Herpes - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about genital herpes.

QUESTION: Zostavax Vaccine and Shingles
If you have already had shingles can you still get the Zostavax vaccine?
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QUESTION: Post-herpetic Neuralgia
What is post-herpetic neuralgia? The doctor says that is what is causing the pains on the side of my face. I had a rash on the inside of my arms, but not on my face. That's why I'm puzzled about my diagnosis. Should I be?
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QUESTION: Herpes False Positive
What are the chances of having a false positive genital herpes test?
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QUESTION: HSV-2 Vaccine
Recently I have come across much information regarding the development of a vaccination for HSV-2 (herpes). In what stage of development is this vaccine and when might people expect it to be available?
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QUESTION: Genital Herpes and C-Section
Is it true that in order for a baby not to be infected with genital herpes a C-section has to be performed? Is there another option?
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QUESTION: OTC Herpes Medication
Is there an over-the-counter medication for herpes?
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QUESTION: L-Lysine and Genital Herpes
What can you tell me about L-lysine supplements for genital herpes?
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QUESTION: Antiviral Drugs and Shingles Pain
Can antiviral drugs helps shingles pain and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia if they are started as late as 11 days after the onset of shingles rash?
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QUESTION: OTC Herpes Eye Drop
I heard that there is a new type of over-the-counter eye drops for herpes keratitis. Can you give me more information on this?
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QUESTION: Cold Sores vs. Impetigo
My daughter has sores on her mouth. How can I tell the difference between cold sores and impetigo?
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QUESTION: Mouth Sores
I have recurring sores in my mouth, most generally on the sides of my tongue, and the tip of my tongue gets very tender and sore. Do I have a vitamin deficiency? What else could be the cause of this?
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QUESTION: Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Is herpes simplex keratitis infectious in any way?
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QUESTION: Keratitis Causes
How do you distinguish between keratitis caused by contact lens solution allergy and keratitis caused by herpes virus, when the symptoms are all in only one eye?
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