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VALTREX - Simple Dosing for the Suppression
of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a contagious
viral infection primarily affecting the genitals of men and women. The
telltale signs and symptoms of herpes include recurrent clusters of
blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital areas. These outbreaks are
most commonly caused by the Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), one of several
strains of the Herpes virus.
Genital herpes is generally
not a life-threatening disease, but it is a lifelong disease with outbreaks
that can recur at any time. In addition to the physical symptoms, genital
herpes can have great impact on some patients.
In addition to the fact
that there is no cure, it also can be transmitted, placing an enormous
burden of responsibility on those that carry it. It has reached epidemic
proportions in the U.S.; up to 500,000 people get it each year, and
current estimates are that 50 million cases or more exist in either
the active or dormant stage. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans age
12 and older are infected with HSV-2.
VALTREX is the only once-a-day prescription medication proven
to suppress future genital herpes outbreaks. VALTREX works by disrupting the
process by which the herpes virus reproduces itself and spreads to other cells
in the body. There is no cure for genital herpes, and no drug has been proven
to prevent the spread of herpes to others. Use VALTREX to suppress herpes
outbreaks or to treat them when they occur.
| Q: |
How do I know if I have genital
herpes? |
| A: |
If you think you may have been exposed to or infected with the
herpes virus, it is very important to see a physician or other healthcare
provider immediately! Be aware of the following symptoms and see
a physician or other healthcare provider if you are experiencing
any of them. If you've noticed a rash, chafing, pimples, or sores
of any kind in your genital area, you may have genital herpes. Other
symptoms may include burning during urination, tenderness, tingling,
swollen lymph nodes, or soreness in the genital area. |
| Q: |
Can you spread genital herpes even when you're not having an outbreak? |
| A: |
The genital herpes virus can still be spread through the skin
although there are no visible signs of an outbreak. This is called
asymptomatic viral shedding. Up to 70% of people catch genital herpes
from an infected partner who has no signs or symptoms. What's more,
because outbreaks are not always obvious, nine out of ten people
who have genital herpes don't even know it. |
| Q: |
How can I reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus? |
| A: |
To help reduce the risk of infecting partners, avoid sexual contact
when lesions or symptoms are present. And since it is possible to shed
the virus without having signs and symptoms of an outbreak, always use
a condom during intercourse to reduce the risk of transmission. Auto-inoculation,
or spreading the virus to other parts of your body, can be avoided by
not touching your sores. If you do touch them, wash your hands immediately
with soap and water. |
| Q: |
If I take medication, can I still spread genital herpes to others? |
| A: |
No drug has been proven to prevent the spread of herpes infection to
other people. You or your partner should always use condoms and avoid
sexual contact during an outbreak. |
| Q: |
How common is herpes? |
| A: |
Most Americans have herpes, either as genital herpes, or as cold sores.
(The main difference is where it appears on the body.) About 50 million
Americans have the virus that causes the genital form of herpes, with
up to 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year. |
| Q: |
Who is most susceptible to herpes? |
| A: |
Anyone who is sexually active (including any vaginal, oral, or anal
contact) can get genital herpes. But most people with genital herpes never
recognize the signs of infection. So there are lots of people who have
herpes and don't even know it. |
| Q: |
If I think I have genital herpes, is it necessary to get tested? |
| A: |
Yes. Once you know you have genital herpes, there are steps you can
take to reduce its impact on your life. You can take medication to shorten
outbreaks or to help suppress them before symptoms ever appear. You can
practice safer sex. Through local support groups, you can talk to others
who have genital herpes. Your doctor or other healthcare provider can
help you with all of these steps, but only if you talk to him or her about
the symptoms that make you think you may have genital herpes. |
| Q: |
What could happen if I have genital herpes and don't know it? |
| A: |
You could pass it on to a partner. Or, if your partner has herpes and
doesn't know it, he or she could pass it to you. You could also spread
herpes to another part of your body, like your mouth or your finger. |
| Q: |
If I am pregnant and have genital herpes, will I transmit it to the
baby? |
| A: |
Women with genital herpes have healthy babies all the time. However,
it is possible, if you become infected during pregnancy or you have an
outbreak at the time of delivery, to transmit the infection to your baby.
Therefore, it is particularly important to take appropriate precautions
to prevent becoming infected during pregnancy, particularly if your partner
has genital herpes and you don't. It is strongly recommended that pregnant
women who suspect that they may have genital herpes discuss this with
their physician or other healthcare provider because there are precautions
that can be taken to help protect the baby from infection. |
| Q: |
If I think I have genital herpes, what should I do? |
| A: |
With the help of your physician or other healthcare provider, genital
herpes can be managed. Don't take a chance. If you think you or your partner
might have genital herpes, see your physician or other healthcare provider
right away. Remember, herpes thrives on ignorance. |
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