What Is Herpes Simplex

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Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

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Herpes simplex type I and HIV

Hello Doctor,Is Herpes simplex Type I a symptom for HIV ? Can it appears after three months of exposure and I have been tested negative after 18 weeks?Does too much of stress cause Herpetic infection recur?Thanks...

Response from David A. Reznik, D.D.S.

Grady Health System

Herpes Simplex Type I infections are seen in association with HIV infection, but by themselves are not a sign nor a symptom of seroconversion. Stress has been identified as a factor in recurrent herpetic infections.Take care,DR... Read more »

What's the best way to treat herpes simplex?

Dr. Bob, you and your savvy are legendary/heroic! I'm a healthy poz guy, and after 18 years, have a 560 CD4, and VL is undetectable. I also have anal herpes, and would like your take on recent studies on women; findings conclude that control...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello Swede in Washington,Although definitive studies in men have yet to be completed, it certainly makes good sense to me! However, I support your doctor's approach! However, I should also note there are some special warnings about use of... Read more »

Herpes simplex and ARS

Hi doctor Mark.My question is, 10 days after possible hiv-exposure I felt tired, got a running nose and a little fever (up and down, max. 38,5C)Duration about 12 -14 days.About a week later I got herpes simplex at my mouth.Not severe, and only in...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Reactivation of herpes infections have been found to occur after many things including sun exposure, infections, stress, other diseases, etc. Thus, this finding is not specific for acute HIV infection.... Read more »

herpes simplex/fungal infection

Dear Doctor,I have been on HIV treatment now for 1 year and a half. When i started i used to take TRimune but i had severe lipoatrophy so my doctor changed me to ATRIPLA 6 months ago. The first month after the new treament all was fine but now i...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Tough to answer with any confidence without an examination of the rash and further history. The rash has some features of herpes which generally responds to acyclovir. There are some forms of auto-immune disease where rashes related to menstrual... Read more »

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genital herpes or herpes simplex

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Could herpes cause changes in your mouth like dry mouth, white hairy tongue? Thanks for your response.

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Can HIV antibodies cross react in a herpes test

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hi folks,
I am wondering if HIV antibodies can be mistakenly be picked up by HSV-2 IgG ELISA. This may cause false positive for HSV-2. ELISA (even for HSV-2) being a more sensitive test as compared to specific has been always known to throw in false... Read more »

PCR test?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Ok, I am freaking out. I have been too sick to ignore the symptoms as not being HIV related. I have this strange PN and also herpes simplex issues which I have never had in my life. Anyhow, with all the information out there regarding antibody... Read more »

Riesgo de contagio al tener herpes

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Quera consultarles respecto de la combinacin entre ambas infecciones. Yo sufro de herpes genital desde hace mas de 15 aos, he realizado tratamientos supresivos con aciclovir y valaciclovir con buenos resultados temporales.
En algunos articulos de... Read more »

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