Yes. Sometimes, people with recurrent genital herpes need or want suppressive therapy, which means taking medicine daily for up to 1 year to lessen the number of outbreaks. This may be because they experience many outbreaks (e.g., more than 6 per year). For many people, however, treating their genital herpes outbreak for a short period of time as soon as they feel the warning sensations (episodic treatment) is appropriate and even preferred in some cases. See similar questions...

Research has been going on for many years on vaccines to prevent HSV-2 infection. An experimental vaccine is currently in clinical trials. At best, this vaccine will be only partly effective in preventing infection. If the research results are positive, it will be at least another 3-4 years before the vaccine is available. See similar questions...

Yes. The genital herpes virus can still be spread through the skin although there are no visible signs of an outbreak. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding. Up to 70% of people catch genital herpes from an infected partner who has no signs or symptoms. And since the symptoms are not always obvious, nine out of ten people who have genital herpes don't even know they're having an outbreak. See similar questions...

With recurrent genital herpes, symptoms can come and go. When symptoms appear from time to time, it is called a "herpes outbreak." Between outbreaks, the herpes virus is inactive and when reactivated, it travels to the skin in the genital area. An outbreak usually begins with a warning prodrome. Then, redness, bumps, and blisters may appear. The blisters can burst open and cause sores. There may be just one blister or several. See similar questions...

Yes, herpes can be spread whilst no symptoms are present. The virus can be active at the skins surface and viral particles can be shed and passed on to another at this time. This is called 'asymptomatic shedding' because there are no symptoms present. The good news is that this occurs very rarely. The bad news is that without clinical testing it is impossible to know when this is occurring. See similar questions...

The very injection process constitutes a risk, since the injection of the needle into the skin may provoke an outbreak of facial herpes. Prevention of an outbreak of herpes by means of an oral antivirus drug is recommended. Never use Aquamid when there is an outbreak of herpes labialis. Application of Aquamid is not recommended in persons with frequently recurrent herpes labialis. See similar questions...

If you do have sex during a herpes outbreak, condoms reduce the risk of passing it on, but only if they cover the herpes sores. The risk of transmission during an outbreak is high. The answers to the health questions on this page have been produced by FPWA for the purpose of disseminating health information free of charge for the benefit of the public. They are not a substitute for independent professional advice. See similar questions...

The City of Beaverton is implementing a plan to respond to the potential risks posed by the West Nile Virus. The City’s plan reflects the successful experiences of Vector Control Districts across the U.S. In addition to an extensive public information effort, the City will engage in the active collection of mosquito larvae at selected sites throughout the city. See similar questions...

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can be a very frustrating problem. It may require several adjustments in medication or other treatment before the problem is under control. Patients with Atrial Fibrillation usually get medication to restore the heart rhythm, to control and slow down the heart rate or to thin the blood. Pacemakers can prevent the onset of Atrial Fibrillation and relieve the symptoms. See similar questions...

Yes. Surgeons have developed techniques to minimize tissue damage during surgery, and use adhesion barriers like Seprafilm? to prevent adhesions following abdominal and pelvic surgery. Adhesion barriers help to reduce the incidence, extent and severity of adhesions. Adhesion barriers work by helping to separate surfaces while injured tissues in the abdomen and pelvis heal. See similar questions...

Keeping your blood sugar at an even level can help prevent diabetic retinopathy. If you have high blood pressure, keeping that under control is helpful as well. Even controlled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, so you should have your eyes examined once a year; that way, your doctor can begin treating any retinal damage as soon as possible. See similar questions...

When my HTC P4000 is on and in it's case (probably because an alarm went off), and the send key is accidentally depressed a couple times, I ended up redialing the last number. This has happened to me many times. See similar questions...

Doctors aren't sure how to prevent macular degeneration. Research suggests that ultraviolet light (and possibly blue light) factors into the problem, so sunglasses could be very beneficial. Read more about sunglasses. What you eat also affects your macula. Researchers think that antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E), zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential fatty acids all can aid in preventing macular degeneration. Read more about nutrition and eye health. See similar questions...

Prevention of carpal tunnel involves specific stretching for the neck, anterior shoulder/chest muscles and the radioulnar, wrist and hand muscles. AIS been used by thousands of secretaries, computer personnel and people who do repetitive movements. See similar questions...

Protect yourself and reduce the risk of exposing your family, friends and co-workers by getting a flu shot at your local U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group. See similar questions...

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA--and specifically, the prcd form of PRA) is an inherited eye disease rooted deep in the gene pool of at least a couple dozen breeds. Dogs with prcd-PRA often become blind, and always have serious vision problems. In most breeds prcd-PRA manifests by the time a dog is at least six years old, after it has already been bred. However, in English Cocker Spaniels, prcd-PRA manifests even later, not until usually a dog is at least 8 years old. See similar questions...

Yes. Do not consume unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream while traveling. If you are not sure that the dairy product is pasteurized, don't eat it. Hunters and animal herdsman should use rubber gloves when handling viscera of animals. There is no vaccine available for humans. See similar questions...

There is no way to consistently prevent cataract development. Several vitamins have been shown to reduce cataract formation but their protective effect is very limited. Avoiding excessive exposure to UV light by using glasses and sunglasses with UV filters may help a little. See similar questions...