By: Joe Graedon March 20, 2023 36 Comments
    Can Antiviral Herpes Drugs Reduce the Risk of Al…

    There are few more devastating diagnoses than dementia. Alzheimer disease robs people of their memories, their personalities and their ability to care for themselves. It is often a torturous decline t…

    By: Terry Graedon March 7, 2022 22 Comments
    Can You Prevent Alzheimer Disease with L-Lysine?

    Intriguing research suggests that the dementia we call Alzheimer disease may be triggered by a common infection: herpes virus. Although the story is not yet complete, the brain's immune response to th…

    By: Joe Graedon March 30, 2020 14 Comments
    Because of COVID-19 Antiviral Drugs are Center S…

    Ever since World War II we have taken antibiotics for granted. Penicillin was the great game changer against bacterial infections. Antiviral drugs did not get the same attention. In fact, many health …

    By: Terry Graedon March 28, 2019 5 Comments
    Show 1159: Do Cold Sores Boost Your Risk for Dem…

    The past few months have produced some fascinating science stories from international sources. We interviewed two scientists in far-flung places to learn more about unexpected ways that microbes inter…

    By: Terry Graedon December 10, 2018 21 Comments
    Is There a Natural Remedy for Cold Sores?

    During cold season, many people suffer from outbreaks of cold sores, also called fever blisters. Perhaps when the immune system is busy fighting off another infection, the herpes simplex virus that ca…

    By: Terry Graedon November 1, 2018 0 Comments
    How Aysa, an AI App, Helped a Mother with her Ch…

    Nicole Pharr is used to keeping a close eye on her daughter Madison’s skin. Madison is prone to eczema and has had highly sensitive skin since she was a baby. Still, Nicole was concerned after her d…

    By: Joe Graedon September 12, 2016 15 Comments
    Valtrex (Valacyclovir) Vanquished 30 Years of Co…

    Many people report that L-lysine, an amino acid, works quite well at preventing or shortening a cold sore outbreak. Not everyone has success with this approach, however. Sometimes a prescription drug …

    By: Joe Graedon June 6, 2016 26 Comments
    Will L-lysine for Cold Sores Protect the Brain f…

    A connection between cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1) and Alzheimer's disease has been tossed around for decades. How good is the evidence? This reader would like to know i…

    By: Terry Graedon March 17, 2016 6 Comments
    Will Inexpensive Heart Drug Overcome Herpes Viru…

    Fighting Epstein Barr Virus: An inexpensive generic diuretic that is often prescribed for patients with heart failure shows antiviral activity against herpes viruses called Epstein Barr virus. This vi…

    By: Terry Graedon April 14, 2011 4 Comments
    Herpes Virus Sheds Without Symptoms

    Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus, and affects approximately 16 percent of American adults or about 40 million people…

    By: Terry Graedon March 11, 2010 1 Comments
    Rates of Genital Herpes Infection High

    Genital herpes, or HSV-2, is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US. New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show an overall infection rate of 16 per…

    By: Terry Graedon December 21, 2009 11 Comments
    Is There Help for Herpes?

    Q. I am 23 years old and I just learned I have herpes. I feel like my life is over. I fear no one will ever want to date me again. I'm not promiscuous at all. It only took one person for me to be infe…

    By: Joe Graedon October 17, 2008 2 Comments
    Genital Herpes Is Sexually Transmitted Condition

    Q. A friend of mine just announced that she has genital herpes. She has had it for quite a few years and has never told her husband. She claims she contracted herpes from a low immune system due to ch…

    By: Joe Graedon September 22, 2008 1 Comments
    Can Drug Prevent Herpes Infections?

    Q. I have a question about Valtrex. I know this drug is prescribed to treat genital herpes. If someone is exposed to a partner with herpes, will taking Valtrex right away destroy any of the virus that…

    By: Joe Graedon April 28, 2008 49 Comments
    Genital Herpes Prompts Thoughts of Suicide

    Q. I desperately need your help. I was diagnosed with genital herpes three years ago, and this diagnosis has left me full of emotions. I am crying as I write this letter. For fear of scorn and rejecti…

    By: Joe Graedon June 21, 2004 0 Comments
    Toilet Seat Contagion Is Disputed

    Can You Catch Something From a Toilet Seat? Nothing stirs up emotions quite like toilet seats. The frightening idea of catching an infection from simply sitting has been hotly contested. We recently h…

    By: Joe Graedon December 23, 2002 0 Comments
    Herpes Drug Can Prevent Spread To Spouse

    Q. Is there a point when herpes stops being contagious? I was diagnosed with herpes 15 years ago. I stopped having vaginal outbreaks after I started taking Valtrex daily. Because I was worried about l…