Press Releases
April - BE SEXUALLY SAFE IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER
With the summer fast approaching, everyone's thoughts are turning to
holiday
sun, sea, sand and SEX! But the start of the summer doesn't bring
joy to all, especially when seven out of ten 25 year olds carry the herpes
simplex virus - the cause of cold cores.
Those people who occasionally develop cold cores, know only too well that sunlight can trigger a recurrence of symptoms. But people with cold sores need not hide away. The Herpes Viruses Association is offering advice and a few simple preventative measures this summer to ensure everyone has maximum fun in the sun.
- Always use a good sunscreen when you go out in the sun; this will protect your skin from sun damage and also reduce the possibility of a flare up.
- Avoid kissing if you suspect a cold sore is on its way.
- Avoid direct contact with the affected patch of skin of someone who has cold sores, as transmission is much more likely if there are obvious spots or blisters. This includes sex and even oral sex, as the virus and be spread both ways.
- Remember that there are two types of herpes simplex, type 1 and type 2, and either type may be caught on any bit of skin. The most common affected sites on the body are the lips and / or the genitals.
- Carry a cold sore preparation. Lomaherpan [now called LomaBrit], is a popular herbal cream for stopping a cold sore, it contains the active ingredient Melissa, alternatively known as lemon balm. It is available from the HVA at £6 for a 5g tube.
By following these simple precautions the HVA hopes you can enjoy a nuisance, and blister free holiday.
Helpline for the general public:
0845 123 2305
Website:
http://www.herpes.org.uk
The Herpes Viruses Association exists to promote better mental and physical health with regard to the family of herpes viruses. Our aims are:
- To give correct information on herpes to the public, to medical professionals and to the media.
- To promote research into the prevention and treatment of herpes simplex and its effects on the persons who contract it, and to disseminate the useful results of such research for the benefit of the public.
- To relieve persons with symptoms of herpes simplex.
