HERPES SIMPLEX AND SHINGLES
HERPES SIMPLEX
Useful information
* Herpes simplex is one of eight herpes viruses. Simplex
causes cold sores on the face, herpetic whitlows on the
finger, genital sores - or indeed, sores wherever it enters
the body.
* Like chickenpox and shingles which are caused by herpes
varicella-zoster, herpes simplex virus hides in a nerve
ganglion and can reappear later on.
* The virus is contracted through direct “skin-to-skin
contact with friction with the affected part” - not
from towels, flannels, toilets, cups, cutlery, etc.
* By adulthood, 9 out of 10 people carry the virus but
most of them don’t know it.
* People who carry the virus cannot catch it again, even
if they are in direct contact with the virus, so partners
will not re-infect each other. Nor can it be spread to new
sites on the body.
* Herpes simplex does not damage general health in any
way, though it can be a nuisance.
* Immediate relief can be obtained holding a wrapped ice
cube - or cold used tea-bag - against the area for 90 minutes
or use Xylocaine (at 2%, 5% or 10% strength) which can be
bought from a chemist. Lots of advice about how to prevent
them is available from our association.
Information Courtesy of:
Herpes Viruses Association
Any one can ask questions, get facts and advice from:
020 7609 9061 - the helpline of
the Herpes Viruses Association, a registered charity.
Or send an SAE to:
HVA,
41 North Road,
London
N7 9DP.
For Further information visit the website
www.herpes.org.uk
