Study finds low level shedding may be continuous, infection state unclear. Herpes, the sexually transmitted disease that causes genital lesions, never truly goes into a dormant state, new research suggests.

As a matter of fact, even when it's not causing an outbreak, the virus is shedding tiny bits of itself in the genital tract.

While the study did not specifically address whether or not the very small amounts of virus being continually shed are enough to infect someone else, the findings have the potential to change the way in which scientists view the life cycle of the disease.

Unprotected skin may still transmit virus, but disease odds fall by 30 percent, study finds. People who use condoms regularly can reduce their risk of getting genital herpes by 30 percent, a new study finds.

The herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes, which is a chronic, lifelong viral infection. Although studies have found that regular condom use reduces the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, whether they prevent the transmission of HSV-2 has been less certain, the researchers noted.

Even inactive herpes virus can cause inflammation, transplant rejection, study finds. Among patients with herpes simplex virus who need a corneal transplant, testing for inflammation biomarkers before the surgery could improve outcomes, U.S. researchers say.

Suggestions to ease the discomfort Herpes blisters are caused by various viruses, and may occur inside the mouth, throughout the body or near the genitals.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help soothe herpes blisters and sores:


Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Apply a damp, cool or slightly warm cloth on the sores.

Study finds VP16 is molecular key that unlocks the virus from latent state. Researchers have identified a potential new target in the ongoing quest for a treatment, and possibly a cure, for the herpes virus.

A viral protein known as VP16 is apparently responsible for pushing herpes out of its latent state and back into an active infectious state.

Experts estimate that 70 percent to 90 percent of people worldwide carry the herpes virus, although not all show symptoms.

Harvard researchers say treatment involving genes works in mice. A topical treatment that disables genes that play a key role in the transmission of the herpes virus has been developed by U.S. researchers.

French researchers say antibodies linked to disease found in Sub-Saharan Africans.

Exposure, especially to herpes, linked to high blood pressure, preterm births, study finds.

What's behind these painful sores

Exposure to viral infection especially herpes viruses may be associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy and preterm birth, Australian researchers report.
This is an exciting finding and further studies are now required to look at the link between viral exposure in pregnancy and genetic susceptibility to adverse pregnancy outcomes