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Viral infections: An overview of herpes

February 28, 2012

Health, Herpes

Outbreaks are spurred by stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes (pregnancy), fevers or colds, and/or trauma or overexposure to sunlight.

by Dr. Paul Stallone — 

There are those topics that people are inclined to avoid — consider the uneasiness you might feel when you hear the word herpes. It is important to know, however, that herpes infections are on the rise. Lack of information only perpetuates further misunderstanding of this viral infection and discourages prevention. The first step in effectively dealing with herpes is to become aware, informed and comfortable with the subject matter — if and before you need to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) represents variations of viral and antigenic infections. For many, it can be a distressing diagnosis. The goal is to bridge the gap between medical diagnoses and patients’ actual concerns, so that they can move forward without too much anxiety. Despite advancements, modern medicine has yet to provide a curative approach. Relying on prescribed medicine alone continues to be the primary method of treating the symptoms of infections.

Did you know?

• There are eight identifiable types of herpes which contribute to a plethora of other health disorders.

• The Epstein-Barr virus, also known as chronic mononucleosis, is a member of the herpes family.

• The majority (50 to 80 percent) of people infected with HSV are undiagnosed and have no obvious physical indications; most do not find out they have the virus until after they have spread it.

• Genital herpes cannot be detected from Pap smear results, nor is genital herpes testing a standard mandate in STD testing, unless specifically requested.

• The virus is not spread by body fluids, blood or through the air. It is contracted through direct contact.

• Ninety percent of the population has the type of herpes that is responsible for cold sores or fever blisters. Whether or not you have displayed physical symptoms, chances are, you are a carrier.

Importance of immune health

Outbreaks are spurred by stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes (pregnancy), fevers or colds, and/or trauma or overexposure to sunlight. These factors are directly relate to the functioning of your immune system. It is therefore important for those with herpes to stay as healthy as possible and receive preventative treatments, since the virus can periodically reactivate without any symptoms.

If you have received a herpes diagnosis, consult a doctor who uses a variety of modalities to assess your current health condition, and then work to establish a treatment plan that is tailored not only to alleviate your symptoms but also to complement your overall health maintenance strategy. With no curative treatment available, your best opportunity to live unaffected by this diagnosis is to use immune system therapy to keep your immune system strong at all times.

Individuals suffering from symptoms associated with HSV should implement a treatment plan that will continue to elevate and balance their immune systems so that the symptoms no longer plague them. This includes various nutraceutical supplements, immune support, nutritional IVs, ozone/oxygen therapy, DMSO IVs, and homeopathic and botanical medicines. These modalities will help keep the immune system strong and thriving and HSV symptoms at bay.

 

Paul Stallone, N.M.D., founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. He combines natural, alternative and conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. www.drstallone.com or 480-214-3922.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 5, Oct/Nov 2009.

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