Genital Herpes: Myths and Facts

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus which affects the genital region. Break outs are common on the face leading to cold sores. There are many myths and facts regarding the virus-

Myth: You can get infected with genital herpes from toilet seats. Fact: There are no proven cases of genital herpes transmission from toilet seat. The herpes virus cannot survive for a long time outside the human body on surfaces like toilet seat. The virus dries out when it is exposed to air. The microorganisms that cause genital herpes cannot survive outside the human body on a surface like a toilet seat.

Genital Herpes Drug Slows HIV Progression
A drug used to treat genital herpes can also slow progression of the AIDS virus among co-infected patients, doctors report on Monday.

Myth: One should abstain from sex after a proven infection Fact: An infected person can continue to have sex, but make it a point to use a condom. However it is important to abstain from sexual contact if any symptoms or oral or genital sores appear. One can be contagious even if there are no symptoms.

Myth: Cold sores and herpes and two different things Fact: Cold sores act as a form of herpes. Both of them stem from herpes simplex virus. You can develop genital herpes if you have oral-genital sex with a person who has cold sore. Infection can spread to other body parts even if the herpes blister is touched.

Source-Medindia

Treatment for Genital Herpes Infection on the Anvil
A novel discovery that may help develop comprehensive treatment for infection by genital herpes virus has been made by scientists from University of Washington

A Quarter of New Yorkers Suffer from Genital Herpes
One in four adults living in New York City has the virus that causes genital herpes, and among African-Americans the rate is almost 50 percent, official statistics show.

Scientists Identify Why Even Treated Genital Herpes Sores Boost the Risk of HIV Infection
American scientists may have found the reason why an infection that causes genital herpes increases a person's risk of developing HIV infection despite successful treatment of genital skin sores.