Although herpes is annoying and painful, it rarely poses a danger to people in good health. However, when the immune system doesn’t respond normally or at all, herpes can be dangerous. This can occur with AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, certain medications, and some rare genetic disorders. Herpes is also a problem for pregnant women, since the infection can pass to the unborn baby. Primary infections pass to newborns at a much higher rate than recurrent infections, but either can kill newborns or leave them with damage to the nervous system (such as seizures and mental retardation). In less serious instances, babies may have an outbreak of herpes on the skin, but no other problem. If you are pregnant and know you have herpes, be sure to tell your obstetrician, as you will need careful monitoring. Medication or caesarean section delivery can reduce the chances of infecting the baby.
The Future of Herpes Treatment
The best answer to herpes is prevention, and the best widespread prevention is likely to be a vaccine. Researchers have several possible vaccines in development; none to date are 100 percent effective, but some are promising. Research continues on vaccines, and on new drugs for treatment.Remember, right now the best prevention is to know your partner and his or her status with respect to herpes. The best treatment plan involves your doctor and your partner. Communicate!
Some useful links :
Tips for telling your partner about herpes from
Herpesweb, University of California at Santa Barbara, Menstuff, and the Famvir site.General Information on Herpes from
National Institutes of Health and Center for Disease Control.