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Eye herpes, also known as ocular herpes or herpes simplex keratitis, is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Approximately 24,000 new cases of eye herpes are diagnosed in the United States each year, and an estimated 1 million new cases per year are diagnosed globally.1 Men are slightly more likely to get eye herpes than women. The area of the eye affected depends on the type of eye herpes. Usually, the cornea (the normally clear dome that covers the front part of the eye) is affected, but eye herpes can reach the inside of the eye or the retina (the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye on the inside). Eye herpes can also cause inflammation of the eyelids, the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids), or the iris (the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye). Eye herpes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Types of Eye Herpes There are two main types of eye herpes. Epithelial keratitis is the more common form of eye herpes, but stromal keratitis is more serious and can lead to blindness. Epithelial Keratitis Epithelial keratitis accounts for an estimated 50%–80% of all ocular herpes infections.3 HSV epithelial keratitis affects the outermost layer of the cornea called the epithelium. The virus destroys corneal epithelial cells as it replicates. Stromal Keratitis Stromal keratitis affects the deeper layers of the cornea called the stroma. It is caused by a combination of viral infection and compromised immune mechanisms. Stromal keratitis can result in corneal scarring and loss of vision.4 There are two types of stromal keratitis: stromal keratitis without ulceration and HSV stromal keratitis with ulceration.5 Stromal keratitis without ulceration: It is thought to occur from viral proteins being left behind in the cornea even after the infection has cleared up. The body produces an inflammatory response to these proteins, leading to stromal keratitis without necrosis (the death of tissue). HSV stromal keratitis with ulceration: It is less common than stromal keratitis without ulceration. It is also an immune response to the proteins left behind in the stroma. Instead of inflammation, tissue necrosis occurs, resulting in ulceration (the formation of an open sore) and destruction of the stromal bed. Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus The herpes zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles) can also cause eye herpes.6 Like the herpes simplex virus, the herpes zoster virus stays dormant in the body once contracted, and you can have flare-ups, periods of reactivation and worsening symptoms. Symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are similar to HSV eye infections but can also include: Redness, rash, or sores on the eyelids and around the eyes (especially on the forehead) similar in appearance to poison ivy or poison oak blisters that turn into scabs over one to two weeks; a milder rash in younger people than in older people Swelling and cloudiness of the cornea Flu-like symptoms (low-grade fever, generally feeling unwell) Tingling and numbness in the forehead before the rash appears Eye Herpes Symptoms Symptoms of eye herpes include: Pain in and around (usually) only one eye Redness of the eye Decreased vision Feeling of dirt or grit in the eye Overflowing tears Pain when looking at bright light Swelling or cloudiness of the cornea Discharge from the eye Headache7 Rash with blisters on the eyelid(s) Painful sore on eyelid or eye surface Eye Herpes vs. Pink Eye Symptoms such as redness, pain, eyelid swelling, or discharge from the eye can occur with both eye herpes and pink eye (conjunctivitis), so eye herpes is sometimes mistaken for pink eye.8 Pink eye can be caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection, allergies, or chemical exposure, while eye herpes is always caused by a virus. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes. While it is possible for eye herpes to occur in both eyes, it usually appears in just one eye. If the infection recurs within a year, it's more likely to be viral rather than bacterial, or it may be from chemical exposure. Because the symptoms for eye herpes and pink eye are similar and both can be caused by a virus, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis. Doing so will ensure the most effective treatment for either condition. Healthcare professionals usually make a diagnosis of pink eye without doing a viral or bacterial culture. Occasionally, this leads to a missed eye-herpes diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with pink eye, but it doesn't seem to be clearing up with or without treatment, book a follow-up with your healthcare professional to rule out eye herpes. Causes Eye herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). While there are two forms of HSV that can cause eye herpes, it is usually caused by HSV-1, the same virus that causes oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters).9 While HSV-1 can be transmitted directly to the eye such as by touching a cold sore on the mouth and then touching the eye, eye herpes is often the result of a flare-up of an earlier HSV-1 infection in another part of the body (usually the mouth.) HSV-1 is very common. Approximately 3.7 billion people under age 50 worldwide have HSV-1 infection.5 Seropositivity (antibodies found in the blood for a particular infection) for HSV-1 has been reported in 65% of Americans.10 Most people in the United States will contract HSV-1, usually in childhood. Many people are unaware they carry the virus and it can remain dormant (inactive and asymptomatic) in the body indefinitely.6 A flare-up, or breakout, can occur if the virus starts to multiply or moves from one area of the body to another. Flare-ups can be random, or they can be triggered by:11 Illness Fever Weather (strong sunlight or cold wind) Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, including tanning beds An eye injury Stress Menstrual periods A weakened immune system (can be caused by certain medical conditions and treatments such as chemotherapy) Some medications HSV is typically infectious during the five to 10 days the skin lesions are healing, as well as during asymptomatic shedding in saliva.1 Unlike genital herpes, eye herpes is not sexually transmitted. There are some key differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2:12 HSV-1 Mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes mouth herpes (but can cause genital herpes through oral to genital contact) Is common, affecting approximately 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) globally Usually acquired during childhood HSV-2 Almost exclusively transmitted through genital-to-genital contact (sexually transmitted) and causes genital herpes (genital or anal area) Is less common, affecting approximately 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) globally Usually transmitted once sexually active Diagnosis Eye herpes is usually diagnosed by eye specialists called ophthalmologists or optometrists. The eye specialist will take a health history and have a discussion of symptoms, including the items in the lists that follow.1 Ocular symptoms: Degree of pain Redness Discharge Presence or absence of blurred vision Whether you're experiencing photophobia (sensitivity to light) When the symptoms started and how often they occur Circumstances surrounding the onset of symptoms Contact lens history: Whether you wear contact lenses When you wear contacts and for how long at a time Whether you wear contacts overnight Type of contact lens The lens solution used Contact lens hygiene practices and routines Whether you use tap water to rinse your contact lenses Whether you swim, use a hot tub, or shower while wearing contact lenses Review of other ocular and medical history: Risk factors, such as previous HSV keratitis Review of past or present eye conditions Review of other past and present medical problems and conditions Current and recently used medications, including medications for the eyes Medication allergies The eye-care specialist will also perform an eye exam that includes checking for light sensitivity, vision, and general health. Diagnostic tests and procedures the eye specialist may use include:1 Measurement of visual acuity: Tests how well you see shapes and details External examination: Checks for things that can be seen on the outside of the eye, such as discharge, corneal sensation, and general appearance of the eyes, face, and eyelids Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: Using a microscope that magnifies the surface and inside of the eye Fluorescein eye stain test: A close examination of the cornea after dye is placed on the surface of the eye Culture sample: Taking a culture swab (a small collection of cells) and sending it to a lab for further examination

In our analysis of the protective actions of the novel homeopathic agent AEURA we have 1) investigated the capacity of AEURA to show antiviral effects using virally infected PC12 cells (a neuronal model system) and we have 2) analyzed the effect of AEURA in preventing cell death caused by high extracellular glutamate or by hypoxia/re-oxygenation exposure. AEURA treatment was found to significantly decrease the cell death caused by HSV-1 infection. Similarly, when cells were infected with rhinovirus (the viral agent responsible for the common cold), treatment with AEURA significantly increased cell survival back to control uninfected levels. Under conditions that elicit cell death caused either by glutamate excitotoxicity or by hypoxia/ re-oxygenation it was found that pretreatment with AEURA elicited high level protection against both forms of cell stress and increased cell viability back to the levels of healthy control cells. CLICK HERE for full publication or view below. Download Publication Below

Discovering a rash on your skin can be alarming, especially when that rash is itchy or painful. While many conditions can cause a rash to appear on your skin, shingles and herpes are two common causes. These conditions create very similar rashes and blisters, making it hard to tell the difference between them when looking at your skin. But the two conditions are very different. Beyond the causes, there are multiple other ways you can tell shingles and herpes apart and figure out which is causing the rash on your skin. How do I tell the difference between shingles and herpes? It can be hard to tell at first if you have shingles or herpes. Here are some of the different symptoms, duration, risk factors, and causes of shingles and herpes so that you can learn to tell the difference. You can also learn who can develop each and whether they can be cured. Symptoms Both shingles and herpes can cause itchy red bumps and blisters to appear on your skin. One unique symptomTrusted Source of a shingles rash is that it typically shows up in a stripe-like pattern on one side of your body. A shingles rash won’t usually cross the middle of your body or affect multiple areas of your body at once. Both conditions have other symptoms that can also help you tell which one you have. Symptoms of shingles include: pain, sometimes before blisters appear burning sensation on your skin numbness or tingling on your skin skin that’s sensitive to touch itching red rash that appears after you’ve already been in pain for a few days blisters that break open and then scab fever headache fatigue Usually, people have pain before they have other symptoms of shingles. The pain of shingles can be intense and will likely let you know that something’s wrong. You won’t develop a rash until a few days after the pain begins. Most shingles rashes appear around your midsection, but they can also occur: on your neck on your face around your eyes Some people never develop a shingles rash at all. Symptoms of herpes include: tingling, itching, or burning before blisters form red bumps and tiny white blisters on your skin itchy or painful skin ulcers that can make it painful to urinate scabs that appear when ulcers and blisters heal Some people have herpes without ever having any symptoms. When you do have symptoms, they usually appear between 2 and 12 days after you’re exposed. Herpes bumps and blisters will show up on different parts of your body than shingles bumps will. Herpes may appear on your: mouth, also known as cold sores fingers upper thighs buttocks urethra genitals cervix, in people with vulvas rectum Duration Both shingles and herpes are chronic conditions. Both conditions also involve a virus that stays dormant in your body throughout your life and may flare up in short episodes. Shingles results from the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. This virus can reactivate multiple times during your life and cause episodes of shingles symptoms for weeks at a time. Shingles takes longer to heal from, usually about 3 to 5 weeks. Herpes results from the herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, which has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These viruses can also reactivate multiple times throughout your life, often causing cold sores or genital sores. It’s also possible that you’ll never have symptoms after your infection. Symptoms of herpes usually take about 10 to 14 days to heal. Herpes is more likely to recur multiple times in your life than shingles is. Herpes can flare up several times a year for some people. Is it contagious? Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it can be passed to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. This is because both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. People exposed to the virus for the first time will develop chickenpox and not shingles. Avoid contact with infants, pregnant women, and anyone else who has never been exposed to the virus while you have shingles. The herpes simplex virus, on the other hand, is very contagious. It’s passed on primarily through: sexual intercourse, when you come in contact with thin tissue linings of the genitals, such as the lining of the vagina or the cervix kissing and other contact with saliva skin-to-skin contact sharing items that come into contact with a cold sore, such as lipstick or eating utensils Herpes simplex virus lives inside your body even when you don’t have active blisters and sores. This means that the virus can still be passed on to others. And when you have an active cold sore, having oral sex can spread the virus to the genitals, resulting in genital herpes. Causes Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s sometimes called herpes zoster because it’s part of the herpes virus family, but it’s not the same virus that causes herpes. The varicella-zoster virus first enters your system when you catch chickenpox. The virus stays in your system after chickenpox clears up and can remain dormant for years. In some people, the virus eventually reactivates, causing shingles. Not everyone who has had chickenpox gets shingles. Herpes can be caused by two different types of the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 is a virus that usually causes oral herpes, but can be passed to other parts of your body. HSV-2 is a virus that causes genital herpes. HSV-2 also flares up more frequently than HSV-1. Both virus types lay dormant in your system even when you don’t have any symptoms. Who gets it Shingles can develop in anyone who’s had chickenpox. Chickenpox was a very common childhood disease until the chickenpox vaccine became available in the United States in 1995. This means that most current American adults are at risk of developing shingles. If you think you might be at risk of developing shingles, a vaccine is available that might help protect you against shingles. Not everyone who had chickenpox as a child will get shingles. Other risk factors include: being older than 50 having a condition that weakens your immune system undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy taking medications that suppress your immune system using steroids for an extended period of time Herpes simplex virus is transmitted through sexual activity and other skin-to-skin contact. Having any type of sex without a condom or other barrier method puts you at risk of developing a herpes infection. Herpes simplex virus can be passed on even when a person is showing no symptoms at all. Unless you know your partner has tested negative for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), always use protection. Protective barriers like condoms need to be used correctly to help prevent herpes simplex virus and other STIs from being passed on. The virus can also be passed on no matter the gender of your sexual partner. Is there a cure? There is no cure for either shingles or herpes. You can receive treatment to manage your symptoms. For shingles, treatments help you during the 3 to 5 weeks your symptoms may last. For herpes, treatments help you address outbreaks as they happen. Some treatments can also reduce your risk of passing it on to others, but that risk won’t be completely eliminated. What are the next steps I can take? Treatment can speed up the healing process and help you manage itching and pain, especially if you begin early after your symptoms appear. It’s especially important to seek medical care for shingles if: your shingles rash is near your eye, where it could lead to permanent eye damage you’re over 60 you have a weakened immune system someone in your family has a weakened immune system your rash is painful and covers large areas of your body Get tested as soon as possible if you think you’ve been exposed to herpes simplex virus or are having symptoms of herpes. Multiple options for testing are available even if you don’t have a primary doctor. Testing may be free or offered at a low cost at a community clinic or your local health department. How are shingles and herpes diagnosed? A doctor can diagnose either condition during a single office visit. Shingles Shingles is generally diagnosed based on your symptoms. A medical professional will examine your rash and blisters and talk with you about your pain. They might also send a small swab from one of your blisters for a lab test to determine if the varicella-zoster virus is present. Herpes Herpes is diagnosed through a physical exam and lab tests. Just like with shingles, your doctor will examine your rash and take a swab from one of the blisters to send for a lab test. You might also have blood drawn to look for herpes simplex virus antibodies in your system. A blood test can also determine whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2. Is it possible to have both shingles and herpes? Shingles and herpes are caused by two different viruses and are acquired in different ways. It’s possible for you to have symptoms of shingles and a herpes outbreak at the same time. How are shingles and herpes treated? Neither condition can be cured, but treatments are available. There is a solution! Introducing AEURA"s ANTI-VIRAL HOMEOPATHIC FORMULAS FOR COLD SORES, HERPES, AND SHINGLES. Aeura is an FDA regulated anti-viral homeopathic remedy designed to treat and prevent the symptoms of Cold Sores, Herpes & Shingles. The Aeura Formulas are non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) natural therapies and have no known side effects. Aeura can be used to treat the symptoms of an outbreak and have been effective in preventing future outbreaks when taken daily.

Stroke and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are responsible for a major proportion of mortalities in the elderly. We have previously investigated novel mechanism-based therapies of AEURA in cell culture models against viral infection and in glutamate excitotoxity. In our new studies, we propose that the homeopathic formula AEURA could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for stroke & for AD. In examining AEURA treatment of PC12 cells exposed to glutamate excitotoxicity, hypoxia /re-oxygenation injury and A-Beta toxicity. We demonstrated an increased survival rate in AEURA treated cells by comparison to control cells. In examining the therapeutic potential of AEURA in PC12 cells this homeopathic agent was found to be neuroprotective against either glutamate induced toxicity, hypoxia /re-oxygenation stress or cell stress resulting from viral infection (with either HSV-1 or rhinovirus). Our ongoing studies involve examining the neuroprotective potential AEURA in vivo using rodent models of stroke & AD. Read Entire Publication Below or CLICK HERE to view the direct source.

Here is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in helping others. That is why at Aeura we are passionate about helping others. We at Aeura are so excited for you and your symptom relief! We encourage you to believe that your life will return to normal and stay that way. Andrew, the founder and developer of Aeura, was a severe cold sore sufferer, he has not had an outbreak since 2013. (Read Andrew's Story) If you have shingles or herpes you can expect the same relief because Aeura is an anti-viral that treats the underlying symptoms of all three. HSV-1, HSV-2 and VZV (shingles). It's important to take Aeura correctly, it won’t give you the results you want if you don’t. Just keep taking Aeura Biotherapeutics as directed: For Outbreak Treatment: Take Aeura at the very earliest signs of an outbreak. For adults dissolve 3 tablets, 3 times daily under the tongue. Children ages 6-12 can take ½ the adult dosage. For children under the age of 6, consult your physician. For Preventative Treatment: A daily dose of Aeura formulas can help stop unexpected outbreaks. Adult can dissolve 3 tablets, once daily under the tongue. Children ages 6-12 can take ½ the adult dosage. For children under the age of 6, consult your physician. Your Story Can Help Others! Share your story and get free product! Just email us your experience with Aeura and we will send you free product. We will send a six month supply for before and after pictures along with your story! It can be a close up so you don’t need to show your face, although we are sure you will be happy with the AFTER picture! We encourage you to believe you will be out of the woods and symptom free soon because if you like so many other happy Aeura customers, you will! Your Aeura Team

Every cold sore sufferer lives in constant fear of breakout. Whether their personal trigger is stress, too much sun, hormonal changes, or something else they are the watch for the first tingle. When that familiar warning flares up, rushing to the remedy that helps keep the cold sore away. There is never a good time for a cold sore but the fact is that 90% of adults worldwide test positive for the virus that causes cold sores with 40% of American results who repeatedly get cold sores. Avoid Cold Sore Triggers The first step in preventing outbreaks is by knowing what triggers the HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) to wake up and cause a cold sore (aka "Fever Blister"). Here are some of the most common triggers: Stress: Everyone already knows stress isn't good for us. It wears down your immune system which can give the dormant HSV (Cold Sore Virus) opportunity to wake up and attack. Stress is a reality of modern life but applying some relaxation techniques can help keep stress levels (and cold sores) at minimum. Simple breathing exercises and even an app like insight timer can help. Fatigue: Just like stress, being overly tired can impact your immune system, opening yourself up to an outbreak. Our modern lives can make getting the rest we need difficult but creating good night time routines can help make sure when you are resting it is quality rest time. Sticking too a strict bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and even short naps can help. Too Much Sun: We all know UV rays from the sun can damage the skin but these same rays can also trigger a cold sore. Be sure to always use lip balm with SPF and protect your face with a hat or umbrella. Act Quickly on the First Sign Time is of the essence when dealing with a cold sore outbreak. That "first tingle" is the familiar and unwelcome sign that an outbreak is coming on. There is no cure for any type of herpex simplex virus (HSV) and there is no way to predict how long an outbreak will last. The best time to begin treating a cold sore is as soon as you feel tingling or itching around the mouth. A quick google search will show you that there are a lot of remedies people use from ice to prescription antivirals and the only thing that these remedies have in common is there are not a guarantee of stopping or even slowing down the outbreak. A doctor may prescribe an antiviral to treat a cold sore outbreak. They can help reduce an outbreak or can be used a preventative to prevent new ones. Prescription antivirals have been known to have adverse side effects. Popular prescriptions include Zobirax, Famvir, Valtrex, and Denavir. An All-Natural Homeopathic Approach Aeura Biotherapeutics has developed an all-natural homeopathic cold sore formula that is delivering fantastic results. Not only does it treat the pain, itching, and blisters but when taking daily can prevent future outbreaks. It is safe for children and adults. Read more about Aeura Cold Sore Formula here Andrew Weiss, founder of Aeura suffered for 17 years with cold sores outbreaks. Each outbreak lasting 2-3 weeks. After trying everything he was fed up and took matters into his own hands. The result was a FDA regulated, non-prescription, doctor recommended, safe, effective formula for not only treating cold sore outbreaks but also preventing future ones. Since developing Aeura, Andrew hasn't had an outbreak for over 13 years. Read Andrew's Story.

About 1 in 6 Americans (16.2 percent) between the ages of 14 and 49 is infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), according to a national health survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HSV-2 is a lifelong and incurable infection that can cause recurrent and painful genital sores. The findings, presented at the 2010 National STD Prevention Conference, indicate that herpes remains one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. The new estimate, for 2005-2008, comes from CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative survey of the U.S. household population that assesses a broad range of health issues. The findings suggest relatively stable HSV-2 prevalence since CDC’s last national estimate (17 percent for 1999-2004), because the slight decline in prevalence between the two time periods is not statistically significant. The study finds that women and blacks were most likely to be infected. HSV-2 prevalence was nearly twice as high among women (20.9 percent) than men (11.5 percent), and was more than three times higher among blacks (39.2 percent) than whites (12.3 percent). The most affected group was black women, with a prevalence rate of 48 percent. As with other STDs, biological factors may make women more susceptible to HSV-2 infection. Additionally, racial disparities in HSV-2 infection are likely perpetuated because of the higher prevalence of infection within African-American communities, placing African-Americans at greater risk of being exposed to herpes with any given sexual encounter. “This study serves as a stark reminder that herpes remains a common and serious health threat in the United States. Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “We are particularly concerned about persistent high rates of herpes among African-Americans, which is likely contributing to disproportionate rates of HIV in the black community.” Research shows that people with herpes are two to three times more likely to acquire HIV, and that herpes can also make HIV-infected individuals more likely to transmit HIV to others. CDC estimates that over 80 percent of those with HSV-2 are unaware of their infection. Symptoms may be absent, mild, or mistaken for another condition. And people with HSV-2 can transmit the virus even when they have no visible sores or other symptoms. “Many individuals are transmitting herpes to others without even knowing it,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “We can’t afford to be complacent about this disease. It is important that persons with symptoms suggestive of herpes—especially recurrent sores in the genital area—seek clinical care to determine if these symptoms may be due to herpes and might benefit from treatment.” Combination of Prevention Approaches Needed to Reduce National Herpes Rates Although HSV-2 infection is not curable, there are effective medications available to treat symptoms and prevent outbreaks. Those with known herpes infection should avoid sex when herpes symptoms or sores are present and understand that HSV-2 can still be transmitted when sores are not present. Effective strategies to reduce the risk of HSV-2 infection include abstaining from sexual contact, using condoms consistently and correctly, and limiting the number of sex partners. CDC does not recommend HSV-2 screening for the general population. However, such testing may be useful for individuals who are unsure of their status and at high risk for the disease, including those with multiple sex partners, those who are HIV-positive, and gay and bisexual men.

The results of the study for the Herpevac trial were not good news. Women are at a higher risk for genital herpes and the long term projections for this vaccine were hopeful. The vaccine, if ever released, is for those that test seronegative for HSV-1 and HSV-2. “An experimental vaccine intended to prevent genital herpes disease in women, although generally safe and well-tolerated, proved ineffective when tested in the recently concluded clinical study known as the Herpevac Trial for Women." The Phase 3 trial, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals, based in Belgium, with support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, began in 2002. A total of 8,323 women aged 18-30 years participated in the trial at 50 sites in the United States and Canada. At the time of their enrollment, the study participants were free of the two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2. Participants in the Herpevac trial were randomly divided into two groups. One group received the candidate vaccine, containing HSV protein along with an adjuvant intended to boost immune responses. The second, control group received a version of Havrix, a licensed vaccine against hepatitis A. This study design gave all participants the potential opportunity to be protected against either genital herpes or hepatitis A. GSK developed the candidate vaccine and also manufactures Havrix. Each volunteer was vaccinated at the beginning of the study and again one and six months later. The participants were followed for 20 months after the initial injection and evaluated at each visit for HSV infection and genital herpes disease. In two earlier studies involving men and women who did not have genital herpes but whose sexual partners were known to be infected, the candidate vaccine prevented genital herpes disease in more than 70 percent of the female volunteers who were free of HSV-1 and HSV-2 but had no clear effect in men. These studies formed the basis to conduct the larger Herpevac study in women only. In the Herpevac study, however, the investigational vaccine was ineffective in protecting against genital herpes disease. The estimate of vaccine effectiveness was 20 percent, but all estimates have statistical uncertainty, and this effect was not substantially different from zero. It is not known at this time why the vaccine proved ineffective, but the study collaborators continue to evaluate the trial data and intend to provide a more detailed analysis at a later date. All the study investigators have been informed of the results. Study participants are being notified as to which vaccine they received, and those volunteers who received the candidate herpes vaccine are being offered Havrix. HSV-1 and HSV-2, which cause cold sores and genital herpes disease, may be transmitted through sexual or other skin-to-skin contact, and can be spread even when the infected individual shows no symptoms. HSV can cause severe illness in infants born to HSV-infected women, and the virus has been identified as a risk factor for HIV transmission in adults. An estimated 1 in 4 women in the United States has genital herpes.

According to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital herpes is a very common, very contagious virus that’s the No. 1 cause of genital ulcers worldwide. (1) In the U.S., approximately 25 percent of all adult women (about one in four, although some studies have found the rate to be much higher) and 20 percent of men (one in five) have genital herpes. And about 85 percent don’t even know it! (2, 3) Because the herpes virus is sexually transmitted and incurable, a diagnosis of genital herpes can seem overwhelming and often causes a lot of shame and anxiety, in addition to cold sores that can sometimes be very uncomfortable. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to lower your risk, help stop herpes from spreading and treat outbreaks. What Are Genital Herpes? A genital herpes infection is caused from the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two primary types of HSV that are responsible for the vast majority of genital herpes cases: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Once infected, someone with genital herpes develops skin sores/ulcers around their genitals and sometimes also feels other symptoms associated with having a virus — such as achiness, tenderness near the groin and fatigue. The virus can live dormant inside a person’s immune system for a lifetime, periodically causing blisters that burst and turn into open sores or ulcers before healing. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are acquired from direct contact with someone who carries the virus. The infectious secretions that pass on herpes live on oral, genital or anal mucosal surfaces. Herpes is a skin-to-skin transmission infection, but you don’t need to have sex to cause the virus to reach the genital track. Any form of intimate/skin-to-skin contact is capable of passing the virus, including contact with sores on the buttocks or mouth. Research shows that the majority of patients with genital herpes have virtually no symptoms at all, aren’t aware that they have the virus and shed the virus in the genital tract before it causes discomfort. It’s also very common to experience a noticeable outbreak only one time and then for the virus to remain dormant and unnoticeable, sometimes for an entire lifetime. How long does a herpes outbreak last? Everyone is different, but healing of “uncomplicated lesions” (those that are not very severe) usually takes about two to four weeks. Genital Herpes Causes and Risk Factors In the past, experts found that HSV-2 was responsible for causing most genital herpes infections, but today an increasing proportion of genital herpes infections are due to HSV-1, commonly thought of as “mouth herpes,” which only causes cold sores on the lips or mouth. Contrary to what most believe about herpes, HSV-1 doesn’t just affect membranes on the lips or inside the mouth — it can also be spread to the genital area. In addition, although it’s rarer, genital herpes can also be acquired from contact with cold sores on the eyes, secretions on the fingers, or ulcers/sores on buttocks and upper thighs. Experts now believe that oral transmission (primarily due to transmitting HSV-1 from mouth to genitals) is the leading way that people are acquiring genital herpes for the first time, especially teens and young adults. About 50 percent of the new genital herpes infections in young adults are due to HSV-1 and about 40 percent in older adults. In addition to engaging in oral sex, other risk factors include having any form of unprotected sex, having sex with multiple partners (since the infection rate is so high) and having certain other illnesses that lower immune function (such as HIV, an autoimmune disorder or hepatitis).

Homeopathy has been and still is a primary alternative to pharmaceuticals for many cultural icons and celebrities over the past 200 years. In the book, Homeopathic Revolution, the author Dana Ullmann lists multiple, well-researched accounts of those who have used and/or advocated for the use of homeopathy. You may be surprised by some of the names: At least eleven American Presidents used homeopathic medicines or sponsored legislation to allow homeopathic practice (Lincoln, Tyler, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, Coolidge, Harding, Hoover, & Clinton)…and two British Prime Ministers (Disraeli and Tony Blair). Numerous sports greats have bragged about their use of homeopathic medicines including David Beckham, Martina Navratilova, Boris Becker, and many more. Many world-class musicians have greatly appreciated homeopathy including Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Frédéric Chopin, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Cher, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Townshend, Annie Lennox, Bob Weir, Paul Rodgers, Axl Rose, Moby, Jon Faddis, and Dizzy Gillespie. Numerous movie and TV celebrities have benefited from homeopathy, including early stars such as Sarah Bernhardt, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne… and some of the modern-day stars, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lesley Ann Warren, Pamela Anderson, Jane Seymour, Suzanne Somers, Lindsay Wagner, Michael York, Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw, Priscilla & Lisa Marie Presley, Jennifer Aniston, Jade Jagger, Tobey Maguire, and Orlando Bloom. For those with access to the best research and physicians and alternatives, homeopathy is a natural choice. Shouldn’t it be for you as well?

Zostavax, the Shingles Vaccine, was FDA approved in the spring of 2006 but has not caught on as expected, leaving many people wondering why. A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that the vaccine could reduce shingles by 55% so what are the problems with the Zostavax vaccine? A combination of factors has made the use of Zostavax difficult to spread in the population that would most benefit from it with only about 10% of the eligible 52 million people having received the vaccine. 1. Cost - Merck is charging about $150 for the one-shot vaccine. With physician and hospital mark up, the total bill can come close to $300. In comparison, the standard flu vaccine costs between $11 and $15, and the pneumococcal vaccine, about $25. 2. Medicare & Insurance Coverage Challenges – Zostavax is only approved for people 60 and older, so Medicare coverage is a major issue. Since it would be covered by Medicare Part D, it’s up to each individual Part D prescription plan to decide whether the shingles vaccine should be on its formulary. 3. Pharmacy & Physician Logistical Problems – Zostavax must be stored at a temperature of 5° F (−15° C). Most doctors who see adult patients don’t have a freezer that will keep the vaccine that cold and since Zostavax is prescription only, doctors cannot stock it even if they have the equipment in the office. This leaves patients going to the pharmacy for the vaccine and while some pharmacies administer the shot, ones that don’t can leave patients “brown bagging” the temperature-sensitive vaccine back to the doctor’s office. 4. Supply Issue – Merck — the maker of Zostavax — has reported a shortage of the essential ingredient: live but weakened chickenpox virus. Shortages and the back order warnings of Zostavax were updated by the CDC on January 14, 2011. 5. FDA downplayed the benefits for postherpetic neuralgia – One of the most impressive results from the Shingles Prevention Study that led to approval of the vaccine was the two-thirds reduction in postherpetic neuralgia which for shingles sufferers can be one of the most debilitating aspects of shingles.. But the two-thirds figure — more precisely, 67% — doesn’t appear anywhere in the FDA-approved information about Zostavax. 6. Effectiveness of the Zostavax Vaccine – The vaccine is approved for people 60 and over. The likelihood of getting shingles increases with age. But there’s the rub, because the older you are, the less effective the vaccine is against shingles. It was actually more effective in preventing postherpetic neuralgia in people 70 or older than in those ages 60 to 69. 7. Doctors don’t know about the Vaccine - and if the physicians don’t know about it, the patients don’t know about it. If the insurance companies are not spreading the word (since Medicare is the primary insurance for this population), information about the vaccine is sporadic and sometimes even confusing. Some insurance companies (Kaiser Permanente in California) are not covering the vaccine at all for patients who have already had shingles. Aeura provides an alternative to all of this. Safe, cost effective and takes away the symptoms of your shingles – Experience the Freedom of Aeura today!

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