best for you.

Be well,

NurseBarb

Here's 3 great resources on herpes:
American Social Health Organization: http://www.ashastd.org
Web MD: http://www.webmd.com
Westover Heights clinic: http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes.html

For more women's health information see: www.nursebarb.com

The drugless answer to cold sores and herpes is a combination of Vitamin C and Lysine. I know people who have used this combination and haven't had so much as a 'paper cut' feeling, much less an outbreak, in years. It's also easier on the liver than pharmaceuticals and strengthens immune function.

People naturally feel better when the colon is kept clean and the diet is seasonal, fresh, organic and full of live enzymes (raw).

Kristin Mills, Traditional Naturopath, CNHP
lagunanaturalhealth.com

I hope we get to hear a bout a cure for Herpes genital and oral soon, the problem with this virus is that it hides on the face nerves or nerves of your back this is why it has been so difficult to get a cure for this STD, but i believe we are going to haer about the cure somewhere in the next 6 years