cly@cbdkc1.UUCP (Carl Yaffey) (01/23/85)
There has been a lot of misinformation and just plain LACK of information about Herpes. As a concerned single adult, I decided to learn what I could about this disease. I went to a friend, Mike Para, who is an M.D. doing research on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (remember when it was VD?). He specializes in Herpes research at Ohio State University Hospital here in Columbus. I will now present some information I learned from Mike and from a book he recommends entitled, "The Truth About Herpes: What Everyone Should Know" by Stephen L. Sacks, M.D., and published by Grosvenor House Press, Inc., Toronto/Montreal. It is available from the Herpes Resource Center, P.O. Box 100, Palo Alto , Cal., 94302. Now for some facts: 1. Herpes viruses that affect humans include Epstein Barr (The major cause of Mononucleosis), Herpes Zoster (the cause of chickenpox - which recurs as "shingles"), Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex (type 1 and 2). You didn't know that chickenpox and shingles were Herpes? 2. "Cold sores" are commonly Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV1). They may also be HSV2. Genital Herpes is commonly HSV2, but may be HSV1. The distinction between the two types is mainly of interest to researchers. A person with "cold sores" can pass the virus to someone else by making "sore-to-skin" contact with the other person. This includes oral sex. A person with genital Herpes can pass the virus to someone else in the same manner (sore to skin). In other words, you can get "cold sores" by having oral sex with someone who has an active HSV2 lesion on their genitals. 3. Herpes is passed from one person to another by making contact between an open sore and the other person's skin. Herpes virus does not fly through the air and it does not live long on objects such as toilet seats. It would be extremely difficult to pass Herpes via a toilet seat. The infected person would have to have an open sore and would have to press it against the seat. The seat would have to be warm and wet. The next person sitting down would have to do so very quickly and would have to press their genitals or a portion of their skin that had a cut or abrasion down on the seat at the same spot. It is more possible to pass Herpes via a hot, wet towel (Easy to avoid - just don't share towels). The chlorinated water of a decent health spa does Herpes virus in very well. 4. People that KNOW they have Herpes and are concerned about their spreading it are NOT the ones spreading it. One merely refrains from sore to skin contact during outbreaks. The chances of passing Herpes when there is no outbreak of sores is extremely small. The chances can be made even smaller by the use of condoms and spermicidal foam since nearly everything kills Herpes virus - including soap and water! There are lots of people that do NOT know they have it, do not WANT to know they have it, or do not CARE that they have it. They are spreading it very well. Conservative estimates say that 20% of the folks in the U.S.A have genital Herpes. 80% have oral Herpes. Many of the "spreaders" are not bad people. They are just not informed. Someone may get Herpes and simply not notice it. The first occurance may be very mild, or recurrances may be hardly noticable. Education is needed! One-night stands are dangerous! Do NOT kiss anyone with a cold sore! 5. The only reliable test for Herpes is a viral culture. Blood tests will often show antibodies to Herpes, but MOST people have them. 6. Problems with Herpes can be handled quite effectively- including childbirth. The media has blown the problem all out of proportion. Isn't it amazing how people's attitudes change the minute you say, "Herpes" instead of "cold sore"? ---------- I hope this long-winded article has helped. I know I'm grateful to Dr. Para for this info as it has dispelled most of my fears. Maybe some of you feel a little better now also. If you want to know a LOT more, get the book I mentioned. I will be glad to share more info if anyone wants it. -- Carl Yaffey at AT&T Bell Laboratories Columbus, Ohio 614-860-3399 cbosgd!cbdkc1!cly