Latest news with #herpes
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Cold sore virus takes over human DNA within just one hour, study finds
The cold sore-causing Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) hijacks human cells and reconfigures its DNA within just an hour after infection, according to a new study that may help tackle the pathogen. Viruses are dependant on their hosts for replication, and upon infecting cells they tend to take over its cellular machinery to make new copies of themselves. Scientists have now found that the herpes virus not only hijacks its host's genome, but tends to reorganise the entire internal structure of the cells it infects within an hour after infection. Two out of every three people under the age of 50 live with HSV-1, and once infected, they have the virus for life. Although most cases are asymptomatic or manifest as mostly benign but recurrent cold sores, in rare cases the virus can cause blindness or life-threatening disease in newborns or those with compromised immunity. herpes infection and dementia in older adults. The new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that HSV-1 reshapes the human genome's structure, making it compact and dense so that the virus can access host genes most useful for it to reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments to control the virus, which infects nearly four billion people worldwide, researchers say. "HSV-1 is an opportunistic interior designer, reshaping the human genome with great precision and choosing which bits it comes into contact with. It's a novel mechanism of manipulation we didn't know the virus had to exploit host resources," said Esther González Almela, first author of the study. While previous studies have suggested that HSV infection leads to compacting and reshaping host chromosomes, it remained unclear whether it was a side effect of the cold sore virus infection or caused directly by the pathogen itself. The latest study is the first to prove that HSV-1 reshapes the human genome deliberately and within hours of infection. Researchers also found that blocking a single host cell enzyme – topoisomerase I – completely blocked the cold sore virus' crucial ability to rearrange the human genome. "In cell culture, inhibiting this enzyme stopped the infection before the virus could make a single new particle," said Pia Cosma, another author of the study. "That gives us a potential new therapeutic target to stop infection,' Dr Cosma said. In the study, scientists used super-resolution microscopy to peer into ultra small cell structures just 20 nanometres wide, which is around 3,500 times thinner than a strand of hair. They combined this with another technique that reveals which bits of DNA are touching inside the nucleus. These techniques showed that the herpes virus' hostile takeover begins within the first hour, with the virus hijacking a key human enzyme – RNA-polymerase II – to synthesise its own proteins. Just three hours after infection, the virus causes a sizeable fraction of molecules involved in human DNA replication to abandon the cell nucleus and enter viral replication compartments. The wholesale theft causes a collapse of any activity across the host genome, which then gets crushed into a dense shell just 30 per cent of its original volume. Scientists hope the latest findings can help address the global health challenge posed by HSV-1 due to its prevalence and ability to cause recurrent outbreaks.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Natural Health: What can I do about my stress-related cold sores?
I get a cold sore almost every time I get stressed — it can be related to work or a relationship. I meditate daily and take good care of my health, which makes it even more frustrating. Stress is a well-known trigger for cold sores. Other triggers include fatigue, sun exposure, food sensitivities and allergies, medication interactions, and menstruation or hormonal changes. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). HSV-1 is typically contracted in early childhood, with an estimated 90% of all adults being exposed to this virus at some point in their lives. Studies suggest that the herpes simplex virus may require the amino acid arginine for replication, while lysine can help counteract this effect. Arginine-rich foods include chocolate, nuts, oats, carob, coconut, and soybeans, which can trigger outbreaks in some. Lysine is present in vegetables, legumes, fish, sprouts, and dairy products. For some individuals, lysine supplements may help reduce the frequency or severity of outbreaks. Vitamin C and zinc can be taken internally and applied topically to manage cold sores. You will need to take approximately 50mg of zinc daily and up to 5,000mg of vitamin C in 1,000mg increments throughout the day for three days, then reduce this to 3,000mg for maintenance. Zinc has been shown to be effective in inhibiting HSV replication in research studies. It is also well-documented for immune support, and specifically in the management of viral infections. Vitamin C is known as an immune-supportive nutrient, and it also specifically works against the herpes virus (this applies to other herpes-related conditions such as shingles, genital herpes, and the Epstein-Barr virus). Vitamin D is another crucial nutrient for immune support, and individuals dealing with recurrent cold sores may have lower levels of it in their blood. One of the most effective topical treatments is a concentrated extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) applied to the affected area. Lemon balm contains several constituents that work synergistically to prevent the virus from taking hold, and is most effective when used as a cream or balm. The recommended extract strength is 70:1 to arrest the outbreak and promote rapid healing of the blisters. If you are unable to track down this concentrated lemon balm extract, consider the more widely available option, propolis extract. Topically, propolis, which bees collect from resins, gums, and sticky plant buds, can help heal lesions quickly and reduce the likelihood of additional infection. Check out the Cork business Hanna's Bees ( for a wide range of bee products, including propolis tincture at only €14.50 for 20ml (which is an excellent size for travel and will last an age). We're taking the ferry to travel to France for our summer holidays. I've three children under 10, and all of them get travel sickness. What remedy would you recommend? Two excellent herbal remedies for motion or travel sickness are chamomile and ginger. You can combine these herbs and add honey to sweeten if needed. Use a teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of boiling water and steep for four to six minutes. This infusion doesn't have to be taken hot — you can strain it off and let it cool, then store it in a water bottle. Additionally, consider packing Sea Bands, which are designed to be worn over the acupressure points in the wrist, allowing you to manage any symptoms as soon as nausea arises. It is a good idea to practise using the bands in advance of the holidays. Ask your children to wear the bands on both wrists for around 10-15 minutes before they hop in the car. These are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most pharmacies. NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
'Best place to have herpes': New Zealand advert wins top prize
New Zealand Herpes Foundation "To fix our national pride, the solution is obvious: herpes." That was the pitch made by the charity New Zealand Herpes Foundation last October, when it launched a campaign to make the country the "best place" to have the infection. That campaign has been a roaring success, winning a top prize at this year's Cannes Lions awards, which recognise excellence in the creative industry. The campaign, which aimed to destigmatise herpes via a faux tourism advertisement video, was awarded the Grand Prix for Good - a category that seeks to highlight work by non-profit organisations and charities. The video starred Sir Graham Henry, the former head coach of the national rugby union team. In it, he touted the past successes of New Zealand and lamented its diminishing sources of national pride - such as an "embarrassingly low" sheep-to-human ratio and pies that are "pushing seven bucks". "We need something new to be proud of; something big and brave to put us back on the map," Mr Henry said as he scrawled the word "HERPES" - in all caps - on a chalk board. "It's time for New Zealand to become the best place in the world to have herpes." What followed was another old-school video packaged as a "herpes destigmatisation course", featuring other national icons like former health ministry chief Sir Ashley Bloomfield and professional boxer Mea Motu. The irreverent humour running through the campaign - which was developed with agencies Motion Sickness and FINCH - has struck a chord with audiences. "Forget doom and gloom, there's enough of that already to go around," said David Ohana, communications chief at the United Nations Foundation and a jury president at this year's Cannes Lions. "Our 2025 awardee took a taboo topic and turned it on its head – showing that with a great strategy, a big, bold, crazy idea … and humour for days, that anything is possible." Around one in three sexually active adults in New Zealand has the virus that causes genital herpes, though most have mild or no symptoms and can lead ordinary lives, according to the New Zealand Herpes Foundation. "Popular media, misinformation, and New Zealanders' awkwardness talking about sex - has led to huge stigmatisation for those living normal lives with the virus," reads a press release from when the campaign was launched last October. Alaina Luxmoore, from the New Zealand Herpes Foundation, told local TV programme Breakfast that millions had seen the campaign, which had "massive cut-through". "The campaign was so funny, I think that's why it worked," Luxmore said. New Zealand
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
'Best place to have herpes': New Zealand ad wins top prize
"To fix our national pride, the solution is obvious: herpes."That was the pitch made by the charity New Zealand Herpes Foundation last October, when it launched a campaign to make the country the "best place" to have the campaign has been a roaring success, winning a top prize at this year's Cannes Lions awards, which recognise excellence in the creative campaign, which aimed to destigmatise herpes via a faux tourism advertisement video, was awarded the Grand Prix for Good - a category that seeks to highlight work by non-profit organisations and charities. The video starred Sir Graham Henry, the former head coach of the national rugby union it, he touted the past successes of New Zealand and lamented its diminishing sources of national pride - such as an "embarrassingly low" sheep-to-human ratio and pies that are "pushing seven bucks"."We need something new to be proud of; something big and brave to put us back on the map," Mr Henry said as he scrawled the word "HERPES" - in all caps - on a chalk board."It's time for New Zealand to become the best place in the world to have herpes."What followed was another old-school video packaged as a "herpes destigmatisation course", featuring other national icons like former health ministry chief Sir Ashley Bloomfield and professional boxer Mea irreverent humour running through the campaign - which was developed with agencies Motion Sickness and FINCH - has struck a chord with audiences."Forget doom and gloom, there's enough of that already to go around," said David Ohana, communications chief at the United Nations Foundation and a jury president at this year's Cannes Lions."Our 2025 awardee took a taboo topic and turned it on its head – showing that with a great strategy, a big, bold, crazy idea … and humour for days, that anything is possible."Around one in three sexually active adults in New Zealand has the virus that causes genital herpes, though most have mild or no symptoms and can lead ordinary lives, according to the New Zealand Herpes Foundation."Popular media, misinformation, and New Zealanders' awkwardness talking about sex - has led to huge stigmatisation for those living normal lives with the virus," reads a press release from when the campaign was launched last Luxmoore, from the New Zealand Herpes Foundation, told local TV programme Breakfast that millions had seen the campaign, which had "massive cut-through"."The campaign was so funny, I think that's why it worked," Luxmore said.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
New Zealand ad campaign to make country ‘best place in the world to have herpes' wins top prize at Cannes Lions
A public health advertisement that campaigned to make New Zealand 'the best place in the world to have herpes' has won a top prize at the Cannes Lions – one of world's most prestigious advertising awards. The campaign, launched by the New Zealand Herpes Foundation in October last year, attempts to challenge decades of entrenched stigma around genital herpes – a condition that affects up to 80% of New Zealanders at some point in their lives, the foundation said. The cheeky take on a retro-style tourism video features former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry lamenting the loss of New Zealand's clout on the international stage – the sheep to human ratio is 'embarrassingly low', pies are 'pushing seven bucks' and the country's pride is 'less than outstanding', he opines. 'We need something new to be proud of, something big and brave to put us back on the map – it's time for New Zealand to become the best place in the world to have herpes,' Henry says. The promotional video is followed by a 'Herpes Destigmatisation Course', fronted by prominent New Zealanders such as former director-general of health Sir Ashley Bloomfield, former All Black Sir Buck Shelford and boxer Mea Motu. The campaign – developed alongside Auckland-based agency Motion Sickness and Sydney agency FINCH – was awarded the Lions health and UN foundation grand prix for good, for 'unabashedly [using] humour to tackle a challenging subject and stigmatisation'. 'Our 2025 awardee took a taboo topic and turned it on its head – showing that with a great strategy, a big, bold crazy idea, and humour for days, that anything is possible,' said David Ohana, Cannes Lions jury president. Claire Hurst, one of the foundation's founding trustees, told the Guardian herpes is mostly medically insignificant but that 'a lifetime of societal conditioning' around the word 'herpes' makes coping with a diagnosis difficult for many. Never in her 30 years of doing this work has a campaign to destigmatise the infection had such cut-through, Hurst said. 'As soon as you just put it out there, and people can just say 'you see, it's cold sores' and 'yeah, a lot of us have them and most of us don't know', then it stops being the big bogey man.'
