usually after catching it in childhood. That is in addition to 417 million people in the 17-49 age range who have the other form of the disease, HSV-2, which causes genital herpes.” (1) The WHO went on to note that “HSV-2 can increase the risk of catching and spreading HIV, the disease that causes Aids. Little is known about any link between HSV-1 and HIV/Aids, although it can lead to other serious complications such as encephalitis.” (1)

The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease (CBCD) reminds the public that genital herpes can also cause many other painful symptoms. The CDC notes that “genital herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take weeks to heal. These symptoms are sometimes called “having an outbreak.” The first time someone has an outbreak they may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen glands. Repeat outbreaks of genital herpes are common, especially during the first year after infection. Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak.” (2)Click to learn more about herpes symptoms.

Sami Gottlieb, a WHO medical officer, said that “We really need to accelerate the development of vaccines against herpes simplex virus, and if a vaccine designed to prevent HSV-2 infection also prevented HSV-1, it would have far-reaching benefits.” (1)

It is important to note that WebMD says that “People who have symptoms average 5 outbreaks a year during the first few years. Most have fewer outbreaks after that. People report that certain things may trigger outbreaks, such as: emotional stress, fatigue, other infections, such as a cold or the flu, physical injury, such as irritation, of the genital area, new sex partners, menstruation … (and) … any condition that weakens the immune system.” (4)

What treatments are available for herpes infections?

“Two types of antiviral treatments against HSV are available: topical and oral. The treatments include penciclovir, acyclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir. However, their effectiveness is limited. For instance, a meta-analysis of five placebo-controlled and two dose comparison studies evaluated the effect of aciclovir, famciclovir or valaciclovir on symptoms. The meta-analysis showed that oral antiviral therapy decreases the duration and the associated pain of an outbreak by merely one day.” (3) There are also the natural supplements Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR, which have a formula that was designed to help the immune system target the herpes virus when it is in a latent form.

The CBCD reminds the public that Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are not a cure. However, two clinical studies, published in peer reviewed medical journals showed that their formula decreases symptoms in infected individuals. Specifically, the formula of Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin was shown to safely and effectively reduce herpes symptoms. Additionally, it was designed to help the immune system target the latent virus.

References:

(1) “Herpes affects two-thirds of people under 50, WHO says” Published October 28, 2015. – theguardian.com

(2) Genital Herpes – “CDC Fact Sheet.” Page last updated: October 14, 2015 – CDC.gov

(3) Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.
http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=36101

http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=44234

(4) WebMD.com – Genital Herpes Health Center – Genital Herpes – What Happens – Last Updated: November 14, 2014