Herpes is caused by a virus, like the common cold, mumps and the flu. This virus does not cause series harm, but can be passed to sexual partners. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. There is no cure for herpes. Drug companies have developed drugs, which may help with continued outbreaks. Although the best way to lessen your risk of recurrent outbreaks of herpes is to keep your immune system healthy. 

There are three types of herpes virus:

• Herpes Simplex I (cold sores, fever blisters)
• Herpes Simplex II (genital herpes)
• Herpes Zoster (shingles)

Symptoms

You may, at some point in your life, develop painful sores on your outer genitals, vagina, cervix, buttocks or inner thighs that are diagnosed as herpes. The first time a herpes infection develops; some of the symptoms may affect your whole body. You may run a fever and feel tired and run down. Later you may notice tender lymph nodes and a generally ill feeling. You may notice a tingling, itching or soreness, or a swelling in your outer genitals. Small, fluid-filled blisters will appear. These sores are reddish and develop a slit, similar to a paper cut through the center of the swelling. The surrounding skin may also be reddened. If urine touches the sores, it can cause a painful burning, and swelling around your urethra can make urination difficult. The sores often split, ooze, and scar over before they heal. The symptoms can last from 10 days to three weeks.

Recurring Cases

Once contracted, the herpes virus stays in the system. Recurring cases are often milder, with blisters in the genital area being the only visible symptom. However the extent and frequency of recurrence varies considerably.

How do you get herpes?

The source of herpes is not known. Many researchers believe that the virus is transmitted through sexual contact, and consider it a sexually transmitted disease. Herpes may be spread through contact with the blisters at any time that they are visible. Men may have blisters in their urethras, where they cannot be seen. They may be unaware of a mild attack and transmit the disease unwittingly.

Defense

Staying healthy is your best defense for recurrent outbreaks of herpes.

• Some simple home remedies may help.

  Ingredient Quantity Vitamin C 2 - 5 gms/daily Vitamin B-6 100 gms/daily Zinc 50 mg/daily Lysine 500mg/daily and 1000mg/three times a day during active lesions

• Take these Vitamins and minerals:
• Avoid foods with high arginine content - Chocolate, peanut butter, cashews, almonds, sunflower and other seeds, peas. oats, corn, coconut.
• Include foods in your diet that are high in lysine content - Brewer's yeast, dairy products, eggs, fish, potatoes.

Click here for Self-Help Home Remedies for herpes.