Learning About The Herpes Virus
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios

The herpes virus is actually not a singular virus, but a whole family of inter-related viruses, some very closely related, and others not so. These include simplex 1 and simplex 2 (also called HSV-1 and HSV-2), which cause lesions and a whole group of dermal problems.

Generally simplex 1 is confined to the facial region and simplex 2 to the genitals and surrounding area. However, each of these viruses can spread to literally any part of the external body, and in rare occasions, within the body.

Another form of the herpes virus is often called shingles, or herpes zoster. This form of herpes is inside of nearly every human on Earth, though rarely becomes active. When it does, though, the results can verge on the horrific. Usually one half of the human torso is nearly blanketed with a rash that gives way to pustules or other types of sores, and eventually scabs, and a persistent lack of energy and the presence of pain or a slow, creeping ache that takes weeks or months to diminish. In spite of the seriousness of shingles, due to the rarity of the illness, the rest of this article will be dedicated to the herpes viruses represented by simplex 1 and 2.

It is estimated that over 50 million people have either the simplex 1 or 2 herpes virus. This means that approximately 1 adult in 5 is infected by this disease, and yet the majority of people under this category don't even know that they carry a contagious disease on their bodies.

Often the herpes virus manifests itself in an almost innocuous manner. A simple bug bite or yeast infection is believed to be what has caused the redness, itching, leakage of pus, or even bleeding that a person experiences, and it may be years, if ever, that a person goes to a doctor, only to learn that he or she is infected with the herpes virus and has, in all probability, infected others.

There is no definitively known cure for the herpes virus, only medicines which prevent the results of the malady. Some standard medicines which stop the symptoms from manifesting (or in some cases, simply lessen them) are acyclovir (Zovirax), the most common treatment, famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all said to be on equal footing in reducing bleeding, swelling, and whatnot.

For those who wish a more natural approach, herbal relief is said to be effective. Plants such as lemon balm, rosemary, sage, and thyme, and others, when made into teas or salves have been shown to have some medicinal value. Lemon balm directly applied to wounds is said to reduce recovery time, as too is essential oil of lemon.

Another promising avenue of recovery is a product called Choraphor. Reputedly, this product, once applied to the body, staves off any possible return of the conditions resulting from this disease.

On a daily basis science makes strides towards eliminating such ills as simplex 1 and 2 from our bodies and our society. With a little time, a decent amount of self-education of such problems, and open discussion thereof, the solution will come.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.