UPEI SUN, Nov.25 , I , I—o ‘

Herpes Simplex:40,000,000 Americans Can’t Be Wrong

BY PETER BOISSEAU

Herpes is the most widespread genital infection in North America today. In the United States alone, 20% of the adult population is already suffering from genital herpes with about 500,000 new cases reported each year.

There are two types of herpes simplex: herpes simplex virus 1, which causes sores on the mouth and herpes simplex virus 2, which causes sores in the genital regions. However HSV 1 can be transfered to the genital area just by the touching of a mouth sore to the‘ genital region. This is occuring more frequently because of the in— crease in oral-genital and oral- anal sex. Herpes can also be transmitted by the fingers touching an affected area then rubbing another region of the body.

The first symptoms of genital herpestake from two- to 20 days to surface. In females the sores usually oc- cur on the vaginal lips, vaginal walls, vulva, anus or cervix. In males the sores will

’ usually appear on the penis, anus, thighs. buttocks, urethravor scrotum.

Herpes first appears as tiny clusters of fluid-filled blisters that rupture within five days leaving shallow. agonizing sores in their wake. The sores eventually form a

crust and begin a healing pro- cess that takes from two to

three weeks leaving no scars.

This is not the end however. The virus continues to live in a latent stage until it is trig- gered again by physical or em "hnal stress, Such ‘as fati I e. sunburn, or menstruation. -

An attack of herpes can usually be identified on sight by a doctor. However. there are cases of victims being competely unaware of it such

as women who developed sores on the cervix which is oblivious to pain. There are several tests for herpes.the most common is the taking of sample fluid from the blister and examin- ‘ing it for the'virus.The Pap smear is often the only way a woman with cervical herpes can find out if she has it.This is especially important to know for women who plan to have children.

Herpes virus during.

pregnancy can have serious and often fatal complications. Some experts think it in- creases the chances of either spontaneous abortion or

premature delivery. A"

Caesarean section will drastically reduce the risk of infection at birth. Oral-genital and oral-anal sex should be avoided if a per- son has herpes mouth sores.

T A..- . - _....-. b

Using saliva as a lubricant during sex should also be avoided. Despite the rumors it has not been confirmed yet whether or not .the herpes virus can survive outside the human body for any length of time, i.e. on toilet seats and other objects. Also, washing after engaging in sex with som-

eone who has herpes will not

guarantee that the person will not. contract the virus. There is no cure for herpesfl‘he sores will reoccur for life but will decrease in frequency and intensity. There are ways for herpes sufferers to. limit discomfort, however. Refraining from sex during periods of reoccurence will not only reduce the chance of spreading the disease (it should be noted that infection can occur even

when the virus is dormant) — _ _

SAD FOODS CAUSE FAT PEOPLE

(RNR/CUP)-—-If you're get— ing chunky around the-mid- dle you can blame it on i v Itoo much sad food.

Psychiatrist and diet— etic researcher Dr. Stuart Berger says there are two kinds of foods——

happy ones and sad ones——

and it's the sad ones that make you fat. Reraer contends most overeating is caused bv depression

Taken from The St. Thomas I Aquinian

discovered early on. — fl — — which is biochemical

but will relieve the frequency and intensity of these attacks. 'It is also advisable to keep the affected area dry and clean. Avoid tight clothing and underwear to keep the sore from being» rubbed. If the sores are in an area where they are being irritated by urine, apply a small amount of petroleufn jelly to cover them. Extremely painful sores can be relieved somewhat by Xylocaine oint- ment.

Anyone having sex with more than one partner should have regular check-ups. Women should remember ' that if herpes is contracted, regular 'Pap tests should be taken because there is a possi- ble link between herpes and cervical cancer. But cervical cancer can be treated if is

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in nature, and is trig— gered by the sadfoods we eat.

His list of sad entrees includes sugar, egg yolks, ripe avocados, chocolate, chicken, cheese, bananas, yogurt, brown rice and spinach. '

Berger claims that munching from the happy listwill lift your spirits and melt away those unwanted pounds. _

THOSE FUN-LOVING ARMENIANS (RNR/CUP)-—More headaches for the Kranlin: this time it isn't Poland or Afghan— istan—or even Western blue jeans.

The problem is flue folks in Armenia, who are giving their kids naines like "Telephone’,’ "Chevrolet" and, in the case of a pair of twins, "Ping" "POngn. _

The Ccmmmist Party. I newspaper» criticizing the trend to‘ name children after "kitchen devices and socio- political formations" says it may be ideo- logically correCt’to Lame your child "Fulfill— the—five—ysar-plan-Lin- four—years", but it won't

' make his or her life any

easier .