Alternative Ways To Treating Your Chronic Fatigue
As with many scenarios, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one such medical issue that many patients end up turning to a naturopath physician for answers as western medicine seems to be very limited in what they can offer to help. While there are many ways to approaching your chronic fatigue, in this article we will discuss IV Vitamin C treatments are one general treatment you can do that often helps.
The Devil Is In The Details
by Albert Chang | Feb 19, 2014 | Herpes Simplex Virus, Pathogens |
As we await the outcome of Pridgens antiviral herpes simplex trial in fibromyalgia, Albert Chang takes a deeper look at herpes simplex viruses.
Herpes simplex viruses have not generally been associated with ME/CFS or fibromyaglia,but that may change with the Pridgen study
Two herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus and HHV-6, have been of interest in chronic fatigue syndrome for decades. However, it was not until the Pridgen antiviral Fibromyalgia study put the spotlight on the Herpes Simplex Virus that it has shown up in a big way. Like other herpes viruses, HSV tends to reactivate during times of physical, hormonal and/or emotional stress.
- Learn more about the Pridgen Fibromyalgia trial here
Herpes Simplex is a dsDNA virus that belongs to the Herpesviridae family of human-infecting viruses. This virus subset comes in two forms: HSV-1, commonly referred to as cold sores, and HSV-2, commonly referred to as genital herpes. One of the distinguishing attributes of this virus is that it stays with the host for life by residing in the nerve ganglia, which are nerve clusters within the body that act as conduits between the central nervous system and the various functional components of our body: organs, glands, skin, blood vessels, and muscles.
Cold Sores On The Mouth
Cold sores on the mouth, frequently caused by the herpes type-1 virus , are a common occurrence. After they first develop, people susceptible to them contract the sores repeatedly. Most commonly found around the lips, the herpes virus can also cause blisters in the mouth and throat. The cold sores start as small red patches that turn into a blister or a cluster of blisters that eventually burst and leave a raw, weeping area. This area usually heals and scabs over without help, but over-the-counter creams can help soothe and repair the skin.
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Blisters On The Genitals
When genital blisters occur, the herpes type-2 virus is frequently suspected as a cause. It will first start with a similar feeling to that of the mouth sores, but with more intensity due to the sensitivity of the area. Approximately 12 to 24 hours prior to visible blisters, the skin will be itchy and painful, and may be red, raw, and cracked. A blister will appear, then burst open to become an ulcer, before scabbing over to heal. The herpes outbreaks can repeatedly occur, though the symptoms of clustered blisters will sometimes become less severe than the initial infection. The virus is contagious both during an outbreak and when there are no symptoms or sores.
Complications Of Cold Sores
Cold sores are usually mild, but may cause complications in rare cases. People with weak immune systems caused by illness or treatments such as chemotherapy are particularly at risk of complications.
Dehydration sometimes occurs if drinking fluids becomes painful. Young children are particularly at risk of becoming dehydrated.
The herpes simplex virus can also spread to other parts of your body. Examples of when this can occur include:
- skin infections these often occur if the virus comes into contact with broken skin, such as a cut or graze, or a skin condition such as eczema
- herpetic whitlow this causes painful sores and blisters to appear on and around your fingers
- herpetic keratoconjunctivitis this causes swelling and irritation of your eye area and sores to develop on your eyelids
Left untreated, herpetic keratoconjunctivitis can cause the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of your eye, to become infected, which can eventually lead to blindness.
It’s therefore important not to touch your eyes if you have an unhealed cold sore. If you must touch your eyes for example, to remove contact lenses wash your hands thoroughly first.
In very rare cases, encephalitis, a condition where the brain becomes inflamed and swollen, can be caused by the cold sore virus spreading to the brain. It can be treated with intravenous injections of antiviral medications, such as aciclovir.
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What Are The Possible Complications Of A Cold Sore
Cold sores usually go away by themselves within 2 weeks. For most people cold sores are not serious. The viruses that cause cold sores can cause more serious illness, though. People who have a weak immune system may get more serious infections from herpes viruses. These include people being treated for cancer or who have HIV disease. Babies may also become very ill from a herpes infection.
What Is Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex is one of the most frequent infections of mankind throughout the world. There are two main types of herpes simplex virus type 1, which is mainly associated with facial infections and type 2, which is mainly genital, although there is considerable overlap.
Both type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex viruses reside in a latent state in the nerves that supply sensation to the skin. With each episode of herpes simplex, the virus grows down the nerves and out into the skin or mucous membranes where it multiplies, causing the clinical lesion. After each episode, it dies back up the nerve fibre and enters the resting state again.
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Blisters Inside The Urethra
The urethra is the tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals. In both men and women with herpes type-2, painful sores can form on the inner lining of this tube. When urinating, a person may feel a burning or razor blade sensation when urine passes over these sores. Unlike genital or mouth sores, the doctor may need to conduct tests to confirm a herpes infection when the urethra is affected.
Herpes On Your Leg Is It Possible
over a year ago
The discussion starter got several possible causes for his/her problem that all were unclear and ambiguous. Even his/her doctor didnt provide a definitive diagnosis.
If it is a herpes outbreak, you can have an actual sore cultured to see if it is herpes and also if it is oral or genital herpes.
The member who replied fist gave this suggestion and explained that both oral or genital lesion can occur anywhere on the body if theyre transmitted from an oral or genital sore to another part of the body. This member also explained that oral or genital herpes can cause a sore in the affected area but it is highly unlikely to continuously have outbreaks there unless repeated exposure occurs .
This member also added that the nose is a common place for someone with oral herpes to have outbreaks there. He/she also emphasized the importance of washing hands often, especially if you have or are often exposed to the herpes virus.
I contracted herpes 16 years ago. I first got a rash on my inner thigh. I get the outbreak about 5 times a year. The symptoms seem to be getting worse as I age.
Other participants who joined the discussion said that it is possible to get herpes on other parts of the body, including legs, although some claimed not because of genital herpes .
Yes, you definitely get herpes on other parts of your body. I have had outbreaks on my left shoulder for 20 years now. I dont have genital herpes either. I dont know how I contracted it on my shoulder.
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Genital Herpes: The Painful Facts About A Tricky Virus
There are two main types of herpes simplex virus infections, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Generally speaking, HSV-1 is responsible for those annoying cold sores that can pop up during times of stress or lack of sleep. Genital sores are usually caused by HSV-2. Many people dont realize that HSV-1 can cause genital ulcers as well, though these tend to be less severe and less likely to recur.
It can take as little as a few days and up to a week after a person has been exposed before any herpes symptoms appear. First, there will be redness and tingling, followed by small painful bumps that progress to fluid-filled “blisters.” Eventually, these burst to form shallow skin ulcers which then crust over, with gradual healing over a couple weeks. An initial genital herpes infection can be very painful, also cause fever, body aches and fatigue. Recurrent outbreaks tend to cause less severe symptoms. Rarely a genital herpes infection can cause inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain .
What To Do When Shingles Makes You Tired
If youre experiencing fatigue during or after shingles, try out some of the suggestions below to help you cope.
- Set up a sleep routine. Pain from shingles or PHN can make it hard to sleep. However, setting up a regular sleep routine may help you get to sleep a little easier. Try setting a firm bedtime, or doing something relaxing before going to sleep.
- Reduce stress. Stress can really sap your energy. Additionally, if you have shingles, stress may make your symptoms worse. Because of this, try to find ways to effectively reduce your stress levels.
- Eat often. Eating often may help you keep your energy levels up while youre feeling tired. Try to space out meals and healthy snacks out so that youre eating something every few hours.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel fatigued or sluggish, so make sure youre getting enough fluids.
- Reach out. Try to reach out to family and friends for their support and understanding. If fatigue is significantly affecting your mood and daily life, it may also be beneficial to engage with a support group or a mental health professional.
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How Do You Prevent Shingles
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against shingles in most people. The shingles vaccine should not be given to people who are immunocompromised.
For more information on shingles immunisation, see Shingles immunisation service.
Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox. The risk of spreading the disease is low if the rash is covered. When the rash has developed crusts, you are no longer infectious.
If you have shingles, you should:
- wash your hands often to prevent the virus from spreading.
Avoid contact with these people until the rash has developed crusts:
- pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
- premature or low birthweight babies
- children who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
- people with weakened immune systems, such as people who:
- have had chemotherapy
- are taking other medicines that weaken their immune system
- have had a transplant
- are living with HIV.
Can Herpes Meningoencephalitis Be Prevented
Avoiding herpes virus infections in the first place can help you prevent herpes meningoencephalitis. Ways to avoid infections from herpes viruses include:
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Abstain from sex or have only one sex partner who has been tested for the virus and isn’t infected.
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Use a latex condom, which can reduce but not entirely prevent the risk of infection.
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Avoid kissing people with cold sore blisters. It’s important to keep in mind that most people have already been infected with HSV1 virus by the time they’re 20 years old. If you’ve already been infected, the virus goes dormant inside your body except during outbreaks.
Some pregnant women who have had genital herpes outbreaks may want to have their babies delivered by cesarean section. This may prevent meningoencephalitis in newborns.
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Talking With A Doctor
Its important to talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of shingles or PHN. Your doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan that can help to address your symptoms.
Antiviral medications can help to treat shingles. When these are started shortly after symptoms appear, they can reduce your symptoms and the duration of your illness.
There are also several types of medications that may help with PHN pain. Some examples include tricyclic antidepressants , antiseizure drugs, and topical pain medications.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cold Sores
Cold sores start with an itchy and tingling sensation usually on the mouth, lips or nose and may form small blisters that crust after 3 days.
Cold sores usually clear up after 2 weeks without leaving any scars. They can be highly contagious, even when the blisters arent present. The virus can spread between people by direct physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact and sharing drink containers, eating utensils, towels or toothbrushes with someone who already has a cold sore.
As well as a blister-like spot, the following symptoms are also common:
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Got Ulcers Get Tested
A person with genital ulcers should see his or her doctor. Its important to confirm whether or not it is herpes and if so, what type. Genital herpes outbreaks are treated with antiviral medications. These medications can help to reduce the number of days of discomfort and have few side effects. They are most effective when taken early in an outbreak. Some people take these drugs daily to prevent outbreaks.
Once someone has had a test that confirms either type of genital herpes, future partners can have a blood test which tells them if they already have been exposed to the same strain of virus. If the person tests negative, the partner with the infection would be advised to take antiviral therapy daily, in order to help prevent infecting his or her partner. Although daily antiviral therapy decreases the chances of spreading the virus, there is no guarantee, so its best to have a frank conversation with a new sexual partner.
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How To Treat Herpes
Herpes is diagnosed either by a sample of a sore itself or a blood test that IDs antibodies. Rememberit cant be cured. But if youre suffering from outbreaks, oral antiviral medications such as Zovirax, Famvir, or Valtrex are often prescribed to decrease severity and length, says Dr. Svets.
Sitting in a shallow, cool-water bath can also help alleviate sore pain. Just avoid any heavily fragranced soaps or bath products that could further irritation.
Since the likelihood of passing herpes on is high , its crucial to tell any sex partners that you have herpes and use condoms, says Dr. Svets. For people with recurrent outbreaks, you can also use antiviral medications on a daily basis to suppress the virus and lower the risk of transmission to under 10 percent.
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Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md
Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.
Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.
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What Are The Complications Of Herpes Meningoencephalitis
With treatment, most people with this disease start to improve within a day or two and tend to recover fully within about a month. But without treatment, very serious complications can set in, including death.
Even with treatment, some people with severe cases may have long-term brain damage. They may have trouble thinking, controlling their body, and hearing, seeing, or speaking. They may need to take medicines for a long time, and they may require long-term care.
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Does Herpes Make You Tired
When a herpes infection first appears, some of the symptoms can affect your entire body. You may have a fever and feel exhausted. Tender lymph nodes and a general feeling of ill health can develop later. You can experience tingling, scratching, or soreness in your outer genitals, as well as swelling.
What Should I Know If I Am Pregnant And I Have Genital Herpes
Its normal to be concerned about the health of your baby when you have any type of STI. HSV can be transmitted to your baby if you have an active outbreak during a vaginal delivery.
Its important to tell your doctor that you have genital herpes as soon as you know youre pregnant.
Your doctor will discuss what to expect before, during, and after you deliver your baby. They can prescribe pregnancy-safe treatments to ensure a healthy delivery. They may also opt to deliver your baby via cesarean.
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Why Cold Sores Come Back
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex.
Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore.
Most people are exposed to the virus when they’re young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
It does not usually cause any symptoms until you’re older. You will not know if it’s in your skin unless you get a cold sore.
Page last reviewed: 20 July 2020 Next review due: 20 July 2023