Herpes Cure India

29.06.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

Is herpes normal in India?

Dr Sridhar, in his research, found around 7- 14 % adolescents in India suffer from HSV.

Has anyone been cured of herpes?

Herpes is an infection that results from one of two types of herpes simplex virus. The symptoms may appear as oral herpes or genital herpes. Herpes can hide in the nerve cells for a long time before activating, which makes finding a cure challenging. There is currently no cure, but research on vaccines is ongoing.

Most people with herpes do not show symptoms, but the infection can also cause painful ulcers and blisters.
Those without symptoms can still pass the infection to others.
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) typically causes oral herpes but may also cause genital herpes.
People transmit HSV-1 through saliva.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a more common cause of genital herpes. A person might acquire HSV-2 through genitalia to genitalia contact, genitalia to mouth contact, or other forms of sexual contact. Infection with HSV is very common. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly half a billion people live with genital herpes globally, and several billion have an oral herpes infection.

This article reviews the reasons there is no cure for herpes, the progress on developing a cure, and the current treatment options.
There is currently no cure or preventive treatment for herpes infection.
If a person gets either form of herpes virus infection, they will have it for life, whether or not they experience symptoms.

Researchers have conducted several clinical trials investigating vaccines against herpes infection, but no commercially available vaccine is currently available. Herpes is challenging to cure because of the nature of the virus. The HSV infection can hide away in a person’s nerve cells for long periods of time before reappearing and reactivating the infection.

Experts suggest that even if antiviral drugs destroy the active parts of the infection, it only takes a small amount of the virus to hide in the nerve cells and become dormant for the herpes virus to continue persisting in the body.
To find a treatment, scientists need to understand further the mechanism that enables the infection to hide.

By learning more about this mechanism, they might be able to tackle the whole infection. Some medications may reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and lower the chances of passing the infection on to others. Current antiviral medications to treat herpes include :

acyclovir valacyclovir (Valtrex)famciclovir (Famvir)

Acyclovir is typically the first form of treatment for HSV infections. A doctor may treat a skin or mucous membrane infection with oral acyclovir provided the person has a healthy immune system. For people with severe infections or compromised immune systems, the doctor may prescribe intravenous (IV) acyclovir.

Possible side effects of acyclovir may impact the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. People with high levels of stress or trauma may experience more frequent recurrences of herpes. In this case, a doctor may advise psychotherapy and counseling. Some home remedies, such as petroleum gel or essential oils, may alleviate the discomfort that herpes lesions cause, but they will not help reduce viral load.

Click here to learn more about the best home remedies for herpes, A person can transmit HSV-1 when they have no symptoms. However, they are most contagious during an outbreak. People with an HSV-2 infection can transmit genital herpes while experiencing no symptoms.

HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores.
People should abstain from sexual intercourse while experiencing symptoms.
The correct use of condoms may help to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes.
They should also avoid oral contact with others or sharing objects that come into contact with saliva.

This includes performing oral sex. Pregnant people with symptoms of genital herpes should speak to a doctor, as there is a risk of neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is where a pregnant person passes the infection on to their fetus before, during, or immediately after delivery.

It is rare but can have severe consequences for the infant.
The WHO recognizes the need for further research into preventing and treating HSV.
Clinical trials are underway to search for an effective treatment.
A new drug called pritelivir is currently undergoing clinical trials as a treatment for herpes symptoms.

Experts believe pritelivir may be a useful alternative for people who cannot take acyclovir. Scientists are currently studying potential vaccines in their search for a cure for herpes. However, according to a review of research published in 2022, no HSV vaccine has received FDA approval yet.

What is the best treatment for herpes in India?

People at risk – Anybody who is sexually active can be infected with herpes virus. People who have unprotected sex, and who have more than one sex partners are at greater risk. Studies show that genital herpes is more common in US. About 16.2% (one out of six) are affected with HSV-2 infection.

Primary stage : This stage starts 2 to 8 days after infection. You will notice small group of painful blisters near your genital region. The blisters are filled with clear or cloudy fluid that breaks open and becomes open sores. Sometime you may have fever and other flu-like symptoms. Most people do not experience any of these symptoms and may not even have the slightest hint that they are infected. Latent stage : During this stage you will have no symptoms as the virus is busy travelling from your skin to the nerves near your spine. Shedding stage : Again a non-symptomatic stage where the virus multiplies in the nerve cells and starts invading the saliva, vaginal fluid or semen. Recurrences : The blisters and sores come back after the first attack. But the symptoms are not as worse as in it was in the first attack.

Genital Herpes does not show any signs and symptoms. Someone who is infected might never show any sores. However, if signs and symptoms show up they are well noticed. You may experience the following signs. They are:

Pain and itching followed by sore in the buttocks, vagina, scrotum, penis, and anus. The sores usually disappear within 2 to 4 weeks. If the sores are open, there could be oozing out with fluid or blood from the sore. It could be painful to urinate, along with tenderness and pain in the genital area. Some people may also have flu-like symptoms, which causes fever, chills, fatigue, head ache and swollen lymph nodes. There could be pain in lower back, thighs, buttocks, or knees. In recurrent infection the symptoms are milder and the sores disappear faster.

If you notice or suspect any of these symptoms contact your doctor for proper diagnosis as many other complications also results in such similar symptoms. Herpes virus can be diagnosed using the sample taken from the sores, which are later cultured to check the growth of the virus.

A positive test confirms Herpes but a negative test does not rule out the presence of the virus.
Blood test is done to detect the presence antibodies that are produced against the virus.
Genital Herpes cannot be cured.
The virus remains in latent stage in the nerve cell and wakes up if something triggers it like – stress, illness, surgery, monthly periods, vigorous sex, and diet.

Medication, of course can help you a lot. Medicine like acyclovir reduces the pain and heals the sore faster. It also lessens the number of recurrence. These are the herpes simplex virus treatment. Acyclovir creams are available that can be applied on the sores.

Taking an aspirin, or acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain Keep lukewarm water on the sore or take bath in lukewarm water Clean the affected area and dry it properly Wear loose cotton under wears If blisters are broken wash the area with mild soap and water

Being diagnosed with Herpes gives a feeling of guilt and shame. You may be disappointed as your complete sex life is ruined, but remember you are not alone fighting Herpes; there are other million people struggling with it every day. If you are infected with Herpes inform this to your partner and have safer sex – use condoms.

But the fact is no time is safer to have sex, if you are infected because unknowingly you might spread the infection to your partner.
Avoid sex if you have sores, as sores invite AIDS virus.
Remember, using condom only reduces the risk of spreading but does not give 100% protection.
Herpes infection during or before pregnancy should be discussed in detail with your health care provider as you may pass the infection to your unborn baby, which can cause brain injury or even death.

Your baby is safe until it is in the uterus, but during delivery it has to pass through the birth canal that harbors the virus. Contact with the virus will infect your newborn also. Therefore, it is important that you inform your doctor in advance, so that he might decide on a cesarean delivery.

Will herpes ever be cured?

Is there a cure or treatment for genital herpes? – There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others. Though several clinical trials have tested vaccines against genital herpes, there is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection.

What is the most country with herpes?

Sub-Saharan Africa – HSV-2 is more common in Sub-Saharan Africa than in Europe or the North America. Up to 82% of women and 53% of men in Sub-Saharan Africa are seropositive for HSV-2. These are the highest levels of HSV-2 infection in the world, although exact levels vary from country to country in this continent.

Will there be a cure for herpes in 2023?

Herpes Treatments June 2023 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) says there is no cure for herpes as of April 21, 2023. However, the use of antiviral medicines shortens herpes outbreaks. According to Technavio, there were about 15 vendors in the Herpes treatment market.

According to FMI data, the size of the global herpes labialis treatment market might increase from US$ 1.13 billion in 2023 to US$ 1.79 billion by 2033. In addition, the Acyclovir product segment reported a significant market share in the retail pharmacy segment. Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, which is a common sexually transmitted disease associated with substantial health losses.

A study published in February 2023 estimated 0.05 lifetime quality-adjusted life years lost per incident infection, equivalent to losing 0.05 years or about 18 days of life for one person with perfect health.

Can u donate blood if you have herpes?

Eligibility Criteria Alphabetical Listing Select the title or plus symbol below to view content. You may also by keyword. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or, if allowed by state law.

There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities.
In-Depth Discussion of Age and Blood Donation Those younger than age 17 are almost always legal minors (not yet of the age of majority) who cannot give consent by themselves to donate blood.

(Each state determines its own age of majority, which can be different for different activities.) Persons under the age of 17 may, however, donate blood for their own use, in advance of scheduled surgery or in situations where their blood has special medical value for a particular patient such as a family member.

Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth.
A donor with an acute infection can not donate.
The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood.

Acceptable after finishing oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Can have taken last pill on the date of donation. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy or valvular heart disease.

If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate.
Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood.
However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis.
For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday.

Acceptable as long as you do not have any limitations on daily activities and are not having difficulty breathing at the time of donation and you otherwise feel well. Medications for asthma do not disqualify you from donating. Individuals on oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate.

Atrixa (fondaparinux)
Coumadin (warfarin)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Fragmin (dalteparin)
Heparin
Jantoven (warfarin)
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Savaysa (edoxaban)
Warfilone (warfarin)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban).

If you are on aspirin, it is OK to donate whole blood. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 full days in order to donate platelets by apheresis. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday.

Donors with clotting disorder from Factor V who are not on anticoagulants are eligible to donate; however, all others must be evaluated by the health historian at the collection center. Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation.

Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating. Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic). Wait for 3 months after receiving a blood transfusion from another person.

Eligibility depends on the type of cancer and treatment history.
If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate.
Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time.

Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed and healed do not require a 12-month waiting period. Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully.

Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross.
You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements. Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough (bringing up phlegm). Wait if you do not feel well on the day of donation.

If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant you are not eligible to donate.
If you received an injection of cadaveric pituitary human growth hormone (hGH) you cannot donate. Human cadaveric pituitary-derived hGH was available in the U.S. from 1958 to 1985. Growth hormone received after 1985 is acceptable.
If you have been diagnosed with vCJD, CJD or any other TSE or have a blood relative diagnosed with genetic CJD (e.g., fCJD, GSS, or FFI) you cannot donate.

Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross. You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations.
Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations.
Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations.

Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM) First-time male donors may be eligible to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man in more than 3 months. All additional blood donation eligibility criteria will apply. Donors who were previously deferred under the prior MSM policy will be evaluated for reinstatement.

Individuals who have been deferred for MSM in the past can initiate donor reinstatement by contacting the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.
Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.

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For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross. You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. You are not eligible to donate if you have ever had Ebola virus infection or disease. Unable to Give Blood? Consider, or through the Red Cross.

You can also help people facing emergencies by to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

In general, acceptable as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated, have no current (within the last 6 months) heart related symptoms such as chest pain and have no limitations or restrictions on your normal daily activities.
Wait at least 6 months following an episode of angina.
Wait at least 6 months following a heart attack.
Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Wait at least 6 months after a change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications.

If you have a pacemaker, you can donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. Discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation.

Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities. Hemochromatosis (Hereditary) Acceptable if you meet all eligibility criteria and donation intervals.

Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Blood Count In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL.

Separate requirements for hemoglobin level apply for Power Red. When you come to donate blood at the American Red Cross, we measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin because the results provide information about your current health at the time of your donation. The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment.

Physical exam results vary throughout the day. Stress, nutrition, illness, hydration, weight, activity, environment and even consumption of certain ingredients (for example, salt or caffeine) can affect the results of the physical exam. If your result does not meet the minimum/maximum requirement at the time of your attempted donation you will not be permitted to donate.

If you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), you are not eligible to donate blood.
If you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection.

If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact. Persons who have been detained or incarcerated in a facility (juvenile detention, lockup, jail, or prison) for 72 hours or more consecutively (3 days) are deferred for 12 months from the date of last occurrence.

This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. These persons are at higher risk for exposure to infectious diseases. Wait 3 months after receiving a blood transfusion (unless it was your own “autologous” blood), non-sterile needle stick or exposure to someone else’s blood.

Do not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV. You are at risk for getting infected if you:

have used needles to take any drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor in the last 3 months
are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 3 months
have taken money, drugs or other payment for sex in the last 3 months
have had sexual contact in the past 3 months with anyone described above

Do not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS

Fever
Enlarged lymph glands
Sore throat
Rash

Do not give blood if at any time you received HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Wait 3 months after the last dose of any oral medications taken to prevent HIV infection – Truvada (Tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir) and  Isentress (raltegravir) are oral medications given for exposure to HIV.
Wait 2 years after the last injection or shot of medication taken to prevent HIV infection also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)- Apretude (cabotegravir ) are injections or shots given for exposure to HIV.
Unable to Give Blood?

Consider or through the Red Cross. You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate.
Hypertension, High Blood Pressure See “Blood Pressure, High” section above.
Immunization, Vaccination Acceptable if you were vaccinated for influenza, pneumonia, tetanus or meningitis, providing you are symptom-free and fever-free.

Includes the Tdap vaccine. Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil). Acceptable if you were vaccinated with SHINGRIX (shingles vaccine) providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. SHINGRIX vaccine is administered in 2 doses (shots).

Wait 4 weeks after immunizations for German Measles (Rubella), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chicken Pox and Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine.
Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine.
Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B.

COVID-19 Vaccine and COVID-19 Booster Shot
- Acceptable if you were vaccinated with a non-replicating, inactivated, or RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer providing you are symptom-free and fever-free.
- Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine but do not know if it was a non-replicating, inactivated, RNA based vaccine or a live attenuated vaccine.

Smallpox/ Monkeypox vaccine There are two types of Smallpox/Monkeypox vaccines so you must know the name of the vaccine to determine if you may be eligible to donate. If you do not know the name of the vaccine you received, you must wait 8 weeks to donate as a precaution.
- ACAM2000 vaccine: This is an older vaccine which is administered in a single dose by inoculation (pricking the skin surface several times with a needle). If you receive the ACAM2000 smallpox/monkeypox vaccine, which is a live virus vaccine containing infectious agents then the following apply:
  - Smallpox/Monkeypox vaccination and did not develop complications Wait 8 weeks (56 days) after receiving the vaccination to donate blood as long as you have no complications. Complications can include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
  - Smallpox/Monkeypox vaccination and developed complications Wait 14 days after all vaccine complications have resolved or 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of having had the smallpox vaccination whichever is the longer period of time. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications can include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
- Jynneos vaccine: This is a new vaccine that is administered in 2 doses (shots) given 4 weeks apart. If you receive the newer smallpox/monkeypox vaccine called Jynneos, which is a nonreplicating live virus vaccine, which does not contain infectious agents, your eligibility to donate blood is determined based on exposure to Monkeypox.
  - If you received this vaccine after an exposure to Monkeypox, you cannot donate for 21 days after your last exposure.
  - If there is no exposure to monkeypox and you received this vaccine, there is no deferral.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the smallpox vaccine in the last eight weeks and you did not develop any skin lesions or other symptoms. Eligible to donate.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the vaccine in the last eight weeks and you have since developed skin lesions or symptoms. Wait 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of the first skin lesion or sore. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications can include skin reactions or general illness related to the exposure.

If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood. Wait until finished taking oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Wait 10 days after the last antibiotic injection for an infection.

Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate.
Those who have had infection with Babesiosis can donate if it has been 2 years or more since the diagnosis or positive test if donating in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin or Washington, D.C.

IF you plan to donate in any other state, call for more information. See: Antibiotics, Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis/Gonorrhea, and Tuberculosis. Donors with diabetes who take any kind if insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled.

Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician.
This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV.
See: Hepatitis.
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion.
Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria.

If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood.

Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria.
Wait 3 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found.
Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. An additional waiting period of 3 years is required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found.

If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation. Please, come prepared to discuss your travel details when you donate. You can download the and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel.

What countries did you visit?
Where did you travel while in this country?
Did you leave the city or resort at any time? If yes, where did you go?
What mode of transportation did you use?
How long did you stay?
What date did you return to the U.S.?

Acceptable if you are healthy and well and have been vaccinated for measles more than 4 weeks ago or were born before 1956. If you have not been vaccinated or it has been less than 4 weeks since being vaccinated, wait 4 weeks from the date of the vaccination or exposure before donating.

In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted. Over-the-counter oral homeopathic medications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements are acceptable.

There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood:

Accutane, Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret or Zenatane (isotretinoin), Proscar (finasteride), and Propecia (finasteride) – wait 1 month from the last dose.
Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride) – wait 6 months from the last dose.
Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday.
Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) – no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 7 days after taking Brilinta (ticagrelor) before donating platelets by apheresis. You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis.
Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis.
Coumadin, Warfilone, Jantoven (warfarin) and Heparin, are prescription blood thinners- Do not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate.
Arixtra (fondaparinux), Fragmin (dalteparin), Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran),Savaysa (edoxaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban),and Lovenox (enoxaparin) are also prescription blood thinners- Do not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate.
Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin – given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis.
Oral HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications – Truvada (Tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Isentress (raltegravir) and Isentress are given for exposure to HIV, you must wait 3 months after the last dose of medication to donate.
Injectable HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications – Apretude (cabotegravir ) are shots given for exposure to HIV, you must wait 2 years after the last dose of medication to donate.
HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART) at any time – you are not eligible to donate blood.
Plavix (clopidogrel) and Ticlid (ticlopidine) – no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Zontivity (vorapaxar) – no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 1 month after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) – wait 1 month
Thalomid (thalidomide) – wait 1 month.
Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) – an immunosuppressant– wait 6 weeks
Soriatane (acitretin) – wait 3 years.
Tegison (etretinate) at any time – you are not eligible to donate blood.
Arava (leflunomide), Erivedge (vismodegib) and Odomzo (sonidegib)– wait 2 years.
Aubagio (teriflunomide) – wait 2 years.

Monkeypox (exposure or diagnosis) Monkeypox infection or exposure, wait a minimum of 21 days, then contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276 to discuss your particular situation to determine if you can donate. Wait 3 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person.

If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue – you are not eligible to donate blood.

Non-living animal tissues such as bone, tendon, or heart valves are acceptable.
Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross.
You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.

Piercing (ears, body), Electrolysis Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). Wait 3 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or any reusable instrument.

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Wait 3 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were single-use equipment. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. Wait 6 weeks after giving birth. Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross. You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Acceptable as long as your pulse is no more than 100 and no less than 50. A pulse that is regular and less than 50 will require evaluation by the regional American Red Cross physician.

When you come to donate blood at the American Red Cross, we measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin because the results provide information about your current health at the time of your donation. The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment. Physical exam results vary throughout the day.

Stress, nutrition, illness, hydration, weight, activity, environment and even consumption of certain ingredients (for example, salt or caffeine) can affect the results of the physical exam. If your result does not meet the minimum/maximum requirement at the time of your attempted donation you will not be permitted to donate.

Wait 3 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Acceptable if it has been more than 3 months since you completed treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait.
Those with sickle cell disease are not eligible to donate.
Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
Acceptable as long as the skin over the vein to be used to collect blood is not affected.
If the skin disease has become infected, wait until the infection has cleared before donating.

Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating. It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

Wait 3 months after being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Wait 3 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.
Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming.

This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Cosmetic tattoos (including microblading of eyebrows only) applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable.

Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Travel Outside of U.S., Immigration You can be exposed to malaria through travel and travel in some areas can sometimes defer donors.
If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation.

Come prepared to your donation process with your travel details when you donate. You can download the and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. You can call to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. If, in the past 3 years, you have been outside the United States or Canada:

What countries did you visit?
Where did you travel while in this country?
Did you leave the city or resort at any time? If yes, where did you go?
What mode of transportation did you use?
How long did you stay?
What date did you return to the U.S.?

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria. If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood

Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria.
Wait 3 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found.
Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. An additional waiting period of 3 years is required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found

If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you can not donate. Acceptable if you have a positive skin test or blood test, but no active tuberculosis and are NOT taking antibiotics. If you are receiving antibiotics for a positive TB skin test or blood test only or if you are being treated for a tuberculosis infection, wait until treatment is successfully completed before donating.

Wait 3 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea. Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements. You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety.

Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5’5″ and boys shorter than 5′). Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation.

There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using. Discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian. Unable to Give Blood? Consider or through the Red Cross.

You can also help people facing emergencies by  to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills.
If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, wait more than 120 days after your symptoms resolve to donate.

Why haven’t we cured herpes?

The herpes virus has more complicated DNA than most infections and has ways to go undetected by our immune system, much like many cancer cells do. Since vaccines work by stimulating the human immune system, this makes it more difficult to develop an inoculation for herpes.

What is the fastest cure for herpes?

It is normal to be worried after finding out that you have genital herpes, But know that you are not alone. Millions of people carry the virus. Although there is no cure, genital herpes can be treated. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for treatment and follow-up.

FatigueGenital irritationMenstruationPhysical or emotional stressInjury

The pattern of outbreaks varies widely in people with herpes. Some people carry the virus even though they’ve never had symptoms. Others may have only one outbreak or outbreaks that occur rarely. Some people have regular outbreaks that occur every 1 to 4 weeks. To ease symptoms:

Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve pain.Apply cool compresses to sores several times a day to relieve pain and itching.Women with sores on the vaginal lips (labia) can try urinating in a tub of water to avoid pain.

Doing the following may help sores heal:

Wash sores gently with soap and water. Then pat dry.Do not bandage sores. Air speeds healing.Do not pick at sores. They can get infected, which slows healing.Do not use ointment or lotion on sores unless your provider prescribes it.

Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. Do not wear nylon or other synthetic pantyhose or underwear. Also, do not wear tight-fitting pants. Genital herpes cannot be cured. Antiviral medicine (acyclovir and related drugs) may relieve pain and discomfort and help the outbreak go away faster.

One way is to take it for about 7 to 10 days only when symptoms occur. This typically shortens the time it takes for symptoms to clear up.The other is to take it daily to prevent outbreaks.

Generally, there are very few if any side effects from this medicine. If they occur, side effects may include:

FatigueHeadacheNausea and vomitingRashSeizuresTremor

Consider taking antiviral medicine daily to keep outbreaks from developing. Taking steps to keep yourself healthy can also minimize the risk for future outbreaks. Things you can do include:

Get plenty of sleep. This helps keep your immune system strong.Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition also helps your immune system stay strong.Keep stress low. Constant stress can weaken your immune system.Protect yourself from the sun, wind, and extreme cold and heat. Use sunscreen, especially on your lips. On windy, cold, or hot days, stay indoors or take steps to guard against the weather.

Even when you do not have sores, you can pass (shed) the virus to someone during sexual or other close contact. To protect others:

Let any sexual partner know that you have herpes before having sex. Allow them to decide what to do.Use latex or polyurethane condoms, and avoid sex during symptomatic outbreaks.Do not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex when you have sores on or near the genitals, anus, or mouth.Do not kiss or have oral sex when you have a sore on the lips or inside the mouth.Do not share your towels, toothbrush, or lipstick. Make sure dishes and utensils you use are washed well with detergent before others use them.Wash your hands well with soap and water after touching a sore.Consider using daily antiviral medicine to limit viral shedding and reduce the risk of passing the virus to your partner.You may also want to consider getting your partner tested even if they have never had an outbreak. If you both have the herpes virus, there is no risk for transmission.

Contact your provider if you have any of the following:

Symptoms of an outbreak that worsen despite medicine and self-careSymptoms that include severe pain and sores that do not healFrequent outbreaksOutbreaks during pregnancy

Herpes – genital – self-care; Herpes simplex – genital – self-care; Herpesvirus 2 – self-care; HSV-2 – self-care Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds.

Comprehensive Gynecology,8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23. Whitley RJ, Gnann JW. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine,26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 350. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.

MMWR Recomm Rep,2021;70(4):1-187. PMID: 34292926 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34292926/, Updated by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M.

What is the strongest treatment for herpes?

Genital Herpes Treatment Options Medically Reviewed by on August 23, 2022 Treatment with antiviral drugs can help people who are bothered by genital herpes outbreaks stay symptom-free longer. These drugs can also reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when they do flare up.

Initial treatment. If you have symptoms such as sores when you’re first diagnosed with, your doctor will usually give you a brief course (seven to 10 days) of antiviral therapy to relieve them or prevent them from getting worse. Your doctor may keep you on the drugs longer if the sores don’t heal in that time.

After the first treatment, work with your doctor to come up with the best way to take antiviral therapies. There are two options:

Intermittent treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for you to keep on hand in case you have another flare-up; this is called intermittent therapy. You can take the pills for two to five days as soon as you notice sores or when you feel an outbreak coming on. Sores will heal and disappear on their own, but taking the drugs can make the symptoms less severe and make them go away faster. Suppressive treatment. If you have outbreaks often, you may want to consider taking an antiviral drug every day. Doctors call this suppressive therapy. For someone who has more than six outbreaks a year, suppressive therapy can reduce the number of outbreaks by 70% to 80%. Many people who take the antiviral drugs daily have no outbreaks at all.

There is no set number of outbreaks per year that doctors use to decide when someone should start suppressive therapy. Rather, more important factors are how often the outbreaks happen and if they are severe enough to interfere with your life. Taking daily suppressive therapy may also reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a sex partner.

Antiviral drugs reduce viral shedding, when the virus makes new copies of itself on the skin’s surface. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2004 found that daily doses of valacyclovir protected partners of those with genital herpes from being infected. Half the partners of people taking daily valacyclovir became infected with the virus, and half did not.

Moreover, 75% of the partners did not show any, even if they had acquired the virus. Side effects with these herpes drugs are considered mild, and health experts believe these drugs are safe in the long term. Acyclovir is the oldest of the three, and its safety has been documented in people taking suppressive therapy for several years.

People taking suppressive therapy should see their doctor at least once a year to decide if they should continue.
You may find taking the pills every day to be inconvenient, the drugs may not work for you, or you may naturally have fewer outbreaks as time goes on.
Your doctor can help you make treatment choices to suit your needs.

When will a herpes vaccine be available?

Herpes Vaccine Candidate Advances in 2023 (Precision Vaccinations)

When BioNTech SE announced that the first person was dosed in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial with BNT163, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine candidate for the prevention of genital lesions caused by HSV-2 and potentially HSV-1, there was much enthusiasm generated by millions of people.
BioNTech’s placebo-controlled, observer-blinded, two-dose-escalation study was launched on December 8, 2022, and is expected to enroll around 108 healthy adult volunteers.
This first-in-human HSV vaccine study was last updated on January 5, 2023.
However, it is scheduled for a June 2025 completion date.
is not the only herpes vaccine candidate conducting early-stage research.
Still, it is the only mRNA vaccine that encodes three HSV-2 glycoproteins to help to prevent HSV cellular entry and spread, as well as counteract the immunosuppressive properties of HSVs.

“My colleagues and I are proud to have contributed to the early development and preclinical testing of this exciting new mRNA vaccine candidate that may have the potential to prevent people from contracting the virus,” commented Prof. Harvey M. Friedman, M.D., Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, in a,

Dr. Friedman conducted preclinical and discovery science work on HSV and is the University’s principal investigator for the preclinical discovery and enabling studies. The U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention () recently estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in a year.

Throughout the U.S., about 12% of persons aged 14 to 49 have an HSV-2 infection.

From a herpes treatment perspective, research recently indicated about 15 vendors were participating in the herpes treatment market, which is valued at over three billion dollars annually.
Acyclovir and Valtrex® have significant shares in the pharmacy segment.
And United BioPharma is developing as a first-in-class anti-gD monoclonal antibody candidate with demonstrated viral suppression of transmission and recurrence of HSV-1 and HSV-2.
This HSV antibody candidate’s phase 2 study was last updated on May 18, 2022.
Updated herpes vaccine candidates and treatment news are posted at,

You might be interested: How To Treat Woman

: Herpes Vaccine Candidate Advances in 2023

Is your life over with herpes?

What do I need to know about dating with herpes? – Some people feel like their love lives are over when they find out they have herpes, but it’s just not true. People with herpes have romantic and sexual relationships with each other, or with partners who don’t have herpes.

Keep calm and carry on. Millions of people have herpes, and plenty of them are in relationships. For most couples, herpes isn’t a huge deal. Try to go into the conversation with a calm, positive attitude. Having herpes is simply a health issue — it doesn’t say anything about you as a person. Make it a two-way conversation. Remember that STDs are super common, so who knows? Your partner might have herpes too. So start by asking if they’ve ever been tested or had an STD before. Know your facts. There’s a lot of misinformation about herpes out there, so read up on the facts and be prepared to set the record straight. Let your partner know there are ways to treat herpes and avoid passing it on during sex. Think about timing. Pick a time when you won’t be distracted or interrupted, and a place that’s private and relaxed. If you’re nervous, you can talk it through with a friend first, or practice by talking to yourself. It sounds silly, but saying the words out loud can help you know what you want to say and feel more confident when you talk to your partner. Safety first. If you’re afraid that a partner might hurt you, telling them in person might not be safe. You’re probably better off with an e-mail, text, or phone call — or in extreme cases, not telling them at all. Call 1-800-799-SAFE or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website for help if you think you may be in danger.

So when do you tell your new crush about your herpes status? You might not need to tell them the very first time you hang out, but you should let them know before you have sex. So when the relationship starts heading down that path and you feel like you can trust the person, that’s probably a good time.

It’s normal to be worried about how your partner’s going to react.
And there’s no way around it: Some people might freak out.
If that happens, try to stay calm and talk about all the ways there are to prevent spreading herpes.
You might just need to give your partner a little time and space to process the news, which is normal.

And most people know that herpes is super common and not a big deal. Try not to play the blame game when you talk to your partner. If one of you has a herpes outbreak for the first time during the relationship, it doesn’t automatically mean that somebody cheated.

Herpes symptoms can take days, weeks, months, or even years to show up after you get the infection. So it’s usually really hard to tell when and where someone got herpes. The most important thing is that you both get tested, If it turns out only one of you has herpes, talk about how you can prevent passing it on,

Tell your past partners too, so they can get tested.

Do you keep herpes for life?

Common and Permanent – Herpes has two types: Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1), called oral herpes, and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes. According to current estimates, as many as 85 percent of adults have HSV-1 and one in six people carry HSV-2, though many never exhibit symptoms. Currently there’s no cure or vaccine. Once contracted, these viruses persist in your body forever.

Am I going to have herpes forever?

Genital herpes is likely the most feared and least understood sexually transmitted infection (STI), There is no cure, so people infected with herpes have it forever. Though the virus is rarely life-threatening for most people with it, it’s extremely dangerous for pregnant women.

A virus flare-up during pregnancy increases her risk of premature labor and an unborn baby can get a deadly infection in the womb.
What may be surprising is that about one in six people between ages 14 and 49 have the STI and don’t know it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some people with the virus never experience the tell-tale outbreak of blisters and sores, but they are still contagious. This is why getting tested for the genital herpes virus is extremely important. “We at Yale now have a DNA test that takes just four hours, whereas just a few years ago, a diagnostic test could take a week or two,” says Angelique Levi, MD, Yale Medicine’s director of pathology outreach.

Herpes is a viral infection that comes in two types.
Oral herpes is caused by a harmless virus called the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).
It is easily passed from one person to another through skin contact, and, as a result, almost all people are exposed to it as children or young adults.
If you’ve ever had an outbreak of cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth or elsewhere on your face, then the likely culprit is HSV-1.

These cold sores may recur as the infection is lifelong, but outbreaks are usually self-limited. A different virus called the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes. This form of herpes can result in both internal and external sores, and blisters in the genital area, which can arise several days, weeks, or months after exposure.

Some people may never experience visible symptoms.
According to the CDC, having the genital herpes virus puts people at an increased risk of getting an HIV infection, if exposed.
Oral herpes (HSV-1) can be spread through saliva, kissing, and skin-to-skin contact.
HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, if the genital areas are exposed to fever blisters or sores on the mouth or face, or through oral sex.

Even though HSV-1 also never completely goes away, that strain of the virus causes fewer outbreaks over time in the genital areas than HSV-2. Genital herpes (HSV-2) can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and/or sexual intercourse of all types (oral, vaginal and anal).

Is herpes normal in Europe?

Approximately 12% of the adult population of Europe is chronically infected with HSV-2, but seroprevalence is declining by 1% per calendar year. Sexual risk behaviour, age, sex, and subregion within Europe explained a large proportion of the variation in seroprevalence in this continent.

How common is herpes in Europe?

The study by WCM-Q researchers Aisha Osman, left, Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad and Asalah Alareeki probed the prevalence of the herpes simplex type 2 virus in Europe. A study entitled ‘Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Europe: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions’ has been published in the prestigious journal Lancet Regional Health-Europe by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM – Q).

The study found that about 10 percent of the population of Europe is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
HSV-2 prevalence is declining in Europe, but at a relatively slow rate of 1 percent per year, lower than that in other world regions.
The prevalence was more common in women than men.

The study was conducted by the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group (IDEG) at WCM – Q to address one of the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Sexually Transmitted Infections. The study provided the first such detailed description of HSV-2 epidemiology in Europe.

Asalah Alareeki, joint first author of the study and researcher at IDEG, stated: “We applied rigorous methodologies to assess the epidemiology of HSV-2 in Europe and found that HSV-2 prevalence in the adult population of Europe averaged at about 12 percent, but this prevalence has been declining at a rate of 1 percent per year over the last three decades.

Despite the declining sexual transmission of this infection, there was an increasing trend of neonatal herpes of mothers transmitting herpes infections to their newborns.” HSV-2 infection is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Although asymptomatic in most people, it can cause a range of symptoms and adverse health outcomes, such as recurrent painful genital ulcers and serious neonatal infections.

HSV-2 infection is linked to increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. The study was supported by the Qatar National Research Fund through the National Priorities Research Program and pilot funding from the Biomedical Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Aisha Osman, joint first author of the study and researcher at IDEG, said: “We found that one-fifth (22 percent) of genital ulcer disease cases and two-thirds (66 percent) of genital herpes cases were caused by HSV-2 infection.

Our findings call for implementation of preventive and control measures to tackle this infection by 2030 and achieve the main goals of the WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Sexually Transmitted Infections.” Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad, principal investigator of the study and professor of population health sciences at WCM-Q, concluded: “Despite the large disease burden of this infection, we still have no vaccine to tackle its global prevalence.

12% of the adult general population in Europe are infected with HSV-2, but the prevalence of the infection is declining by 1% per year.22% of clinically diagnosed genital ulcer disease cases and 66% of laboratory-confirmed genital herpes cases in Europe are caused by HSV-2 infection. Neonatal herpes is increasing in Europe where mothers are increasingly transmitting herpes infections to their newborns.

What race has more herpes?

Conclusions – The low proportion of genital herpes diagnosis among non-Hispanic blacks with HSV-2 is not accounted for by other socio-demographic factors or health insurance. Combined with the high prevalence of HSV-2, the low proportion of diagnosis in this population is more likely to contribute to ongoing HSV-2 transmission than among non-Hispanic whites or Mexican Americans.

More research is needed to assess the role that lack of diagnosis plays in ongoing HSV-2 transmission, and whether targeted HSV-2 screening, counseling and treatment could be part of a more effective prevention strategy for non-Hispanic blacks. Non-Hispanic blacks experience a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI), even among those who report few sexual partners.1 To reduce racial/ethnic disparities in STI incidence and prevalence, there is a need for research to understand potential underlying mechanisms.2 – 4 Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common STI in the United States and is the main cause of genital herpes.

HSV-2 is most prevalent among non-Hispanic blacks (40.3%) compared with the members of other US racial/ethnic groups (13.7% among non-Hispanic whites and 11.9% among Mexican Americans).5 Although most HSV-2-infected people do not recognize symptoms, HSV-2 can cause serious morbidity, including a severe primary infection in some people, recurrent painful lesions, psychological distress associated with sexual relationships and social stigma, and neonatal herpes in newborns of infected mothers.

Does herpes mess with your brain?

A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows a mechanism that stops the herpes simplex virus 1 from causing serious brain damage and death. Researchers discovered a function of a protein complex, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2, in an antiviral defense mechanism.

This protein complex limits HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity and protects the host by preventing encephalitis — brain inflammation — and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
The paper, ” mTORC2 confers neuroprotection and potentiates immunity during virus infection,” was published recently in the journal Nature Communications.

The research was performed by UIC researchers in the laboratory led by Deepak Shukla, the Marion H. Schenk Esq. Professor in Ophthalmology for Research of the Aging Eye, and vice chair for research at UIC. From left: mTORC2 researchers Raghuram Koganti, Krishnaraju Madavaraju, Tejabhiram Yadavalli, Deepak Shukla, Chandrashekhar Patil and Rahul Suryawanshi. Ocular herpes infection is a leading cause of infectious blindness and can lead to lethal brain infections.

After a primary infection, HSV-1 hides in neuronal tissues and reactivates under immune suppressive conditions that may cause encephalitis, leading to permanent brain damage, memory loss or even death. Herpes is a common infection, even in healthy individuals, and is rarely lethal. To understand how antiviral defense mechanisms could work, UIC researchers studied mTORC2, Shukla said.

Using genetically modified mice models, researchers uncovered the importance of mTORC2 in activation of innate- and virus-adaptive immunity during ocular HSV-1 infection. “Animals with a lack of functional mTORC2 were found to show significant loss of immune activation and more spread of virus to neuronal tissues,” Shukla said.

Functional mTORC2 limits the virus spread from ocular to neuronal tissues by supporting the production of antiviral cytokines and driving immune cells to quickly identify HSV-1 infected cells.
MTORC2 also protects the ocular and neuronal cells from virus-induced cell death offering protection to neuronal tissue,” Shukla said.

In order to combat lifelong HSV-1 infection, it is essential to uncover the role of key cellular proteins and modulate their function to stop the virus from replicating and causing damage, explained Rahul Suryawanshi, the study’s lead author, a former postdoctoral trainee of Shukla, now at the Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco.

During herpes infection, mTORC2 activates cell survival machinery in ocular and neuronal tissues. This restricts a programmed cell death mechanism, which limits virus spread but, at the same time, is detrimental to neuronal cells, Suryawanshi said. “The animal experiments highlight the importance of using neuronal cell death inhibitors during viral encephalitis that may mimic and/or improve mTORC2 functions and prevent brain injuries,” said Chandrashekhar Patil, a co-author of the study and a visiting scholar at UIC’s department of ophthalmology and visual sciences.

Shukla said the study explains that the pro-survival functions of mTORC2 may not be limited to viral infections. They are likely to be applicable to many other diseases. “Our study will motivate other researchers to investigate mTORC2 in neurodegenerative disorders and diseases as well,” Shukla said.

Is herpes linked to brain damage?

What are the complications of herpes meningoencephalitis? – With treatment, most people with this disease start to improve within a day or two and tend to recover fully within about a month. But without treatment, very serious complications can set in, including death.

Is it normal to have herpes virus?

How common is genital herpes? – Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. CDC estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year.1 Nationwide, 11.9 % of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection (12.1% when adjusted for age).2 However, the prevalence of genital herpes infection is higher than that because an increasing number of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1.3 Oral HSV-1 infection is typically acquired in childhood; because the prevalence of oral HSV-1 infection has declined in recent decades, people may have become more susceptible to contracting a genital herpes infection from HSV-1.4 HSV-2 infection is more common among women than among men; the percentages of those infected during 2015-2016 were 15.9% versus 8.2% respectively, among 14 to 49 year olds.2 This is possibly because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex.5 HSV-2 infection is more common among non-Hispanic blacks (34.6%) than among non-Hispanic whites (8.1%).2 A previous analysis found that these disparities, exist even among persons with similar numbers of lifetime sexual partners.

Is it normal to live with herpes?

Being diagnosed with herpes can bring up a lot of strong emotions. It’s normal to feel anxious or embarrassed at first, but these feelings often fade over time as people learn more about the virus and discover that they aren’t alone. Most people with herpes live completely normal lives and can maintain healthy relationships.

Herpes infections are very common. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of adults in the U.S. have oral herpes, and roughly 1 in 6 people ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not deadly and rarely causes serious health problems, While it isn’t curable, many people never experience symptoms and there are multiple treatment options available to help manage outbreaks.

Read on to learn what to expect after an HSV diagnosis and discover helpful tips for living and dating with herpes.

Is herpes a normal thing?

Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2 Herpes infections are very common. Fifty to 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes (HSV-1), which causes cold sores or fever blisters in or around the mouth. Genital herpes, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, affects one out of every six people in the U.S.

Age 14 to 49.
Genital herpes infections can be asymptomatic, or can show up as outbreaks of blisters or sores.
These common viral conditions are transmitted through intimate person-to-person contact.
In the case of HSV-1, kissing or oral sex can spread the infection to another person, while HSV-2 can be contracted through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

A mother infected with a herpes virus can transmit the virus to her baby during birth if the virus is active at that time. In rare cases, infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Specializing In At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: : Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2

Chukwudi Eze