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Many "experts" call herpes incurable because there is—at present—no drug capable of destroying the virus and no vaccine able to confer immunity. The same facts are true, of course, of the common cold ... and the body deals with a herpes infection in the same way it copes with a cold: It mobilizes the immune system to cure it.

Furthermore, in the immune-system/herpes battle, the former is heavily favored. In fact, only about one-third of the people who acquire the virus ever experience the recurrent flare-ups commonly thought to be always associated with it.

When considered as a physical illness, herpes is actually a relatively minor ailment. What concerns most sufferers is not the discomfort of the sores, but rather the emotional distress of having an illness that can complicate lovemaking relationships.

However, the central truth about herpes is that those who experience such emotional upset, anxiety, and stress over the illness are much more likely to have a difficult time with it than are folks who remain calm. Adopting a positive attitude—a "wellness orientation"—seems the best way to break the psychological "grip" of herpes and help your body cure any attack that might occur.

Herpes is most likely to erupt—as are colds—at times when the body is fatigued, ill, or under stress. By incorporating a personal "stress management program" into his or her day—whether it consists of meditation, jogging, or what have you—the herpes sufferer can keep his or her resistance up and recurrences down.

PREVENT TRANSMISSION

It is believed that the use of condoms will prevent transmission of herpes when visible sores are present. However, the blisters are likely to be painful enough to make lovemaking uncomfortable. Furthermore, because there is a danger of transmitting the illness when sores are active, it's probably a good idea to refrain from intercourse during such times.

Some people with herpes may be infectious for a period before a recurring sore becomes visible, too. Many such men and women notice a slight tingling or itchy feeling a day or two prior to an out-break. This period of "warning" is called the "prodrome". It serves as a signal that a sore is soon to erupt, and is similar to the feeling many of us experience when we know that "a cold's coming on".

People who have had herpes should learn to recognize their prodromes. Once they can do so, they can not only prevent transmission, but can also use relaxation exercises—or soothing activities such as hot baths or naps—to attempt to reduce the severity of the coming attack.

IS THERE HOPE FOR A CURE?

Lots of folks ask me whether there will ever be a drug or vaccine to control herpes, and—at this point—I can only answer "maybe". Last year, the Food and Drug Administration authorized testing of a substance called 2-deoxy-D-glucose, which apparently hinders the replication of the herpes virus. The experimental cancer cure, interferon, may also prove to be useful against herpes. At present, however, the FDA has not licensed any drugs for the treatment of the illness.

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