Genital Herpes Expert Jerry Kennard shares Genital Herpes management news and commentary at HerpesConnection.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977 http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977 http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/75956/phobic Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:10:11 -0400 Jerry Kennard There's little doubt in my mind that a lot of messages relating to genital herpes are underpinned by fear. On the one hand we tut-tut people who stigmatize those with a sexually transmitted disease but on the other we point out the distressing consequences to people who are disease free but who we view as exhibiting high risk behavior. Maybe it's unavoidable, or maybe the content of such messages need to change. They can be taken out of context... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/75956/phobic http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/70190/famciclovir Fri, 08 May 2009 10:00:16 -0400 Jerry Kennard Antiviral medications have proven clinical effectiveness against genital herpes. In this sharepost I provide a snapshot of the three most commonly prescribed medications; Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).   Acyclovir helps to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to other cells. It is used in the treatment of genital herpes, but also chickenpox and shingles. Acyclovir is available as tablets,... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/70190/famciclovir http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/63806/overcoming Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:08:15 -0400 Jerry Kennard Should I say I have herpes or should I keep quiet? Without exception, every health professional or health educator will say you have a responsibility and a duty to disclose your condition. It sounds easy in principle, but how do you go about telling someone you have genital herpes? In this sharepost I outline a few of the more common reasons people give for not disclosing, and some ways to set about the business of disclosure: Relative... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/63806/overcoming http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/63642/multiforme Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:21:09 -0400 Jerry Kennard Erythema multiforme (EM) refers to a form of skin rash. The term ‘multiforme' refers to the fact that its appearance can vary on the person and may vary from person to person. The main cause is the herpes virus, either as a cold sore, genital herpes, or as a hidden infection.   There are two forms of EM. EM minor, the form associated with herpes, is not serious, whereas EM major (also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome) is. EM... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/63642/multiforme http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/62539/pregnancy Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:42:07 -0400 Jerry Kennard The most common way for babies to become infected with the herpes virus is via the birth canal or vulva. In rare cases the virus can pass to the infant via the placenta, but this is only a risk if the mother gets herpes for the first time during the first trimester.   If the mother-to-be experiences her first outbreak of herpes during the third trimester, there is just over a 30 per cent chance of passing the virus to the baby. This is... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/62539/pregnancy http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/55285/barrier Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:06:58 -0500 Jerry Kennard Male and female condoms work on exactly the same principles. Both are known as barrier methods because they block sperm from coming into contact with an egg. Condoms are manufactured in strictly controlled conditions and tested to ensure their quality. They may be made of latex or polyurethane.   Condoms are easy to get hold of and most people find them easy to use. A few people are sensitive to latex condoms, in which case it makes sense... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/55285/barrier http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/52714/revisited Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:11:46 -0500 Jerry Kennard Despite increased awareness and understanding, genital herpes continues to be a taboo subject. The social stigma attached to people with the virus still points to promiscuity, contagiousness, lack of judgment and personal fault. For people with genital herpes, the shame and fear of isolation that can accompany the virus, may even affect their decision to tell sexual partners, so increasing the risk of spreading the virus.   There's also... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/52714/revisited http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/49701/discomfort Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:09:49 -0500 Jerry Kennard The very first experience of genital herpes can be the most uncomfortable. Flare ups after this tend to be a lot milder and clear up more quickly. People experience different levels of discomfort but the most common complaints are stinging or itching around the genital or anal area. Sometimes fluid-filled blister appear which burst after a couple of days leaving a painful red sore. If urine touches the sores this can also be a cause of... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/49701/discomfort http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/43672/spreading Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:05 -0400 Jerry Kennard The viral condition, "Herpes Gladiatorum", known colloquially as "sumo virus" or "scrumpox", has resulted in the deaths of two Japanese wrestlers. A new and more pathogenic strain of the virus has been discovered.   Researchers have studied the spread of the virus in Japanese sumo wrestlers and reported their findings in the Journal of General Virology. One particular strain, BgOL, is most commonly associated with herpes gladiatorum.... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/43672/spreading http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/40725/herpes Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:17:01 -0400 Jerry Kennard Despite the fact that genital herpes affects millions of people directly, it also affects millions of others indirectly. People who don't have genital herpes may look to the person who does for answers. The trouble is, many of the people with the condition are confused or ill-informed themselves. So why is genital herpes such a puzzle?   There are some straight answers about the herpes virus but there are also mysteries. Why, for example,... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/52977/40725/herpes