April Newsdesk

Sharp drop in levels of HSV-2 infection in the USA
The level of infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the type more commonly associated with genital herpes, decreased significantly in the United States in the 1990s, particularly in adolescents and males, according to the results of research presented at the latest National STD Prevention Conference (8-11th March, Philadelphia).
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Starting suppressive antiviral therapy sooner reduces recurrences of genital herpes
Starting suppressive therapy with an antiviral agent within three months of the primary episode (first infection) of genital herpes can reduce the frequency of recurrences with symptoms and is also likely to improve quality of life. These are the findings of a new study into the use of valaciclovir carried out in the US.
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Evaluating the Psychological & Social Impact of Herpes
Aside from evaluating the physical benefits of treatments, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in evaluating just how treatment can affect patients' quality of life. It is well known that people with herpes generally have to deal with more than the physical symptoms of their disease. Many patients feel that the psychological and social or psychosocial impact of having genital herpes is much more of a burden than dealing with outbreaks. Decreased self-esteem, anger, guilt, and difficulty with personal relationships may come hand-in-hand with genital herpes and negatively affect a person's quality of life (QOL).
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Level of STIs in UK doubled in a decade
Risky sexual behaviour has led to a marked increase of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people the UK, particularly in those under 16 years of age, according to new figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics.
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