Herpes
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According to
the CDC genital Herpes is on the rise. Research
shows that 90% of the population has been exposed to
oral herpes and 25% of the population aged 25-45 in the
U.S. has been exposed to genital herpes. An estimated 86
million people worldwide are thought to have genital
herpes. More than 1 million new cases of genital herpes
are diagnosed in the United States each year as reported
by the National Institute of Health.
Joining a support group can lessen the stress associated
with this illness. Social and emotional shame can be far
worse than the pain of an outbreak. Education and
treatment can remedy the social isolation felt.
Genital Herpes cannot be cured. However, treatment can
relieve the symptoms. Medication can rapidly decrease
the pain and discomfort associated with an out break and
can shorten healing time as well. |
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In
August of 2003 the FDA approved Valtrex for the reduced
risk of heterosexual transmission of genital Herpes to
susceptible partners with healthy immune systems when
used as suppressive therapy in combination with safer
sex practices. Researchers have found that daily doses
of antiviral herpes drugs reduce asymptomatic shedding,
but whether this suppressive therapy can help prevent
transmission is not yet known. These medications do not
cure the herpes infection, they suppress the symptoms
and have been shown to speed healing time. |