DISCLAIMER: The only intention of this page is to inform and educate. Central Cali H Friends does not offer medical advice or diagnosis, nor do we "endorse" specific treatments.

Herpes is a virus that affects many people.  Medically it's not very serious, but it can cause a lot of emotional distress. The general public needs to be taught that we are not "dirty" because we caught a STD such as Herpes or HPV. Many of us caught it because we were not informed that our partner had it; or they didn't even know they had it, so they didn't know to warn us about it!

The two most common types of herpes are Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1), which is commonly associated with cold sores around the mouth; and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2), which is commonly associated with "the privates". You can have HSV-1 above or below the belly button - it likes it best above; but it can, and does, live down below. HSV-2 is just the opposite - it likes it below the belly button; but can, and does, live above.

About 25% of Americans are estimated to have genital herpes.
6 in 10 people have either HSV1 and/or HSV2!

Up to 90% of those with herpes are unaware they have it!
A large percentage of those with oral outbreaks are in denial that it is herpes.
The disease lies dormant, so some people who have it never even have outbreaks.

The only way to know if you have Herpes is to get tested specifically for it!
Herpes is NOT included in routine STD screening!

Don’t be afraid to ask the healthcare professionals what they will be testing you for.
You will be shocked and amazed when you see what is NOT on their list.

Just because your STD test results came back "clean"; doesn't mean you don't have Herpes, you might have it.
GET TESTED! (To get a Western blot directly from the UW laboratory, have your provider call 800-713-5198.)

HSV-1, mainly spread through oral secretions, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils. Both Herpes types can be spread through skin to skin contact during sexual activities. For example, if you have an HSV-1 cold sore and kiss someone, the virus can be transferred and the person you kiss will get HSV-1. If you have an outbreak of HSV-2 genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, the virus will be transmitted to your partner. And, if you have a HSV-1 or HSV-2 cold sore and put your mouth on a partner's genitals (oral sex), the partner can acquire the herpes virus; if you put your mouth on a partner's genitals who has an active HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak genitally, the virus will be transferred to your mouth. It is important to know that, through asymptomatic shedding, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present. You can spread the virus by touching a herpes sore and then another part of your body, which is called autoinoculation.

Anyone who is concerned about Herpes, and its related health issues, should contact a qualified health care or homeopathic professional. At this time, there is no known cure for herpes. However, there are many different approaches to the management of herpes. Some of these solutions are approved or endorsed by official bodies, such as the FDA, and some aren't. We all agree that it's better to have the disease in it's dormant stage, than actively in an outbreak.

We encourage you to learn about this all-too-common skin virus, that is sexually transmitted. You need to carefully read all the information you can about your various options, and make your own determination of what is best for you and your body; remembering that what works for one person may not work for the next person. This applies both to FDA-approved drugs like: Valtrex, Zovirax, Famvir, and Acyclovir; as well as other remedies, such as: Red Marine Algae, Vir-L-Lysine, Choraphor, Aviralex, Aeura, and H-Balm.

More information can be found at:

1. Westover Heights Clinic - Specializes in the area of herpes simplex infections, both oral and genital. They have been doing clinical research in this area since 1982, evaluating new treatments, potenital vaccines, new blood tests, asymptomatic viral shedding and the psycho-social impact of having genital herpes. The site provides facts about STDs, a genital herpes DVD and a great herpes handbook.
2. American Social Health Association (ASHA) - Since 1914 the American Social Health Association has been committed to educating the public about STDs. On this site you will find accurate and reliable information about all kinds of STDs, including Herpes and HPV. "Herpes is a lifelong (but manageable) infection.  With more than 50 million adults in the US with genital herpes and up to 1.6 million new infections each year, some estimates suggest that by 2025 up to 40% of all men and half of all women could be infected."
3. Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Regarding a genital outbreak the CDC says to " keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate. - Finally, a healthy immune system may be important in controlling the virus. Don't ignore the need for proper nutrition, exercise, and rest."
4. Web MD - A page with lots of information about genital herpes

Help is available Monday - Friday, all times Eastern Standard
ASHA's Helpline is (919) 361-8488 and is open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The CDC National STD Hotline is (800) 227-8922 and is open 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.