Herpes is a generic name for the Herpes Simplex virus and it comes in two main types – Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2) – both of which are classified as sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
Herpes causes periodic outbreaks on the skin of lesions in the genital region or cold sores, and these are normally irritating, itchy, and visibly unsightly. Once contracted, the Herpes virus makes its home at the base of the spine within the sacral ganglion neurons. From the virus’ point of view this is an excellent location as it is protected from the hosts natural antibodies that are produced in the immune system, and the virus can live there unmolested for the entire life of the host.
After the first infection by the Herpes virus, the body’s immune system fights to try to contain the virus – in effect to attempt to keep it at bay in a dormant state and this dormant state can last a matter of a few weeks, or possibly the entire life of the host.
Outbreak time periods are dependent on the ability of the immune system to keep the virus at bay, and the immune systems battle is affected by stress, energy levels, good nutrition, age etc. Anything that reduces the immune system will make it harder to keep the virus under control and increase the chances of an outbreak.
Once an outbreak starts the virus leaves it’s base at the lower region of the spine, begins to replicate and the appears on the skins surface as lesions – these can last up to four weeks. This is the time when the virus is most vulnerable to treatment, however it is also the time when the host body is most able to infect others, although unfortunately you may still be able to pass on the virus even when there has been no outbreak.
Herpes spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact so it is very important to practice safe sex, and to try to eliminate the virus from your system by boosting the immune system to prevent outbreaks. A strong immune system has a better chance of keeping the virus at bay and also eliminating the virus if or when it leaves its protected home at the base of the spine.
