Still More Info on Genital Herpes

On of the most damaging and prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STD) facing America today is the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes virus as it is more commonly called. It is estimated that there are 25,000,000 cases in the United States with 500,000 new cases each year. It is considered by many virologists to be the fastest spreading STD of record.

This is a virus, not a bacteria, and therefore it is not defeated by antibiotics. The virus is a variant of the chickenpox virus. As of this writing, there is no known cure for the dis- ease. While there are conflicting sources of data, the majority of reports indicate that this virus is physically smaller than the pores of a condom and therefore the use of condoms is of marginal benefit.

HSV-1 is what commonly causes cold sores and fever blisters. However, as people engage in oral sex, there are some instances (approximately 10% of all cases) of HSV-1 infections in the genital area. The vast majority of genital infections are of the HSV-2 type.

The virus is transmitted normally by vaginal intercourse, although there are instances of anal HSV-2 infection among the "gay" population. It should be noted that either direct or indirect sexual contact can and will spread the virus. Skin to skin contact is all that is required.

The first signs of the disease appear within about five days after contact and one or more pustule clusters appear on the female's labia and male's penile shaft. Within a few hours after the clusters form, pimple-like sores develop into very painful blisters. Within a few more days, the blisters yield raw, open, moist sores. These symptoms disappear approximately six weeks after initial infection and this constitutes the "primary phase." The disease is easily transmitted during the "viral shedding" period of the open sore period. Once the sores have healed up, it is believed (again, there are conflicting reports) that the period of possible transmission has stopped.

Generally, in females, the cervix is invaded. However, because of the absence of nerves in the cervical area, no pain is felt by the patient and the disease may not be reported. In men, the urethral tube in the penis is the point of invasion or on the exterior shaft of the penis itself. In both sexes, should the virus assert itself in the bladder or urethra, the pain is very intense and extreme.

After the sores have healed, the virus enters its dormant period and, like the HSV-1 virus, the HSV-2 virus retreats to the sacral nerve ganglia in the spinal area. It is noteworthy that 10%-15% of the victims never have a subsequent flare up of the virus after this initial blistering and sores phase. Unfortunate- ly, the remaining 85%-90% of persons infected with genital herpes experience the virus to seemingly awaken and migrate back from the sacral nerve ganglia to the site of the original blistering. At that point a more brief but equally painful recurrence of the disease's symptoms appears. This may happen as often as 20 times per years or never. There is no prediction of the recurrence. However, the onset of the recurrence is often preceded by genital itching and symptoms similar to neuralgia (aching muscles, etc.). The period of blistering and healing during the reoccurrence phase is from 10 days to two weeks.

It is often recommended that pregnant women have a Caesarian section during birthing to eliminate the possible infection of the infant.

Burroughs Corporation developed acyclovir in 1974 and released it in 1982 as a drug to control the infection. Interest- ingly, it works against the virus within the living cell. Outside the cell, it has no effect. Note that acyclovir only helps to control the infection; it does not kill the herpes simplex virus. There is current medical concern that the virus may become resistant to acyclovir. Originally in an ointment form (less effective), it is now available in an oral dosage and seems to lessen the intensity of the reoccurrence.

There is a hotline available for information on genital herpes through:

HELP
P.O. Box 100
Palo Alto, CA 94302
(800) 227-8922
(415) 328-7710

There are many different herpes viruses, ranging from the one that causes painful shingles to the one associated with deadly encephalitis. All of my research indicates that no cure is in sight since the majority of STD money is being spent on AIDS at this time, even though syphilis is more prevalent than AIDS. Such is the world of politics. Herpes is reportedly more common than gonorrhea. I repeat, there is no cure or vaccine.

There is a growing quackery associated with genital herpes. Although I do not have the disease and therefore it is not a focal point of my interest, several customers of mine who do have it report that everything from DMSO to prayer is being thrust at HSV-2 positive victims.

Source Material

1. Herpes - The Love Bug by Ivan Gulas, PhD and Leslie Grif- fiths, MS, 1984, Ohio Psychology Publishing Company, Colum- bus, Ohio.

2. Herpes by Alan E. Nourse, MD, 1985, Franklin Watts Publish- ing Company, New York.

3. Genital Herpes - An Epidemic in America by anonymous writer, 1989. Posted on the Combat Arms BBS.

4. Report by anonymous infected person made in June, 1989. She is a computer programmer.