Herpes symposium informative, alarming
By Laura Henkes
A topic which has .unfortunately been put aside,
die shadow of. other social diseases such as syphilis
i gonorrhea, is the herpes simplex virus or HSV.
But recently, a two-day HSV symposium spon-
red by The Oregon Health Sciences University, took
jig step forward in educating health professionals,
rtners of herpes sufferers, and other interested per
ns.
Dr. Fred Rapp of Pennsylvania State University’s
partment of Microbiology, first explained that
ipes viruses of different types are present in almost
animals and that humans can be infected by five dif-
ent types of herpes viruses, two of which are the
as referred to as HSV-I and HSV-II.
Eighty to 90 percent of the adult population has
perienced HSV-I in some form, most probably in
Idhood,. and with minor symptoms; and thus they
iy those antibodies in their systems.
Common symptoms, Dr. Rapp noted, are blisters
cold sores, especially about the mouth, although
ay may also be found around the eyes, nose, or
nitals.
He added that these sores are likely to reappear
proximately every two years; however, individuals
ay be surprised by a recurrence of an episode which
ay have initially occurred as many as 15 to 20 years
¡or.
HSV-II is generally considered to be sexually
ansmitted; but Dr: Rapp advised that HSV-I may
so be sexually transmitted. After the first or primary
lection , he indicated that there-is generally a recur-
nce about four times a year, with latent periods bet-
een.
The reason that HSV has not been considered an
epidemic in the past, Dr. Holmes feels, is because
there is no cure for it. Therefore, many persons who
contract the disease do not consult doctors or clinics;
as a result the statistics do not reflect the true number
of incidences.
A new drtig, called Acyclovir has recently been
publicized as a treatment for HSV. Dr. Holmes stated
that it is useful for “primary” infections in reducing
pain and the number of infectious days in the cycle.
But he quickly added that this is the only time it is
useful-that it is of no consequence to those experienc
ing recurring infections or “initial” episodes of HSV-II.
Additionally, it is of no value in treating symp
toms of HSV-I.
Dr. Neville Vines, an associate clinical professor
of psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University
Dr. Neville Vines, an associate professor of
clinical psychiatry at the Oregdn Health Sciences
University expounded on the psychological effects of
herpes.
“The isolation adds stress to an already stressful
experience,” he said. “Also, there is the threat of
future pain. What about family or relationship situa
tions when out of the blue there is some kind of recur
rence of herpes that has been latent for years?”
ONLY THOSE CASES DIAGNOSED BY PRIVATE PHYSICIANS.
increase.)
year :
1966
cases :
29,560
NOTE:
? 1972
The general concurrence
at the seminar was that
epidemic and is just as
Gonorrhea is officiaFly
there are approximately
that those suffering from herpes can take positive steps
by “faking responsibility for their own illness; taking
crucial steps to reaffirm their own power over at least
part of their lives.” This he feels, can partially be ac
complished by bringing to the surface hurts and
angers, and by expressing them in a positive manner.
No dues or charges.
Dr. Holmes pointed out other symptoms which
.2.
VENEREAL DISEASE ACTIO •
1200 SE Morrison
Portland, OR 97214
233-1131
1979
260,890
between physicians and health professionals
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is currently an
prevalent, if not moreso, than gonorrhea.
considered to be in epidemic proportions, and
2*000,000 cases per year.
you have been with someone recently; and this is very
destructive, because this may not necessarily be the
case.”
Dr. Vines explained, “Most people pick it up
when they are undergoing a great deal of stress. Stress
builds on stress and the cycle becomes debilitating
physically and psychologically.” But Dr. Vines feels
Ktion.
(Approximately 10-fold
'
83,620
As a final note, Dr. Vines gave some very prac
[ Dr. King Holmes, of the U.S. Public Health Ser
ie Hospital in Seattle distinguished between tical advice: “There are no undesirable side effects
primary episodes” and “initial episodes” of HSV ai from hugging; and you can’t O.D. on it.”
ds. A primary episode would be the first incidence
For approximately five years, the Herpes
i a given individual of either oral or genital herpes
ither HSV-I or HSV-II); the person has no an Research Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seat
tle has been working with comfort measures to help
sies tó either virus.
An initial episode, he went on to explain, is the those experiencing herpes problems.
ist episode of HSV-II in someone who has had at
une time in their life, oral or HSV-I, and thus has
tose antibodies in their system.
| Dr. Holmes estimated that for both HSV-I and
RESOURCES
FOR
H E R P’ e S
iSV-II there are 3-4 million “recurrent” cases per
¡ar, meaning a recurrence from the latent stage;
tese recurrences could be “symptomatic” or “asymp-
PORTLAND AREA H.E.L.P. CHÁPTF”
1.
foatic.” He heavily emphasized that “the first” (or
P0 Box 14934
primary”) attack of herpes is the most severe and in
Portland, OR 97214
■Bents who’don’t have any antibodies, it is even
198^ Scheduled Meeting
»ore severe.
For a female first exposed, it is more severe than
At. Providence Medical Center
or males. Dr. Homes explained that the severity dif-
In the Social Room
¡rences between male and female are due to the
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
evere infection that develops in the cervix of approx-
Apr i1 12, Apri1 26, Ma y
+ »
tnately 90 percent of women who have a primary in-
Juhe 28.
®uld be caused by the virus: “It can also move into
l>e lymph glands in the groin and cause pain. It can
lot into the blood stream where it causes a syndrome
■st like influenza—fever, chills, muscle aches and
®ins, headache, and often a stiff neck.”
One of the audience questions to Ms. Winter in
volved the use of condoms, which are generally
thought to-be effective in preventing the spread of
veneral diseases. But, Winter cautioned, “I never
recommend that condoms be used when there is an
active infection. The variety of materials in condoms
varies with brands. It is very difficult for us to say that
the virus will or will not pass through a condom. My
advice: Abstain when you know you have symptoms.
Wear a condom all the rest of the time.”
Dr. Frederick T. Fraunfelder, professor and chair
man of the Opthalmology Department at the Oregon
Health Sciences University discussed herpes and eye
infections.
He added that venereal diseases in general grow
easily in the eye because of the kind of tissue in the
eye, because the eye is in a wet environment, and thus
easily transmitted. Unlike herpes which occurs in other
areas, there are treatments which will be effective in
treatment of herpes in the eye.
Complications arising from herpes prior to and
after birth were identified by Dr. Andre J. Nahmias,
professor and chief of Pediatrics/Infectious Disease
and Immunology at Emory University School of
Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. One out of 4,000 babies
will have herpes.
COUNCIL
Herpes can be contracted by the baby, according
to Dr. Nahmias, prior to birth if there is a leak or break
in the sac or by passing through the birth canal upon
birth. Premature births are also more common in
babies with herpes. He added that of newborns with
herpes, 82 percent of the time the mothers were
asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).
One of Dr. Nahmias’ concerns was in handling of
the new-born baby by the parents, not realizing that
cold sores are contagious, and thereby passing the
disease onto the baby by touching or kissing it.
Overall, the symposium presented such a large
volume of information, that it is important not only to
persons who have or have had herpes, but also to
everyone as concerned, knowledgeable individuals.
Additional information can be obtained through
the agencies and also through “The Herpes Hand
book,” a 44-page book which is available for only $2
from the Oregon Health Sciences University at
233-1131. The book may also be obtained by writing
to: Herpes Handbook; OHSU-L220A;-Portland, OR
97201.
»VENEREAL
D I S E A S E.
CLACKAMAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.J
V.D. CLINIC
1425 S. Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
655-8568
4.
HERPES RESOURCE CENTER/ASHA
P0 Box 100
P?lo Alto, CA 94302
(415) 321-5134
5.
V. D. HOTLINE,
1-(800)-227-8922
(To 11-Free)
Weekdays 8:00 a.nu - 8:00 p.m.
Weekends 10:00 a.m. - 6100 p.m.
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