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Welcome, readers, to a fascinating exploration of three viral infections that have intrigued humanity for centuries: herpes, cold sores, and shingles. In this article, we will delve into the scientific intricacies of these conditions, providing you with valuable information to understand and manage them. Join us on this relatable, engaging, and educational journey, as we unravel the mysteries behind these common yet often misunderstood infections. Herpes: Unveiling the Silent Intruder: Herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a widespread infection that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While there are two main types of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2, they both share some common features. Interestingly, HSV-1 is often associated with oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores, while HSV-2 is typically associated with genital herpes. Fun Fact: Did you know that many celebrities have spoken openly about their experiences with herpes? Among them, the famous actor and comedian Charlie Sheen publicly disclosed his HIV-positive status, which is often accompanied by the presence of herpes. Cold Sores: The Uninvited Guests: Cold sores are an unwelcome sight for many people. These small, painful blisters often appear around the lips and mouth, causing discomfort and self-consciousness. Cold sores are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with the affected area or through oral fluids. Engaging Fact: It's been reported that Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe often suffered from cold sores. Despite her glamorous image, Monroe's struggles with this common viral infection remind us that no one is immune to its presence. Shingles: The Viral Resurgence: Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus lies dormant in individuals who have previously had chickenpox, only to resurface later in life as shingles. The infection presents as a painful rash, usually affecting one side of the body. Interesting Fact: Did you know that The Princess Bride star, Cary Elwes, battled with shingles during the filming of the iconic movie? Despite the discomfort, Elwes managed to deliver an outstanding performance, demonstrating that even celebrities face health challenges. Scientific Insights and Management: Understanding the underlying science behind these viral infections is crucial for effective management and prevention. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce their frequency. Cold sores can also be treated with topical creams or antiviral medications. For shingles, prompt medical attention and antiviral drugs can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. HSPC https://www.heighpubs.org/jnnd/jnnd-aid1003.php Imed Publications https://www.imedpub.com/articles/aeura-a-novel-homeopathic-agent-showshigh-level-protection-against-viral-infectionand-stress-induced-neuronal-toxicity.php?aid=22748 Educational Fact: The herpes simplex virus can lie dormant in the nerve cells for extended periods, only becoming active and causing outbreaks under certain triggers like stress, hormonal changes, or weakened immunity. Herpes, cold sores, and shingles may be prevalent in our society, but knowledge and understanding are key to managing and preventing these viral infections. By shedding light on the scientific aspects and debunking common misconceptions, we hope to empower you with the tools to make informed decisions about your health. Remember, celebrities, too, have faced these challenges, reminding us that these infections can affect anyone. Let's continue to learn, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding these common viruses. Remember, it is always essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options when dealing with any medical condition. References: World Health Organization. (2021). Herpes simplex virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cold sores (oral herpes). Mayo Clinic. (2021). Shingles.

Hi folks, today we are going to discuss an interesting topic that is the expiry date of homeopathic medicines. It’s one of the most controversial topics and we want you to get a clear picture of that. The assignment of an expiry date to homeopathic medicines is a major concern for pharmacists and practitioners of homeopathy. As homeopathy claims that their medicines can never expire as they say their medicines are dynamic. There is no rational foundation or scientific justification for allocating a short expiry time to homeopathic medicines, as some nations do, especially since certain studies have found homeopathic treatments to remain effective even after 25 years. Homeopathic ultra-dilutions appear to have a non-material activity that is sustained throughout time, and because these have different chemical characteristics than the original beginning material, they probably have longer action than conventional medications. Regulators should recognize this trait and distinguish the expiration of homeopathic medical goods from that of pharmaceuticals. (Source) If they can survive up to 25 years then “Why is there is expiry on the Homeopathic Medicine?” actually, they say that the vehicle/substrate/base they used to make their dynamic medicines has an expiration date which leads the whole medicine to expire mainly they use alcohol and water as their vehicle/substrate/base. What Governments say about the expiry date India Indian medication/drug regulations for homeopathy do not now require expiry dates for remedies, but all goods will eventually have their expiry dates. Because homeopathic medicines are created from natural components, they will remain useful for many years if maintained properly, i.e. in a normal, cool, and dry environment away from fumes and strong odors. Because the drug may evaporate after being distributed in sugar globules, it may not remain effective for an extended period of time. In India, all homeopathic products (except dilution) and back potencies have 5 years of expiry. Brazil In Brazil, the 5-year expiry period applies exclusively to completed homeopathic products, potencies used in manufacturing are exempt from the given expiry date. That’s all, now if you are not sure about the globules-based medicine that you got from a homeopathic doctor. Generally, due to a lot of work the doctor never put the label on which date it was dispensed sadly, the doctor should have to label it but what can we do. So here is the small trick for you, if you don’t have the clue what to then just take out one of the globules in the cap and check the color if it’s yellow the just don’t use it, talk with your doctor. If it’s white then it quite normal. (Kindly note: if you not sure about any medicine just don’t take it randomly always consult your homeopathic physician.) PMID: 31357216 | DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692208 Abstract Background: Assignment of expiry date to homeopathic medicines is a subject of important concern to its pharmacists and practitioners. This study compares the regulatory framework for the expiry of homeopathic medicines in four countries: Brazil, Germany, India and the United States. Findings: Different or no expiry periods are variously followed. Whereas Germany, with some exceptions, employs a maximum expiry of 5 years for both potencies and finished products, Brazil adopts a 5-year expiry for finished products only, potencies used in manufacture being exempted from an assigned expiry date. In India, all homeopathic medicines except dilutions and back potencies have a maximum of 5 years' shelf-life, including those supplied to consumers. In the United States, homeopathic medicines are exempted from expiry dates. Comments: There is neither a rational basis nor scientific evidence for assigning a short (3-5 years) expiry period for homeopathic medicines as followed in some of the countries, particularly in light of the fact that some studies have shown homeopathic medications to be effective even after 25 years. Homeopathic ultra-dilutions seem to contain non-material activity that is maintained over time and, since these exhibit different chemical properties compared to the original starting material, it is quite possible they possess properties of longer activity than conventional medicines. Regulators should acknowledge this feature and differentiate expiry of homeopathic medicinal products from that of conventional drugs. The Faculty of Homeopathy. Conflict of interest statement This work is part of a project by the Pharmacy Working Group, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI), the international homeopathic medical society. There is no conflict of interest. Similar articles A review of the use and role of low potencies in homeopathy.Jütte R, Riley D.Complement Ther Med. 2005 Dec;13(4):291-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2005.10.003. Epub 2005 Nov 16.PMID: 16338200 Review. A systematic review of the stability of finished pharmaceutical products and drug substances beyond their labeled expiry dates.Zilker M, Sörgel F, Holzgrabe U.J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2019 Mar 20;166:222-235. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.01.016. Epub 2019 Jan 11.PMID: 30660807 Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review.Dantas F, Rampes H.Br Homeopath J. 2000 Jul;89 Suppl 1:S35-8. doi: 10.1054/homp.1999.0378.PMID: 10939781 Review. The quality control and stability testing of homeopathic preparations.Marotta M, Addabbo I, Kosasi S.Boll Chim Farm. 1998 Nov;137(10):439-41.PMID: 9880948 Medicine prescription practices of homeopathic undergraduate students in West Bengal, India.Saha S, Koley M, Arya JS, Choubey G, Ghosh S, Ganguly S, Ghosh A, Saha S, Mundle M.J Integr Med. 2014 Jan;12(1):7-12. doi: 10.1016/S2095-4964(14)60004-2.PMID: 24461590

Herpes zoster reactivation -- a.k.a. shingles -- following COVID-19 vaccination in six patients with comorbid autoimmune/inflammatory diseases may be a new adverse event associated with the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, suggested a new report. At two centers in Israel, there have been six cases of herpes zoster developing shortly after administration of the Pfizer vaccine in patients with disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis since December 2020, according to Victoria Furer, MD, of Tel Aviv University, and colleagues. LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MRNA VACCINE Little has been known about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines among patients with rheumatic diseases, because immunosuppressed individuals were not included in the initial clinical trials, they explained. Accordingly, an observational study has been conducted at the Tel Aviv Medical Center and the Carmel Medical Center in Haifa, monitoring post-vaccination adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and myositis. This interim analysis included 491 patients and 99 controls, with events reported during the 6-week post-vaccination monitoring period. The prevalence among patients was 1.2% versus none in controls, Furer and colleagues reported in Rheumatology. The Cases Case 1 was a 44-year-old woman with Sjogren's syndrome who was being treated with hydroxychloroquine. She had a history of varicella and had not received a shingles vaccine. Three days after the first dose of the vaccine, she developed a vesicular skin rash with pruritus, along with low back pain and headache. The symptoms resolved spontaneously within the subsequent 3 weeks without treatment, and she was given the second dose 4 weeks after the first. Case 2 was a 56-year-old woman with a long history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who had received a variety of biologics and had achieved low disease activity with tofacitinib (Xeljanz) beginning in 2014. She had a history of varicella and had not been given the shingles vaccine. After the first dose of the vaccine, she reported malaise and headache, and 4 days after the shot she developed severe pain in the left eye and forehead, along with a rash along the distribution of the ophthalmic division of the V cranial nerve -- herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Ocular examination revealed hyperemic conjunctivitis sparing the cornea. She was given a 2-week course of acyclovir and analgesics, and symptoms gradually cleared by 6 weeks. Tofacitinib was withdrawn for 2 weeks, but she did not experience an arthritis flare. She declined the second dose. Case 3 was a 59-year-old woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to several biologic therapies and baricitinib (Olumiant), but 6 months earlier she initiated treatment with upadacitinib (Rinvoq) plus prednisone 5 mg/day and had a partial response. She had a history of varicella and had been given the live attenuated zoster vaccine in 2019. Two days after receiving the second dose of the COVID vaccine, she reported pain and had a vesicular skin rash on the lower abdomen, inguinal area, buttock, and thigh, and was given valacyclovir. The antiviral was given for 3 days but was discontinued because of adverse effects, and the skin lesions healed slowly over a course of 6 weeks. The upadacitinib had been discontinued with the zoster eruption and she experienced a severe rheumatoid arthritis disease flare affecting multiple joints, and her arthritis treatment was subsequently switched to etanercept (Enbrel). Case 4 was a 36-year-old woman with a long history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis plus interstitial lung disease. For the previous 2 years she had been treated with rituximab (Rituxan), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), and prednisone in doses of 7 mg/day. She had a history of varicella and had not been given the shingles vaccine. Ten days after receiving the first COVID-19 vaccine dose, she reported pain and a vesicular rash on the abdomen and back along the T10 dermatome, and was given acyclovir for 7 days. The rash resolved within 6 weeks, and she was given the second vaccine dose 4 weeks after the first. She had no further adverse effects to the vaccine and did not experience a rheumatic disease flare. Case 5 was a 38-year-old woman with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and antiphospholipid syndrome who was being treated with aspirin and hydroxychloroquine. She had prior varicella exposure and had not received the shingles vaccine. Two weeks after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, she developed an itchy vesicular rash on the right breast, and was given a week's course of acyclovir. Her zoster symptoms resolved within 3 weeks and she received the second vaccine dose on schedule with no further side effects or disease flare. Case 6 was a 61-year-old woman with a long history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, who was being treated with tocilizumab (Actemra) and prednisone 5 mg/day at the time of the first dose of the vaccine. Two weeks later, a rash appeared along the T6 dermatome, and she was given valacyclovir for a week, which resulted in resolution of zoster symptoms within 10 days. However, she did report a mild flare of arthritis and the prednisone dose was increased to 7.5 mg/day. The second dose was given uneventfully as scheduled. Patterns and Mechanisms Furer and colleagues noted that there had been no reports of herpes zoster in the clinical trials of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, and that, to their knowledge, this is the first case series of these events among patients with autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The pattern of disease was relatively mild, with no patients experiencing disseminated disease or post-herpetic neuralgia. It was notable, the researchers pointed out, that one case was in a patient who had received the shingles vaccine 2 years before the COVID-19 vaccination. "Cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the prevention of varicella zoster virus reactivation. Declining cell-mediated immunity with age or disease is associated with a reduction in varicella zoster virus-specific T cells, disrupting immune surveillance and increasing the risk of reactivation, with age being the major risk factor for 90% of cases of herpes zoster," the researchers wrote. Nonetheless, these cases were among relatively young women, whose mean age was 49 and whose rheumatic disease was mild or stable. Other factors are also likely to have been involved. For instance, the risk of herpes zoster in the rheumatic disease population is higher than healthy individuals, with a pooled incidence rate ratio of 2.9 (95% CI 2.4-3.3). In addition, the risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis specifically has been estimated to be twofold higher than in the general population. Further raising risk are increased levels of disease activity and high doses of prednisone. Moreover, double the risk of herpes zoster has been reported for patients being treated with JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib, as was the case with two patients in this series. COVID-19 infection itself has been linked with varicella-like rashes, suggesting that the infection can interfere with the activation and function of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, which can influence immunity against viruses. "Potential mechanisms that might explain the pathogenetic link between mRNA-COVID-19 vaccination and herpes zoster reactivation are related to stimulation of innate immunity through toll-like receptors," the researchers wrote. They also noted that the vaccine can stimulate type I interferons and cytokines that can interfere with antigen expression. A limitation of this analysis was that the diagnosis of herpes zoster was made solely on clinical grounds. Also, with only a small number of cases, causality cannot be assumed.

Join us at the Integrative Wellness Expo and Celebration in amazing Las Vegas Nevada.Cutting edge and futuristic products and services in the areas of natural health, wellness and fitness.This includes massage, shamanic healing and so much more.There may even be some “out of this world” exhibitors, intuitive readers, crystal and healing jewelry and fine art.This will also be a great place to network and connect and re connect with positive, uplifting people including leaders in the industry. It is amazing to be around like minded people. And how wonderful it is to be able to explore the many different ways people use to lead their healthy and most fulfilled life. Gain great ideas for your future wellness. It is like Disneyland or Nordstroms for those of us who want to know more, connect with like minded people and to experience and sample as many things as possible in one day or come for two days. To have an expo in a beautiful location where everything is taken care of and you can just come and relax, walk around, meet new people and uplift your thoughts and feelings. Come away from your workday or your stress and join us at this very special event. Mind ~ Body ~ Spirit. Bring your friends and family for a relaxing day or two of unique and fabulous products and services. Check out our VIP Speaker Series Something for everyone and most excellent energy flowing 65 Health & Wellness Vendors To Choose From

It is easy to get started with Aeura! How to Use Aeura Formulas: Aeura homeopathy formulas are a wonderful, gentle healing solution for people of all ages. Homeopathic medicine is safe for all ages and have easy to follow instructions. Do not change any medications that you are already taking. Aeura is safe to combine with prescription or OTC medications. Depending on whether you are currently having an outbreak or if you are looking to prevent one, will determine how much you will take. For Outbreaks ​Take Aeura at the very earliest signs of an outbreak. Adults: Dissolve 3 tablets, 3 times daily under the tongue. Children ages 6-12: take ½ the adult dosage. For children under the age of 6, consult your physician. For Preventative ​A daily dose of Aeura formulas can help stop unexpected outbreaks. Adults: Dissolve 3 tablets, once daily under the tongue. Children ages 6-12: take ½ the adult dosage. For children under the age of 6, consult your physician. To allow for better absorption, we recommend taking Aeura formulas 15 minutes before or after eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. Simply, let the tablets dissolve under the tongue slowly. If you feel like they aren't dissolving fast enough, you can bite on the tablets, letting the broken tablet sit under your tongue and slowly dissolve from there. To allow for better absorption, we recommend taking Aeura formulas 15 minutes before or after eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. Simply, let the tablets dissolve under the tongue slowly. If you feel like they aren't dissolving fast enough, you can bite on the tablets, letting the broken tablet sit under your tongue and slowly dissolve from there.

A quick look at the best at-home herpes test kits Best budget option: STD Check Best report: Everlywell Best in-person testing option: Priority STD Best for fast results: myLAB Box More than 1 in 6 peopleTrusted Source ages 14 to 49 have reported having genital herpes, which can result in sores, pain, and itching around your genital area. Genital herpes is caused by two viruses called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). If you haven’t had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure, since the incubation period is 2 to 12 days. This means herpes may not be detectable for up to 12 days after you are exposed to it. You can schedule an in-person appointment with a doctor, who can use a few different tests to determine your diagnosis. These tests may include: viral culture test virus antigen detection test antibody test polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test An at-home test, on the other hand, can be done by yourself in private. You can order a herpes test kit online, which may include a swab test or finger prick blood test, and send the sample back in the mail. Most companies will send your results within 5 days. What is herpes? Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI. HSV-1 can also cause oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who already has the infection. Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into your body through oral sex. It generally takes anywhere from 4 to 7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called herpes lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include: pain during urination itching fever swollen lymph nodes Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the infection to others. How we chose the best at-home herpes test kits When researching at-home herpes tests, we considered online reviews, privacy protocols, result times, result accuracy, and budget. We prioritized affordable pricing and accessibility to digital results. Additionally, we kept an eye on user ratings and reviews to ensure that most people received accurate results and were happy with their experience. Best budget option myLAB Box Price: $89 Type of sample: Finger prick Results: Online results in 2 to 5 days With a finger prick, myLAB Box’s at-home genital herpes test is easy to take. Online lab results are provided within 1 to 5 days. When you order a kit, you’ll receive materials to take your finger prick sample in discreet packaging. It also comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a prepaid envelope to send the sample off for testing. If your results are positive, you can schedule a free consultation with one of myLAB Box’s physicians. The company works with labs that are CLIA and CAP certified. Plus, the website itself is HIPAA compliant. Note: Testing is not available yet in New York as the company is waiting for its state application to be approved. Best report Everlywell Price: $149 Type of sample: Finger prick and vaginal swab or urine sample Results: Online results in 2 to 5 days for $150, women can test for seven common STIs at once, including HSV-2. Tests require two samples: a finger prick and a vaginal swab, since the test is for various STIs. Men can also test for herpes by purchasing the company’s STD Test for Men ($149). It looks for the same seven STIs as the women’s test. Sample types include a finger prick and a urine sample instead. The kit includes prepaid shipping both ways, digital results, and detailed instructions. Once your kit arrives, you’ll need to register it on Everlywell’s website using the unique ID number included in your box. In your kit, you’ll receive all you need to collect a finger prick sample and either a vaginal swab packet (found in the women’s testing kit) or a urine cup and urine sample tube (found in the men’s testing kit). After shipping your sample, you’ll receive digital results on your account within a few days. If your results are positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication if necessary. Everlywell will also send you an easy-to-understand and personalized report detailing what STI you may have. The site is HIPAA compliant and physician reviewed. This means your information is kept private, and medical information is approved by independent, board certified healthcare professionals. Best in-person testing option Priority STD Price: $99 Type of sample: Urine and blood sample Results: Online results in 24 to 72 hours Priority STD has ​​a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot with more than 1,300 reviews. You can order the Priority STD individual herpes 1/2 test online or by phone, which normally requires a waiting period of at least 12 days after exposure. The company also offers early detection herpes testing for $198, which can identify the presence of HSV as soon as 10 days after exposure. After scheduling an order, you’ll be directed to find a lab near you. There are over 4,000 labs to choose from, and you can use the site’s online scheduling system to make an appointment. STI test results are processed online through a secure patient login, typically within 24 to 72 hours after collection. Best for fast results STD Check Price: $45 (or $90 for HSV-1 and HSV-2) Type of Sample: Blood test Results: Online results in 1 to 2 days STD Check has more than 4,500 testing sites nationwide. You can choose an individual test like HSV-1 or HSV-2 for $45 each. You can also order a 10-test panel, which includes the most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. The company is known for its fast test results, which are sent to your online account in 1 to 2 days. Once you complete your order online, you can select a local testing center based on your ZIP code. According to the company, in-person tests only take 5 minutes. Your test and results will be completely ​​confidential. If your test results are positive, a physician can answer questions about your diagnosis. FAQs about at-home herpes tests Are at-home herpes tests accurate? These tests use the same type of samples used in a doctor’s office. The accuracy of a herpes test primarily depends on when you get tested. When should I get tested? The best time to get tested for herpes if you haven’t had an initial outbreak is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test. A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies. Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion. Who should get tested? Anyone who has herpes symptoms or thinks they’ve been in close contact with someone who has herpes should get tested. How can I prevent transmitting herpes? Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting most STIs by 98 percent, condoms don’t prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom. If you’re experiencing an active outbreak, you can prevent herpes transmission Trusted Source by: CDC Avoiding sexual activity (kissing and oral, vaginal, and anal sex) until symptoms go away washing your hands thoroughly and applying medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms. Are at-home herpes tests private? Yes. All of the tests listed here are completely confidential and private. Your results will not be reported to your insurance company and, therefore, will not be placed on your permanent medical records. The package you receive will only have the shipping label — no test name or visuals that indicate what it is for. These online platforms are also HIPAA compliant. What should I do if my test results are positive? Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. They’ll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication. If your results are positive, it’s important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested. When should I see a doctor? If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly see, you can share your results with them to provide better insight on your next steps. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options. If you’ve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional. Will I have to pay for the test out of pocket? You’ll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered. Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance. Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase. However, most at-home testing sites aren’t currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means you’ll have to reach out yourself. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD don’t accept insurance, so it’s a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage. Can you be exposed to herpes and not get it? Yes. Research suggests that in couples where only one partner has genital herpes, the other partner contracted genital herpes within 1 year in 5 to 10 percentTrusted Source of couples. You can prevent transmission by: taking daily antiviral herpes medication avoiding kissing and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse during an outbreak using a barrier method during outbreak-free periods Takeaway There’s no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms. Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect other people who you’re involved with sexually from contracting the virus. At-home herpes tests give you the opportunity to do everything from the comfort of your home.

It seems ideal, doesn’t it? You set up a website, add a few affiliate links, and start earning the passive income you’ve always dreamed of. Many bloggers are earning top dollar this way. For example, Ryan Robinson over at ryrob.com makes mid-five figures every month. Blogging isn’t the only way of making money from affiliate marketing, though. Microsites, email lists, and video marketing are just a few methods people use to generate an online income. Although not everyone is making six figures from affiliate marketing, you can use tips and strategies to improve your site and increase your income. Affiliate marketing is the process of earning money (commissions) every time you promote a company’s products or services and drive a sale. You only get paid every time you drive a sale, just like a commission-only sales representative. What Is Affiliate Marketing? Affiliate marketing is promoting other people’s products in return for a small commission for each sale. You’ve probably seen headings marked “affiliate link” or “sponsored post” on many of the websites you visit; or maybe you’ve already taken the first step and signed up to an affiliate network. If you are new to affiliate marketing, let’s cover how it works. First, find an affiliate program or network you are interested in. Look at the program overview, including the type of products or services, payment methods, and commissions they offer. If it appeals to you, sign up and wait for confirmation of your acceptance. Then, start creating content, adding the custom links the program provides. Those links track when one of your users makes a purchase, and you’ll earn a small commission. You can work with individual companies or affiliate networks, where you register and choose the programs that interest you. The programs are generally divided into categories to make selection easier. Once approved, start promoting your affiliate links on your website, in newsletters, on social media, and anywhere else you’re permitted to share links. The network sends you a payment when you’ve reached the minimum payment level. Payment methods vary, and usually include PayPal, bank transfers, and checks. Here are some tips from one the highest rated marketing experts, Neil Patel! See video below: Start Earning 20% commission from Andura as an Affiliate. Learn More Here ATTENTION RETAILERS When you start a retail business, one of the first things to figure out is where you’re going to find products to sell. This might mean buying from wholesalers. Most retailers don’t make their own merchandise. Instead, they get their products from wholesalers. Not only are wholesalers great sources of merchandise, but as your business grows and evolves, they’re flexible enough to support you along the way. Buying wholesale can seem a little mysterious at first, which is why we’re sharing our tips to help you get started. We’ve been helping retailers do better business for over a decade. Retailers, Are you a retailer looking for products with high profit margins? View our Wholesale Program Details Below: Contact us for more information on our wholesale & affiliate programs.

When the mornings get darker, the days become colder, and coats and boots slowly starting to re-appear in our wardrobes and shops, it’s probably time we start preparing ourselves for our winter colds, too. We are naturally more susceptible to colds during the winter, but there are ways to fight back. While “boosting your immune system” is an inaccurate phrase, looking after your immunity is still important. According to Dr Sarah Brewer, a GP and the medical director of vitamin and supplement brand Health-span, a strong immune system is the key to staying healthy no matter what the elements throw our way. The immune system “protects against disease by recognizing and attacking infections,” she explains. It functions in two ways: ‘innate’ immunity (protections that are programmed into all of us as general defenses against disease) and ‘acquired’ immunity (specific measures in the body aimed against a particular infection once we have encountered it for long-term immunity – how vaccines work). What are the signs of a low immune system? A ‘low’ immune system simply means that you are more likely to experience symptoms when exposed to a common cold virus or bacteria. So, the most common sign that your immunity is low is that you have frequent or prolonged colds Why is my immune system low? There are many reasons why someone might have lower than usual immunity. Dr Brewer says that “one theory is, as people get older, they develop more vitamin and mineral deficiencies that contribute to reduced immunity with higher levels of inflammation”. She points to a recent study from Oregon State University which found that people aged 55 and over who took a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement for 12 weeks were able to fight off infections twice as fast as those taking a placebo. But it’s about more than just nutrition. Have you ever noticed that you get wiped out with a cold just before a job interview or big event? That’s because stress has a huge impact on our immunity, says Dr Brewer: “Numerous studies have demonstrated that long term stress has the ability to reduce the functionality of key components of the immune system which can, in turn, leave you open to infection.” And you’re also not imagining that you get more unwell in the winter than the summer. That’s because viruses can survive longer outside the body when temperatures are reduced. “Inhaling cold air reduces immune responses within the nasal lining and a lack of sunshine lowers your levels of vitamin D, which also impairs immunity,” says Dr Brewer. Post-Covid cold’s are also expected to soar. That’s because, for the first time in a long time, we’re all inside again. Whether it’s offices or restaurants, being around each other for the first time in a long time does mean that infections will spread. How can I support my immune system? Getting in the right nutrients is essential for optimum functioning of the body – including the immune system. Vitamin D and vitamin C are what to focus on: research by the World Health Organisation has shown that taking vitamin D supplements can reduce your risk of experiencing at least one respiratory infection, including the common cold, influenza or pneumonia, by a third. Other studies show that vitamin C suppresses the activation of viral genes so that cold viruses cannot survive in cells. The Aeura Formula has been scientifically backed. Click here to see the results. While the NHS recommends taking a vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter months, we should also try to focus on “eating a Mediterranean style diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, onions, garlic, oily fish and whole grains” to ensure that we are giving our immune systems the nutrients it needs to function, says Dr Brewer. Other lifestyle tweaks you can make to support your immunity include exercise, which can neutralize the harmful effects of stress hormones. “Exercise should be non-competitive, so avoid over-training and marathons [to support immunity] as physical stress suppresses immunity and increases the risk of developing symptoms when exposed to a common cold virus,” Dr Brewer advises. And get some sleep! “During sleep, your body secretes hormones involved in fighting disease. People who sleep for seven to eight hours have better immunity than those who are sleep deprived, and tend to live longer, too.” Then there are natural supplements you can take. “I always keep some Pelargonium extracts on hand to start as soon as cold or flu symptoms develop,” says Dr Brewer. This is a traditional herbal remedy from a South African geranium, and clinical trials show that it is effective in treating acute bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and the common cold. Echinacea, another licensed herbal medicine, is also a popular cold-beater. “It has a natural, antimicrobial action, increases the number and activity of white blood cells involved in fighting infections, and has an anti-inflammatory action to reduce symptoms if an infection takes hold,” explains Dr Brewer. Echinacea has actually been shown to reduce the chance of developing a cold by 58% and shorten the duration of those that do occur by 1.4 days. And, at risk of sounding like Boris Johnson, washing your hands is essential, as is wiping down keyboards, doorknobs and phones. Be alert to the key symptoms of coronavirus, and take lateral flow tests regularly to ensure that your sickness isn’t the virus.

People with STIs, including herpes, face discrimination, like any other marginalized group does. The ability to openly share STI status is a privilege. Many STI-positive people face harassment, judgment, or rejection for their status. But much of this discrimination is fueled by harmful stereotypes about the kinds of people that have genital herpes. But these stereotypes are rooted in misinformation and scare tactics that are not representative of the reality that people living with genital herpes (like me) actually face. Here are eleven. 1. It’s Not That Common Genital herpes is one of the most common STIs in the United States. About 1-in-5 or 1-in-6 people in the US has genital herpes. That means that there are over 51 million Americans with it. Chances are you know someone with it, if you don’t have it yourself. There is also a huge racial disparity, according to the most recent CDC data, with more than 40% of non-Latinx Black women diagnosed with the infection, compared to less than 20% of non-Latinx white women. If you add the number of people who have both types of the Herpes Simplex Virus, HSV-I (which is characterized mostly by oral outbreaks, commonly referred to as cold sores) and HSV-II, the number is even higher. What this means is that if you’re someone with genital herpes, you are absolutely not alone. 2. You’d Definitely Know If You Had It Many people who have herpes don’t know it because not everyone that has herpes gets outbreaks. Many people are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that could be mistaken for an ingrown hair or eczema. One estimate puts the number of people unaware of their HSV infection at 87%. That number accounts for both HSV-I and HSV-II infections, but it’s a staggering statistic. I was completely taken aback by my diagnosis because my symptoms looked nothing like the images that come up when you Google “herpes.” When people think of herpes, they think of blisters. But I didn’t have blisters. I had achy skin (which I discovered was nerve pain) on my butt and labia, tingling and numbness in my vulva, and sore, achy muscles in my thighs. These are what’s called prodromal symptoms, and they’re hardly ever talked about when herpes is discussed. With symptoms looking so different for everyone that has HSV, it’s common to not know you have it. Furthermore, as evidenced by the racial disparity in infection mentioned above, access to testing and information is not accessible to everyone. Having access to information about STIs, how to prevent them, and barriers to facilitate safer sex is a privilege that not everyone has, and this increases both the likelihood that someone could contract genital herpes and that they could have it and be unaware of it. 3. There Is a ‘Good’ Herpes (Oral) and a ‘Bad’ Herpes (Genital) There’s this tendency to create a hierarchy with herpes diagnoses – that HSV-I is somehow “less bad” than HSV-II. And, I’m sorry, but that’s total crap. Here’s why. As we’ve already talked about, there are two types of the Herpes Simplex virus: I and II. HSV-I usually affects the mouth (cold sores are usually Herpes Simplex I), and HSV-II usually affects the genitals. However, both types can be transmitted sexually (through kissing, oral sex, or skin and genital contact). While barrier methods (like condoms or dental dams) can reduce infection, they don’t eliminate it, and it’s possible to spread the infection even when no sores are present. And HSV-I is not limited to the mouth area, nor is HSV-II limited to the genitals. So, HSV-I can affect the genitals, and HSV-II can affect the mouth. It’s also possible to be infected with both types of the Herpes Simplex virus. So this shame hierarchy we’ve created is a bunch of bull and we need to stop doing it. 4. Herpes Isn’t A Big Deal (Or, Conversely, That It’s a Huge Deal) Of all the STIs to have, genital herpes, while annoying, is generally fairly harmless. It doesn’t affect fertility, it won’t evolve into cancer, and it won’t kill you. So while it can be a literal pain in the ass, it’s not particularly dangerous. That being said, it can be a big deal for folks who are immunocompromised. For example, if a pregnant person contracts HSV, it can be lethal for the fetus. Or, if a pregnant person already has HSV prior to pregnancy, they might experience lengthy, chronic outbreaks during the period of their pregnancy, like I did. 5. People (Particularly Cisgender Women) Who Have HSV Must Have Slept with Lots of People This is just wrong, right? Like, we know it’s possible for people to have slept with one (or zero) people have contract genital herpes, correct? Great. But let’s delve deeper than that, shall we? Because this myth is rooted in sex-shaming and a whole lot of misogyny. Because it literally shouldn’t matter if someone got herpes and had sex with one person or 100 people. When I say we need to break the stigma, I mean for everyone that has it, and not just because some people get it from their first partner. These narratives exist in the same sphere as our ideas about survivors of sexual violence. We’ve created these non-existent “perfect victims” to determine whose assault is valid and who deserved it based on behavior they were or were not engaging in. Similarly, we see this when it comes to talk about how “anyone” could have an STI, “even people who have only ever had sex with one person.” There’s all this speculation about how they should have kept their legs closed or waited for marriage or used a condom. And if they did all of these things and still contracted an STI, then we should feel sorry for them. And they’re the reason that we shouldn’t judge people who have herpes – not that slut who was being slutty (pshh, serves them right, because what did they expect?). But reproductive justice looks like being here to support someone if they have an STI. Period. And IDGAF what the circumstances around someone contracting that STI were. They deserve love and care and to talk about their truth without shame because they are human and they are wonderful and they have nothing to be ashamed of. 6. No One Will Ever Want to Have Sex with Someone With Herpes Well, if this were true, there’d be a whole lot of people not having sex. And while it’s true some people will decide not to engage in sexual activity with someone with genital herpes, it doesn’t mean that no one will. Most people that hear a genital herpes diagnosis and balk are products of the same culture of misinformation and stigma that this article is trying to combat. And while disclosing your HSV+ status to a prospective partner can be scary, if you know you have it, it’s not an option not to say something, even if you don’t have an outbreak. Informed consent should be the cornerstone of every interaction, and your prospective partner has the right to make an informed decision about whether or not to engage in sexual activity with you – and that requires that person having all the information. Sometimes just educating someone about the reality of the infection can be all it takes to make them realize that it’s okay. Sometimes, it’s not. And that’s okay, too. If someone chooses not to have sex with you because you have genital herpes, then they aren’t worth pining over, anyway. To the right person, it won’t matter. 7. You Can’t Give Birth If You Have Herpes While genital herpes might complicate pregnancy and childbirth to some extent, it doesn’t mean that someone with HSV cannot carry a child. As mentioned above, it can be dangerous for a pregnant person to contract a new HSV infection. And it can make pregnant people, who are immunocompromised, susceptible to more severe outbreaks during the course of their pregnancy. As someone who has herpes, I was terrified about pregnancy. And it did, to a large extent, make my pregnancy extremely uncomfortable in a lot of ways. But I stayed in communication with my midwife and, eventually, we found a dosage of medication that suppressed my outbreaks. I was able to have a safe vaginal delivery for my baby. And if I had had an outbreak during labor? I would have had a C-section and, hopefully, still successfully delivered my baby. So while genital herpes may complicate pregnancy, the two are not incompatible. 8. Having Herpes Is Something to Feel Ashamed About Did you know that, until the 1970s, there was no stigma associated with genital herpes? The stigma appears to have been manufactured by a pharmaceutical company to sell their newly developed antiviral medication. From Project Accept: The stigma is a comparatively recent phenomenon and appears to be the direct result of a Burroughs Wellcome’s Zovirax pharmaceutical marketing campaign in the late 1970’s through mid 1980’s… The Burroughs Wellcome advertising campaign was designed to stimulate demand for Zovirax by raising patients’ concerns about the social consequences and implications of infection and emphasizing that the drug could reduce outbreaks and transmission.” This, combined with a 1982 TIME cover article calling herpes “the new scarlet letter,” and painting it as a consequence of “the new sexual revolution” had the effect of creating a cloud of shame around herpes diagnoses. This cultural shift portrayed genital herpes as something dirty that happened to people that were sexually liberated. And it’s an image that we’re still fighting today. People with genital herpes can experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness following a diagnosis. Those feelings can be intensified for people who contracted it from a sexual assault or an affair by their partner. And when we reinforce this shame, we’re not actually reducing the spreading of STIs. We’re making them more likely to be spread – because people are less likely to get tested or disclose their diagnosis to a potential partner for fear of being turned down. Genital herpes is nothing to be ashamed of whether someone contracted it from their first partner or after a rape or from sex work or from their 200th partner. 9. It’s Okay to Use Herpes as a Punch Line Herpes is the STI most likely to be joked about. SNL did it when they mocked Valtrex ads. Jennifer Lawrence did it while on a press tour for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part I. But like rape jokes or racist jokes, jokes about herpes (or any STI) just aren’t funny. And trust me, I can take a joke. It’s just that joking about something that stigmatizes people isn’t humorous. In the same way that rape survivors can feel shamed and isolated when they’re in the presence of someone who tells a rape joke, people with STIs can feel the same when a joke is made at their expense. Err on the side of assuming that you’re in the room with someone who has an STI. Not only will you not have to risk offending someone, but based on statistics, it’s safe to assume that you probably are. If you’re in the presence of someone who makes a joke about herpes or another STI, speak up and say, “Hey, that’s not funny. And joking about it could make someone who has it feel ashamed or uncomfortable.” Or if you have genital herpes and someone makes an ignorant joke out of it, you could take a page from Ella Dawson and pipe up yourself. She told the Washington Post, “When a real person – [someone] you know and respect – casually mentions having herpes, it stops being a punch line and starts being someone’s reality.” 10. You Need to Be Monogamous If You’re HSV+ A genital herpes diagnosis doesn’t signal the end of someone’s sex life. Just because someone has genital herpes doesn’t mean they’re relegated to only have sex with one (also HSV-positive) person for the rest of their life. Unless, of course, that’s what they want to do! The cornerstone of most relationships that involve non-monogamy (and all healthy relationships) is open communication. This makes conversations about STI-status easier (and more likely) to be had. Just like any kind of dating, there will be some people who won’t want to get involved with someone who has herpes. And there will be others that won’t mind (particularly if they’re positive themselves). But putting HSV+ people into a box is unfair, inaccurate, and contributes to stereotypes about them. Some people with herpes are monogamous. Some aren’t. Both are equally valid. 11. It’s Justifiable to Hurt Someone If They Transmit Herpes to You It is never okay to hurt someone, whether it’s physically, emotionally, spiritually, or verbally. If someone transmitted HSV to you, that statement is still true. Punishing someone by spreading rumors about them or posting their status on social media is absolutely unacceptable. Unless someone is spreading STIs with malicious intent (which is rare), shaming them is hurtful and cruel, and only contributes to the stigma that STI-positive people face.

Story Provided By Anonymous User I'll never forget the moment when my gynecologist told me I have herpes. She'd barely glanced at the sore on my labia that had been causing me unending pain for a week and just said it. "I'll swab it to be sure, and we'll do a test, but that's definitely herpes." I burst into tears. I couldn't believe it. Me, with herpes? An STI? How did this happen? I couldn't be one of those people with an STI. "I think you've actually been walking around with this for years and recently started exhibiting symptoms. You really need to tell your partner and they should be tested, too." So not only was I walking around with an incurable infection, but I had likely unknowingly infected the love of my life with it, too (and who knows who else). I couldn't stop shaking and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. I made the decision that I would only take antivirals during outbreaks and not twice a day forever. I would deal with it when I had to, which I was told would likely be infrequently. I cried through the rest of my appointment, all through the doctors' offices, during my entire time in the pharmacy (even though some guy kept trying to distract me by talking about traffic), and especially while I IMed my partner to tell him the news. I was so scared he would never forgive me. That he wouldn't even be able to talk to me or look at me, let alone touch me. I was almost positive it was the end of my relationship with the person I love more than anyone in the world. I thought he'd be packing his bags and moving out as soon as he could. We'd stood by each other in good times and bad, but this was totally different. It wasn't going to get better. It would be with us forever. Thankfully, he sent me heart after heart and forgave me immediately, without hesitation. It didn't change how he felt about me at all, he said. He loved me so much and was so sorry for me. But I still cried the entire drive home. I cried talking to people about it later. I fell into a deep depression and didn't leave my house for a week, which worked out because it was too painful to even put on underwear or sit up because of the sore. I took antivirals three times a day for 10 days. My doctor emailed me to let me know the results of my STI test; I had contracted both HSV-1 and HSV-2 (oral and genital herpes, respectively). I obsessed over who I could have gotten it from. Over the next three months, I had four horrible outbreaks. I had to wait to get my prescription filled and it always took up to two days after I'd noticed a sore. Why was I getting them so frequently? I told my doctor and she said I should be paying attention to the warning signs, so I looked them up. Big warning signs for an impending genital herpes outbreak are flu-like symptoms, headaches, backaches, and itching or burning in the area where the sore will appear. Unfortunately, I experience nearly all those symptoms every day anyway. But the outbreaks were coming too often and I couldn't handle the constant disruptions to my life, so I opted to take the antivirals every day. They don't stop outbreaks, but they make them happen much less frequently, and I needed help. I constantly felt like less of a human, so dirty and disgusting and damaged. That was about a year and a half ago. I've had a handful of genital outbreaks since I started taking the antivirals every day and freaked out at every ingrown pubic hair and genital sensation. I rarely have an oral herpes outbreak. To this day, I can't tell when I'm going to have any outbreak and err on the side of paranoia. Only my closest friends and select members of my family know. Every time I work up the courage to tell someone, it's extremely nerve-racking. I'm always scared that I'll get a look of horror in return as they scoot away from me, like I'm contagious to even be around. I'm lucky that I've received nothing but love and support in return, but I have yet to find someone I know who has an STI. It's a very isolating feeling to be the only person you know who has one. According to the CDC, 110 million Americans have an STI at any given time. One out of every six people aged 14 to 49 has genital herpes in the US. A whopping 90 percent of people have been exposed to oral herpes. If you've ever had a cold sore or fever blister, you have oral herpes, and you probably got it by kissing someone. Transmission is that easy. My doctor told me they don't typically test you for HSV-1 and HSV-2 when you get an STI test because they're so overwhelmingly common; it only matters when you start showing symptoms. I could go on and on about risk and how common herpes is and how to protect yourself and how you could have it and not even know, but I'm not writing this to scare people off sex. I believe in a sexually active lifestyle. I believe its benefits are numerous. But as a culture, we talk about sex all the time and we rarely talk about people having STIs and their experiences. It should be part of the dialogue. It should not be stigmatized. We're people, too. I still haven't come to terms with having herpes. Sometimes I forget that I have it, but then I go home and see the antivirals sitting on my bedside table and remember all over again. They're there when I wake up and when I go to sleep, and they always will be. I'm trying to focus on incorporating it into part of my identity, making it another factor of my reality, like the color of my eyes or my height. It's something I carry with me everywhere. And I'm working on getting used to it, but I'm not there yet. I have to take it day to day because there is no cure. I try to be thankful that it's not an infection that can kill me. I try to eliminate my stressors, focus on positivity, and keep with a healthier lifestyle — all things that help battle herpes outbreaks. Those measures, along with an unendingly supportive partner who showers me with love and affection (especially every time I start to feel disgusting about my STI), are helping. My last outbreak was months ago, the longest I've ever gone without one. I hope one day I feel I can attach my name to this piece. I hope one day I can talk about having herpes openly and not feel like people are going to run away from me. I hope one day we can work on finding cures for all STIs and eradicating them so no one will ever have to experience the shock of finding out they have one (or more). And I hope to see it happen in my lifetime, but until then, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are a part of me. It's me and my herpes forever. by anonymous

New Year’s resolutions don’t always have the best reputation. But as we head into 2022 — another year of potential (and unknowns) — there are a few things you can control: creating reasonable goals and practicing gratitude. Research indicates it might be better to set a goal or achievement you want to hit, rather than commit to what you don’t want. Instead, measure an objective you want to reach and identify what you need to get there. A 2020 study from Stockholm University, Sweden, found that most powerful resolutions were approach-oriented goals instead of avoidance-oriented ones, which were evaluated as less rewarding. The most popular goals were focused on physical health, weight loss and eating habits. And after one year, 55 percent of people surveyed considered their progress successful and sustainable. New Year’s resolutions can have considerable, lasting effects, even in one year alone. Here’s a list of 25 healthy goals from mental health experts to consider for the upcoming year: 1. Take Time to Reflect on Past Resolutions Before thinking about what resolutions you want to accomplish, take stock of your resolutions in the past. What goals did you successfully accomplish? What resolutions were harder to work on? What made them difficult? Be honest with yourself, and be kind as well—knowing how and why you could or couldn’t keep a resolution is how you succeed the next time. Additionally, consider what kinds of goals you’re setting. Were they huge, lofty, and vague ideas with no concrete plan? Were they actionable? Did you genuinely enjoy doing them? Breaking up large goals like “I want to lose weight” into “I want to exercise three times a week” sets you up for success that’s within reach and reasonable. – Melissa Boudin, PsyD 2. Spend 15 minutes in Nature Every Day “Being in the same environment for a long time can perpetuate feelings of social isolation and leave you feeling worse. Being in nature has proven to help improve mental functioning, memory, and improve mood.” – Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C 3. Set Goals, Not Resolutions “When it comes to New Years resolutions, I like to help people focus on the concept of goal-setting, rather than resolutions. This is primarily because goal-setting tends to have more structure to it and can be more easily broken down into achievable sub-goals to help people to maintain their motivation. Because resolutions tend to be ongoing (ex. “I’m going to eat healthier this year”) there are no real achievable milestones to keep you going which is why so many people give up on their resolutions so soon after the start of the new year.” – Dr. Candice Seti, Psy.D., CPT, CNC 4. Improve Emotional Awareness “Take some time each day to pause and take note of how you are feeling, what emotions you are experiencing, and what thoughts are going through your head. You can even reflect on earlier situations that you may have wished you handled better. It’s a good way to practice becoming aware of emotions, and the first step in changing behavior or handling things differently.” – Robert Hinojosa, LCSW 5. Commit to Listening to Your Body More “By consciously listening to your body you are better able to discover what your body actually wants and what makes you feel healthier. You may be surprised to learn you need more sleep or need to drink more water or eat healthier.” – Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi 6. Limit Your Screen Time “It’s always a good idea to consider scheduling downtime away from phones while at home. I have personally disabled cellular abilities from Facebook and Instagram as a way of eliminating that distraction when away from home.” – William Schroeder, LPC, NCC, the co-owner and a counselor at Just Mind, LLC 7. Commit to a Gratitude Practice “One healthy New Year’s resolution I would encourage anyone to set is to practice gratitude. Gratitude has been shown to increase happiness, improve resilience, and even help manage depression. It’s also a practical, realistic goal. Practicing gratitude can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes each day to write down a couple of things you’re grateful for. You might be surprised at how much it improves your outlook. To achieve this goal, make sure you have a game plan. First, identify how you plan to incorporate this into your life. Then, make time in your schedule to do it regularly. Make sure you keep track of your progress and celebrate wins — reward yourself when you reach certain milestones, such as writing in a gratitude journal for a specific number of days in a row. Be kind to yourself when you slip up; mistakes happen to everyone. As you persist, gratitude will become a habit that can enrich your life immeasurably.” – Joseph Bordelon, LPC, Owner of Christian Counseling Austin 8. Find a Way to Exercise That You Actually Like “Finding a physical activity that you enjoy is a healthy new year’s resolution. Every New Year, people spend a lot of money on gym memberships, workout studio memberships, and online fitness programs in the hopes of losing weight in the coming year. Even though most people start strong, most of them fail to turn their new routine into a long-term habit. Even so, there are ways to improve your odds of sticking to your exercise goals. To begin, pick an activity that you will enjoy and that fits into your schedule.” – Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D. 9. Take Time for Self-Care “When it comes to goals to make you healthier, I encourage people to focus on self-care. We are often last on our priority list and putting ourselves first can have a massively beneficial impact on our well-being as well as benefiting those around us. Self-care can be about scheduling time for yourself, planning fun or relaxing activities, or can include a focus on healthy behaviors (sleeping more regular hours, eating whole foods, drinking more water). It just has to be framed in a way that allows for goals or milestones that can be hit. For example, I am going to eat four whole-foods based meals a week. Or I’m going to take 10,000 steps for 5 of the next 7 days.” – Dr. Candice Seti, Psy.D., CPT, CNC 10. Compliment Yourself & Someone Else Everyday “We know the importance of gratitude, yet most of us fail to do it on a regular basis. Complimenting yourself can be so beneficial for your mental health. Likewise, complimenting other people makes you more appreciative and grateful for the people around you.” – Nicole Arzt, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 11. Make Sure Your Positive Thoughts Outweigh Your Negative Ones “You may not be in control of everything, but you can control your thoughts and responses to stressors. Focus on what is going well rather than what is going wrong to change your perspective for the better.” – Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi 12. Read More Books “Reading is enriching, entertaining, and good for you. But work, distractions, and phones can keep you from tackling your reading list. Plug your phone in a room that’s not your bedroom and leave a book or Kindle by your bedside to encourage reading.” – William Schroeder, LPC, NCC 13. Make Time for Fun & Creativity “A healthy new year’s resolution I’d encourage is to set aside time each week for creativity and play. During the pandemic, a lot of people reconnected with their creative side through taking on new hobbies and interests. Self-expression and play are powerful tools for decreasing stress and increasing our sense of joy. Start by making a list of 5 hobbies you love, 5 you think would be fun, and 5 skills you want to build. Are there similarities? Choose one as your goal.” – Jackie Tassiello, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS 14. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise Every Day “Take a mindful moment to enjoy the little things in life. Being in nature, whether starting your day in the sun or relaxing as your evening winds down, can give you time to breathe, consider your day, and take a moment for yourself. Grab a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoy a relaxing cup of tea at night while enjoying nature’s beauty.” – Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC 15. Set an Intention for Every Day “A healthy new year’s resolution that I would encourage someone to set and stick to is having a daily focus/intention. A lot of times when we start the new year we have big things that we are thinking about and wanting to accomplish, but often those goals are an afterthought by the end of the year. I’ve found that the best way to build consistency is to take small steps daily. Setting an intention each day allows you to really hone in on what is most important for that day and it keeps it at the forefront of your mind rather than trying to remember what you said 3-6 months ago. The idea of having a consistent daily practice makes it more sustainable. But it also provides flexibility for you to be able to adjust to what you are needing in that moment. This practice can also support you in any other resolution, goal or practice you are setting out to engage in for the year.” – Dr. Marcuetta Sims, Licensed Psychologist, Yoga and Meditation Teacher and the Founder of The Worth, Wisdom, and Wellness Center 16. Meditate for Ten Minutes Every Day “Meditating can feel intimidating, but if you aim for small amounts of time you might find more success. If you struggle to keep your mind ‘quiet’ enough to meditate, remember that it’s a skill that needs practice like anything else. Don’t stress about keeping your mind blank—recognize each thought that comes in, then let it pass.” – Melissa Boudin, PsyD 17. Have Scheduled Alone-Time “Although some people take vacations and day-offs, a majority of society does not believe in spending time alone as they perceive it as detachment. Every person should dedicate at least a day every month to some introspection and decompression. Taking some time alone has long-term physical and mental health benefits. The perception that one has to go to an expensive holiday destination to relax is entirely misleading. You can have some quality of self-reflection and tranquility by just sitting on the patio every evening with a glass of your favorite drink and beverage.” – Dr. Jeff Rocker 18. Find an Accountability Partner “Resolutions are hard to keep, especially those you may have tried previously but weren’t successful. By engaging a therapist or friend to help hold you accountable, you increase your motivation and drive to reach goals.” – Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi 19. Learn a New Recipe Every Month “Learning to cook can feel like a challenge, which is why you can set yourself up for success by committing to learning one or two new recipes a month. Consider what kinds of foods you like—if you’re not a fan of pasta, then don’t waste your time trying to make carbonara. Not only is cooking at home generally healthier, but the act of learning a new recipe can help you feel accomplished and confident.” – Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC 20. Stretch for Five Minutes Every Day “Stretching has plenty of health benefits, even if you only do it for a few minutes. It keeps muscles flexible and can help prevent injury the next time you go for a workout. Stretching also releases tension and can help you relax. Raise your hands over your head, try to touch your toes, and be gentle with yourself. You may be surprised to see how flexible you are by next year!” – Melissa Boudin, PsyD 21. Focus on Better Sleep Hygiene “Sleep has a direct connection with mental health. If you’re struggling to get to sleep, consider going to bed at the same time every night, charging your phone in another room, or exercising during the day to reduce stress.” – Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC 22. Listen to a New Podcast “Chances are high that if there’s something you already enjoy, there’s a podcast about it. Or you can use this as an opportunity to learn something new.” – Melissa Boudin, PsyD Looking for a place to start? Here’s a list of the 15 best self-help podcasts. 23. Do One Thing Every Day to Strengthen Relationships “Putting the work into your relationships will strengthen your connectedness to loved ones in your life, even if that connectedness remains from afar for now.” – Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi 24. Do One Small Thing a Day for Yourself “Being consistent to add some time each day to reset and recharge is important. You can start by making small changes and even start with 10 minutes a day to check in with yourself. Do something just for you to improve your mood or reduce stress. This can be taking time to read, workout, talk with friends, just sit and think or anything else that may make you feel good.” – Jaclyn Gulotta, PhD, LMHC 25. Stop Asking “How Are You?” “It’s a simple question that often doesn’t get a true answer. How many times, for instance, have you answered ‘Fine,’ to this question when you weren’t? A better question to ask is ‘How are you feeling today?’ Then be sure to listen genuinely. Giving people the space to talk about their feelings, and in turn, share yours, allows everyone to express emotions in a healthy way.” – Melissa Boudin, PsyD

Genital herpes causes considerable psychological and psychosexual morbidity. The most common emotional responses are depression, anguish, anger, diminution in self-esteem and hostility towards the person believed to be the source of the infection. These emotional problems appear to be worse in women than in men. The psychological morbidity in patients with first episode genital herpes is statistically significantly greater than that occurring in non-herpes patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics. It was previously believed that stressful life events could precipitate recurrences. However, recent studies suggest that ongoing recurrences cause the emotional stress rather than vice versa. There is some evidence that premorbid personality may effect recurrence rates, but an equally plausible explanation is that frequent recurrences adversely affect personality. Long-term aciclovir suppression significantly reduces the psychological morbidity associated with recurrent genital herpes, over at least the period of treatment. Cognitive coping strategies and social support from a partner appear to assist with adjustment. Improving a patient's problem-solving skills, and long-term aciclovir therapy should form an integral part of the long-term management of recurrent genital herpes. It is not uncommon to experience depression after receiving a herpes diagnosis. Not only are you faced with a condition you have to tell your sexual partners about, but you may be awash in feelings of guilt, anger, shame, sadness, anxiety, or fear that you simply cannot shake. All of these emotions are normal. As with any health condition, you will eventually learn to adapt and come to terms with the diagnosis. But, if you can't and find yourself struggling with depression because you have herpes, you need to seek professional help. Coping With the Diagnosis Although learning you have herpes can be stressful because of the stigma associated with the disease, herpes is simply a virus like any other. A herpes diagnosis says nothing about how you live your life. It says nothing about who you are. As hard as it may be to believe, people with herpes can date and have happy and fulfilling sexual lives with herpes. This is not to suggest you won't encounter challenges or need time to adjust. The very act of disclosing your status to a sexual partner can be extremely stressful; not disclosing it can be even worse. There is a chance you may be rejected if your partner finds out or that you may pass the infection to others even if you use condoms. But, it's important that attitude to herpes is fast-changing. The public is better appraised about how the virus is spread and what you can do to protect yourself against not only herpes but a host of the common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Herpes and Depression There is a lot of anecdotal evidence linking depression to a herpes diagnosis, but relatively little published data. With that said, a national study conducted in 2012 found that adults infected with HSV-2 were twice as likely to be depressed as adults who were not.2 It is unclear from the study which factors were linked to the risk of depression, including whether depression was a pre-existing condition for some. There is plenty of evidence that depression increases a person's vulnerability to STDs given the increased likelihood of alcohol abuse, drug use, and sexual risk-taking.3 On the other hand, some people may simply be able to cope better with health adversity than others. The inability to cope is not something you should be ashamed about; it simply suggests that you may need help coming to terms with a herpes diagnosis. Doing nothing will only make things worse. Numerous studies have linked stress to more frequent or severe genital herpes outbreaks.4 Moreover, depression undermines the quality of your life, your relationships with others, and your very health. What to Do Depression is a disease not unlike others you may have. You can't wish it away or pretend that it isn't there. Whatever the cause, it can benefit from treatment which may include counseling, medications, or self-help therapies. The first step is recognizing there is a problem. Among the things you should do if faced with overwhelming emotions after a herpes diagnosis. Be aware of the signs of depression. These include persistent feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in things you otherwise enjoy. There may be changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Call a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, seek medical help. The mainstay of treatment is usually medications (such as antidepressant), talk therapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy), or a combination of the two. Deal with substance abuse issues. This may include groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or alcohol/substance treatment centers. Learn about herpes. If herpes is specific to your depression diagnosis, it is important to learn what the disease is, how it is spread, and how it can be prevented. By answering all of the "what ifs" surrounding the disease, you can become a master of your illness rather than the other way around. Practice disclosure. If you need to disclose your status to a sexual partner, sit down with your healthcare provider, a counselor, or a trusted family member to practice. Consider all the possible responses and build a strategy to better cope with whatever response you receive.