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• May 16, 2009 12:12 p.m.

  Why do no sites or info pamplets tell you your sore may not be all bumpy and weepy, my husbands acts like an infected hair or zit on his chin, mine like a bug bite on my buttocks both have been confirmed by doctors which is why most people don't realize they or partner have it. Wake up docs and get this info out there, your partner probably did have a sign or symptom!

  - cid

• May 10, 2009 10:41 p.m.

  if you and your mate have it, and you have sex when there is no ob can that be safe??? or can that cause you or your mate to get new ob in other places... please help

  - no name

• May 9, 2009 8:10 a.m.

  Can the herps virus cause postherpetic neuralgia and / or polymyositis? I have muscle weakness in my legs and arms. Thank you

  - Cherry

• May 5, 2009 3:18 p.m.

  it all started when i had a sore in the vaginal area it looked like a canker sore that you would get in your mouth lasted for a little over a month. i have a 6 different blood test done over the last 6 years. 1st test (labcorp) hsv 1&2 igg abs routine hsv 1/2 igg 1.5 h hsv 1/2 igg interp positive a hsv 2 igg type spec. neg. 2nd test (labcorp) hsv 2 igg spec. 1.5h hsv igm 1&2 <0.91 3rd test (mayo Clinic) is this a herpeselect) hsv type 1 igg pos. hsv type 2 igg pos. hsv igm neg. 4th test (labcorp) hsv 1&2 igg 1.1h hsv 1 igg spec. <0.91 hsv 2 igg spec. <0.91 5th test (labcorp) hsv 1&2 igg 1.3h hsv1 igg spec. <0.91 hsv 2 igg spec. <0.91 6th test (labcorp) hsv 1&2 pcr neg does this mean that i have herpes? also just has the western blot done for hsv1 pos. and hsv 2 neg.

  - veryscared

• April 27, 2009 10:25 a.m.

  Dear Annamaria Briggs, Herpes 8 causes Kaposis sarcoma. You do not have herpes 8. You have herpes 1. Herpes 1 can't turn in to herpes 8. The only way you can get herpes 8 is to be exposed to it. Kaposis sarcoma is usually seen in AIDS patients. I am sorry you were misinformed about the spread of herpes. Children mostly contract it from well meaning, affectionate family members that kiss the child. Some things to consider to prevent spreading the virus include: frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer , avoid kissing when you have a sore, avoid sharing towels and bar soap.

  - Lois McGuire

• April 27, 2009 10:11 a.m.

  Needtoknow, Please read my blog about spreading Herpes infection. You are at risk for getting herpes on the genital area of your body if you have oral sex. Suppression and condoms help to reduce your risk of getting oral herpes on your genital area.

  - Lois McGuire

• April 17, 2009 4:16 p.m.

  I see in my medical terminology book they talk about Herpes Vlll and Kapsoi Sarcoma. I have herpes simplex l any chance for the sarcoma in my life. My daughter has it too (she is 5). Dr's told me is would not spread, well guess what? she got it. Would love to hear from you, or someone

  - Annamaria Briggs

• April 16, 2009 7:54 p.m.

  My partner and I both have tested positive for HSV1. He occasionally gets oral cold sores. I haven't had a cold sore since I was a child, and those were oral too. Is there any risk of him transmitting the virus to a different place on me orally or genetally?

  - NeedToKnow

• April 14, 2009 4:37 p.m.

  i just wanted to say that my dr had prescribed me some lidocaine jelly and seeing as how i am female it has been absulote lifesaver. upon application it doesnt hurt at all and it is a total must have for the ladies! makes life livable!

  - anon-in-ark

• April 8, 2009 2:43 p.m.

  Thank you so much deb. I did my research and feel way better about myself already. Im taking Herplex now prescribed by my doctor, but ever since ive been on it my skin has been burning everywhere, especially on my arms legs n feet :S I read the side effects of herplex and none indicates skin sensitivity... I dont know where its coming from:S

  - --embarassed

• April 7, 2009 3:49 p.m.

  my partner and I both have herpes and I haven't had a brake out for quite some time now but my partner has had 3 in the last 3 months, and we haven't had sex for at least a month and he has had break outs for the last 3 months, I wonder if sme medications may cause this. no sex

  - No name

• April 5, 2009 12:14 p.m.

  A really great site for herpes information is www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes.html This is the site with info by Terri Warren.

  - Deb

• April 5, 2009 12:09 p.m.

  Embarassed: yes, your partner could have herpes and not know. Get to the doctor or a clinic and get on medication--acyclovir is cheap and should help. Yes, if he had a cold sore on his mouth and performed oral sex on you that could have caused it. Please read all the Mayo's info on herpes and get educated. The first outbreak is usually the worst--hope you are soon feeling better.

  - Deb

• April 3, 2009 2:24 p.m.

  hi...I just found out that I had herpes level2 about 3 days ago... and ever since I have trouble sleeping, I cry all the time, and basically dont feel like myself anymore. Im 18 years old, and had 3 partners in my lifetime. Ive been with my current boyfriend for 7 months and im pretty sure he's the one who gave it to me, but he doesnt have any symptoms at all. could it be possible that he gave it to me although he doesnt have symptoms? could he not have it and still passed it one? He often has cold sores, and he might have done oral sex with me while he had it, could that be a possibility? my current symptoms are awful... I feel extremely week, my legs are sore, my skin burns, my back hurts, it hurts when i walk... without talking about how painful it is between my legs... I dont know what to do. I need help.. does anyone know a product that works? a cream? pills? gel? anything? Ive been surfing the internet, and all I see like Juan said is companys fighting to make profit... Im confused. can anyone help me?

  - -embarassed

• March 31, 2009 5:46 p.m.

  in addition to my previous note i have been taking the med for about month and half.

  - vicky

• March 31, 2009 5:44 p.m.

  i have a question concerning outbreaks. i am currently taking valtrex suppression therapy and i think i have to go back to my doctor. i feel that it is not working and i am more uncomfortable for days in i dont see the point of the med. maybe i need to switch med??

  - vicky

• March 30, 2009 11:13 a.m.

  I also don't know if I'm infected. I'm too scared to tell my mom... I've always trusted guys I've had sex with and we're always using protection but lately I've been hearing rumors that this certain guy carried herpes. Just rumors, though. I don't have symptoms..

  - mysticruins02

• March 28, 2009 4:09 p.m.

  Yea, only by social stigma created. But if anyone reads this and can help with good feedback, please post.

  - Help!?

• March 28, 2009 4:06 p.m.

  Hello, I honestly don't know if I've been infected. I believe my sexual encounter was very high risk, and believe me it was unwanted as I was under the influence of alcohol. I used a condom, but I still fear exposure from some symptoms. Anyhow my symptoms are as follows, I had a mild burning sensation with my urination, some mild pain and unusual feeling in my genital area. My anus had felt a little bit tender. One time when I wiped my bum there was a cut and blood on my toilet paper. I had a fever for one night, high temperature and chills. This might have been just because I was so scared of contracting this virus and an immune response occured. Some reddness in the genital area. That is all, my symptoms are now gone. I went to the doctor twice, and hep c, hiv, and gonorrhea are negative. Doctor checked my genitals and saw no visible sores, he said those are just my sebaceous glands. He also said the sores should have appeared by now, since it has been 2 weeks. He said if i have no sores by the end of next week I should be fine. What do you people think? Herpes? Or herpes free? A bacterial infection of my genitals? Or just a sickness of worrying too much? I have never had HSV-1 in my entire life, and so I should have no "partial immunity" to herpes. I'm guessing the delayed outbreak or no-symptom type people at least have partial immunity. I hope no herpes! But reading these posts make it seem it's not all that bad, only by social stigma cr

  - Not sure if I'm infected.

• March 27, 2009 4:33 p.m.

  Wikipedia article on Valaciclovir said the same, the generic version will be on the market by end of 2009 or sooner, and manufactured by at least three drug companies.

  - Paul

• March 26, 2009 11:49 a.m.

  valtrex rep said generic should be out by dec 2009. will be manufactured by GSK (same as brand)

  - rph

• March 22, 2009 7:16 p.m.

  One thing I never hear talked about is so what if you have herpes forever. Other than some outbreaks are there other problems from it (the genital kind)? I have had herpes for 32 years. I have not had an outbreak for about 25 years. Have had 2 children vaginally no problems. Have never passed it on to anyone that I know of and have always been upfront about having it. I have a HIGH stress job and have pretty much always led a high stress life. I too am skeptical of any drug company that wants me to take a "suppression" drug for life. I'm sick of scare tactics to take drugs we don't need. Maybe I have just been lucky with the symptoms of the disease but regarding passing it on there needs to be more research.

  - L

• March 19, 2009 7:52 a.m.

  As a health education teacher in a high school, the scariest part of STD education is that the students do not believe they can get STD's in their mouth! I am amazed that they will not listen when told the truth. Is ignorance truely bliss?

  - Riley

• March 18, 2009 5:08 p.m.

  MEN MOST CERTAINLY DO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF HERPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  - Anonymous

• March 18, 2009 12:29 a.m.

  I still smell a major rat with the topic of "shedding" and a perpetual treatment (but nothing really works for sure) drug like Valtrex. If shedding (invisible, etc) were true then there'd be nearly 100% of the population would have HSV1 for sure. Where's the "shedding" research on oral herpes telling people they RISK transmission EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY KISS someone - cold sore or not? It simply doesn't pass common sense. But no, HSV2 is a 365 24/7 risk of transmission due to asymptomatic (can't see or feel) shedding. Perfect solution...for Glaxo marketing. As far as HSV professionals, they (imo) are in CYA mode. Yep, consider yourselves perpetually toxic is the basic message after 4 or 5 paragraphs/comments on safe sex practices. Who if anybody in the Medical Research side has actually questioned or confirmed "shedding?" a.k.a. the moneymaker claim for Glaxo. Here are good questions: How much money is Glaxo spending on Valtrex guilt ads? How much money are they making from Valtrex annually? Then I'd love to see how much Glaxo is investing in vaccine research comparatively. Like with most things in life, follow the money. Herpes is bad enough on its own. My intuition says herpes sufferers are now gleefully painted with a scarlet H by commercial interests and, to some degree, that also includes so called herpes specialists (nurses or otherwise.)

  - Juan