What is Herpes?

It is important to know how viruses operate within the body to fully understand herpes. In every reproducing cell there are DNA and RNA, which contain the genetic blueprint for the cell and the body. Viruses genetically, unlike cells, contain either RNA or DNA but not both. Since viruses have only half the genetic material for reproduction they cannot reproduce unless they attach themselves to normal cells. Once inside the cell they can utilize the missing genetic material and reproduce.

The virus that inhabits a cell is a parasite and will drain energy from the host cell. The virus, encased in protein coating, moves through the intercellular fluid from cell to cell and multiplies rapidly in each. Left unchallenged by a strong immune system, one virus can explode into thousands and each of these into thousands more. This is the action of the herpes virus.

The herpes virus can inhabit a cell in a dormant or latent stage lasting months or even years. During this dormant stage the virus does not reproduce or spread. When the virus lies dormant it poses no threat. Most likely during this latent stage the protein coating remains strong, the cell has not mutated and antibodies from the immune system (assisted by macrophages) cannot eliminate the virus. A good time to attack this virus is in the active phase when the virus leaves the host cell and inhabits cells weakened by massive parasitic replication.

With present testing once you come in contact with the virus you will always test positive. Present testing is based on the herpes antibody. Antibodies, once created by the immune system to combat a new foreign invader to the body, never leave.

Types of Herpes

The two types of herpes viruses we will be concerned about are HSV-1 and HSV-2. They are basically the same virus with the type-1 outbreaks appearing most commonly about the mouth and the type-2 affecting the genital or vaginal area (click here for some genital herpes pictures). However each type can appear in either location. Once infected by herpes, warning sign or symptoms (prodrome) will appear signaling the onset of an outbreak. The prodrome stage will start as tingling, throbbing and/or itching resulting in a rash. Prodrome is caused by the virus replicating in the skin. Within two to seven days, sores and fluid-filled blisters appear. The entire first episode may take as long as a month for the sores to scab over and dry up.

The herpes virus lies dormant for long periods of time. It hides within the cells in the body as protection from the antibodies produced by the immune system. When inactive, the virus inhabits the cell in the latent stage, during which the virus does not replicate or travel within the body. Triggered by stress, illness, poor nutrition, excessive activity and even sunlight coupled with a weakened immune system, the virus travels through nerve pathways to the site of the outbreak.

Herpes is Contagious

We believe a person is only contagious during prodrome (possibly a day before) on through until a day or two after the outbreak has healed completely. When the virus lies dormant it poses no threat. This again, is our belief. But feedback from our customers over the past ten years verifies, to our satisfaction, our belief. The most contagious periods are when the virus is replicating on the surface of the skin (rash) on though to when the outbreak has healed completely. The herpes virus is spread by direct skin to skin contact when the virus is active. The soft skin of the genitals, vagina and anus along with the moist surfaces of the mouth are easy targets. Kissing, caressing and sexual contact with a person in the contagious stage will spread the disease.

A major reason for the epidemic proportions of herpes is that anywhere from 10-30% of herpes carriers are asymptomatic. They don't show signs of the disease and many don't even know they are infected. But they can spread herpes during shedding periods, when the virus is on the surface of the skin, even though they will not have an outbreak. After initial episode (and with a little time) these shedding periods will occur only a few times per year for only a few days.

We believe a person is either asymptomatic or experience outbreaks. If you experience outbreaks you are not asymptomatic and do not shed the virus. This again is our belief.

How to stop the Virus

Herpes can be easily stopped in the prodrome stage by proper use of DMSO and O₂xygen For Life The herpes virus, and all viruses, cannot exist in an elevated oxygen/alkaline environment. If you increase cellular oxygen/alkaline levels equivalent to a pH of 7.5 the herpes virus will die. And if you maintain a cellular pH of 7.5 you will never experience another outbreak again.