Latest news with #herpessimplex
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
12 natural remedies to cure mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth, on the tongue, or lips. They are not harmful but can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Several things can cause them. Stress and anxiety may trigger ulcers by weakening the immune system. Hormonal changes, like during periods or pregnancy, can also lead to them. Some people get ulcers after eating spicy, acidic, or citrus foods. A lack of vitamins like B12, iron, or folic acid can also be a cause. Finally, biting your cheek or tongue or rough dental work can lead to mouth ulcers. Heal mouth ulcers fast with these effective home remedies 1. Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer to reduce pain and inflammation. 2. Honey: Apply a thin layer of honey to the ulcer to promote healing and reduce bacterial growth. 3. Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the ulcer to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 4. Turmeric: Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste, and apply it to the ulcer to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 5. Licorice root: Apply licorice root extract to the ulcer to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 6. Saltwater rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 7. Baking soda: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, and apply it to the ulcer to reduce acidity and promote healing. 8. Tea tree oil: Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the ulcer to reduce bacterial growth and promote healing. 9. Gargling with apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and gargle several times a day to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 10. Chamomile tea: Drink chamomile tea or apply a cooled chamomile tea bag to the ulcer to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. 11. Slippery elm: Apply slippery elm powder to the ulcer to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 12. Vitamin B12 supplements: Take vitamin B12 supplements or apply vitamin B12 gel to the ulcer to promote healing and reduce the risk of deficiency. FAQs 1. What is the fastest way to heal a mouth ulcer? The fastest way to heal a mouth ulcer is to apply a topical remedy, such as aloe vera or honey, and avoid irritants, such as spicy or acidic foods. 2. Can mouth ulcers be contagious? No, mouth ulcers are not contagious, but they can be triggered by viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus. 3. How can I prevent mouth ulcers? To prevent mouth ulcers, practice good oral hygiene, avoid irritants, and manage stress. Also read | What is Mouth Larvae: Know its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies and treatment
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
THIS simple antiviral can lower the risk of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease continues to puzzle scientists and burden families. With around 7 million Americans currently affected, this number is projected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 13 million. In 2020 alone, the disease cost the US more than $300 billion in care and related expenses. Despite decades of research, the root cause of Alzheimer's remains unclear. What is known, though, is that abnormal protein deposits in the brain, especially amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, play a significant role in its development. But why these plaques form in the first place is a question science is still chasing. Research suggests that a common virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), might be involved in triggering these damaging brain changes. It's the same virus responsible for cold sores. At first, this sounds surprising. But as studies begin to piece together more evidence, the idea is gaining ground. The cold sore virus and the brain HSV-1 is extremely common. According to the World Health Organisation , nearly 64% of people under the age of 50 carry the virus. Often, it stays hidden in the body, showing up now and then as cold sores. But here's where things get interesting: HSV-1 is a neurotropic virus; it can invade and remain dormant in nerve cells, including those in the brain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Back in the 1990s, Professor Ruth Itzhaki was one of the first to spot HSV-1 DNA inside Alzheimer's brain plaques. Her research also found that people with a genetic risk factor were more vulnerable to the virus's effects in the brain. Fast forward 30 years, and new studies are similar to her findings. Recent lab experiments show HSV-1 can trigger the buildup of amyloid-beta, one of the hallmark features of Alzheimer's. The idea is that repeated reactivation of the virus may damage neurons and kickstart brain inflammation, slowly increasing the risk of dementia-like decline over time. Numbers add a new layer to the theory A new study led by Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington brings real-world data into the conversation. Using medical records from over 215 million Americans, the researchers looked at whether those with an HSV-1 diagnosis were more likely to develop Alzheimer's, and whether antiviral medications made a difference. Here's what the numbers showed: People with HSV-1 had an 80% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to those without it. Those who received antiviral treatment had about a 17% lower risk of Alzheimer's compared to untreated individuals. This large-scale study offers something many previous ones lacked: population-wide evidence that supports earlier lab-based theories. But it's not without flaws. The data came from insurance claims, which means many mild or undiagnosed HSV-1 cases likely went unnoticed. Also, the specifics, such as the type, dose, or duration of antivirals, were not available. These gaps leave room for caution when interpreting the results. It's tempting to jump to conclusions, but science moves slowly and carefully. The connection between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's is still correlational, meaning that while patterns are visible, they don't prove cause and effect. There are many possible explanations. For example, HSV-1 may not directly cause Alzheimer's but might trigger immune system changes, especially in genetically susceptible people. Or, people with weaker immune defences might be more prone to both HSV-1 reactivations and neurodegenerative decline. What complicates things further is that Alzheimer's is influenced by many factors: Age is still the biggest risk. Genetics, like the APOE ε4 gene, play a key role. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity also contribute. And now, chronic infections like HSV-1 may be another layer of the puzzle. In short, no single cause has been found, but pieces like this help build a clearer picture.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Herpes Virus Could Help Treat Advanced Cancer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While it may give billions of people worldwide painful cold sores, a common virus could be harnessed to provide a much-need new cancer treatment. This is the conclusion of a study by researchers with Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, who have shown in early clinical trials that a genetically modified version of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be used against advanced melanoma. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that originates in the cells that give our skin its pigment. In its advanced form, however, it spreads to other sites in the body. "These findings are very encouraging because melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for adults—and about half of all advanced melanoma cases cannot be managed with currently available immunotherapy treatments," said paper author and oncologist Dr. Gino Kim In of Keck Medicine in a statement. "The survival rate of untreatable advanced melanoma is only a few years, so this new therapy offers hope to patients who may have run out of options to fight the cancer." Stock image of a doctor inspecting a patient's mole for skin cancer, Stock image of a doctor inspecting a patient's mole for skin cancer, Wavebreakmedia/iStock / Getty Images Plus In their study, In and colleagues recruited 140 patients with advanced melanoma that either did not respond—or was no longer responding—to immunotherapy. Each participant had multiple tumors, some of which were "superficial," in that they were located on or just beneath the skin, while others were located deeper in the body, such as in organs like the liver or lungs. "Unlike other immunotherapy drugs, RP1 is an 'intratumoral' therapy that is injected directly into melanoma tumors," In told Newsweek. Both deep and superficial tumors were treated with a modified version of HSV-1 in combination with the immunotherapy agent, nivolumab (which helps the immune system's T-cells fight tumors), every two weeks for up to 16 weeks in total. If the patients appeared to be responding to the treatment, they then continued receiving nivolumab every four weeks for up to two years. The modified HSV-1 virus used in the study is named "RP1." It is designed to specifically target and destroy cancerous tumors while also stimulating the body's white blood cells to seek and destroy other cancer cells across the entire body. Unlike its natural predecessor, RP1 does not cause herpes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved RP1 for review in patients with advanced melanoma that was not responding to immunotherapy in January this year. By the trial's end, the team found that tumors had shrunk by at least 30 percent in one-third of the patients—while nearly one-in-six saw their tumors disappear completely. "Importantly, RP1 was very well tolerated with approximately 90 percent of patients having only mild side effects, such as fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms," noted In. An artist's impression of the herpes simplex virus. An artist's impression of the herpes simplex virus. Artur Plawgo/iStock / Getty Images Plus Comparing the outcomes of both tumors that were directly treated and those that were not, the team found that uninjected tumors shrank and/or disappeared just as frequently. "This result suggests that RP1 is effective in targeting cancer throughout the entire body and not just the injected tumor," said In. This, she continued, "expands the potential effectiveness of the drug, because some tumors may be more difficult or impossible to reach." In added that—while it is too early to tell if the positive outcomes stay permanent—she is optimistic about RP1 therapy's potential. She explained: "I believe that oncolytic viruses will open up an important new approach to fighting cancer in some patients in the near future." Stock image of melanoma cells seen through a microscope. Stock image of melanoma cells seen through a microscope. Dlumen/iStock / Getty Images Plus With the first two phases of the clinical trial now complete, the researchers are now moving to confirm their findings in a larger, global population of more than 400 trial patients. Keck Medicine will once again serve as one of the sites for this next trial. Patients interested in participating are encouraged to contact Keck Medicine Oncology Clinical Research Program Manager, Sandy Tran, by email. The clinical trials are being sponsored by the biotechnology company Replimune, which manufactures RP1 as well as other viral-based cancer therapies. As the mechanism of RP1's action is not specific to melanoma, the researchers say that the treatment may also have potential in treating other cancer types. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about melanoma treatment? Let us know via health@ Reference Gino In, Michael Wong, Joseph Sacco, Eva Muñoz Couselo, Dirk Schadendorf, Georgia Beasley, Jiaxin Niu, Bartosz Chmielowski, Trisha Wise-Draper, Mohammed Milhem, Tawnya Bowles, Katy Tsai, Celeste Lebbe, Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste, Adel Samson, Junhong Zhu, Marcus Viana, Jeannie Hou, & Caroline Robert. (2025). Response analysis for injected and non-injected lesions and of the safety and efficacy of superficial and deep/visceral RP1 injection in the registrational cohort of anti–PD-1–failed melanoma patients of the IGNYTE trial. 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Rakyat Post
23-06-2025
- Health
- Rakyat Post
Entrepreneur 'Kieda Crepe' Shares Her Oral Herpes Diagnosis – Doctor On Twitter Weighs In
Subscribe to our FREE Oral herpes recently became a trending topic on Malaysian social media after local entrepreneur Khalieda Yusra, better known as Kieda Crepe, revealed in a video that she had contracted the virus. In the Photo: Facebook / Khalieda Yusra 'I knew it! His private part is smelly. This happened because of his mouth, right? Because we kissed?' she quipped. The doctor went on to explain the nature of the herpes virus, offered prevention tips, and prescribed her an antiviral cream. While Kieda may have intended to raise awareness, many netizens felt the jokes were in poor taste, as her core business was selling food. Everything You Need to Know About Oral Herpes As the topic continued trending, a doctor on Twitter, Dr Samhan, stepped in to provide further clarity. In his post, he urged the public not to immediately blame their partners, noting that oral herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be transmitted through various non-sexual means. According to Dr Samhan, HSV-1 is highly contagious and many people may carry it without even knowing. In some cases, it's contracted in childhood through non-sexual contact, such as kissing family members or sharing utensils, towels, or cups. 'Doktor… saya kena herpes sebab telor suami masam?' 😳 Bunyi pelik, tapi jangan cepat salahkan pasangan. Jangkitan ni boleh datang dari banyak punca. — Dr Samhan (@DoktorSamhan) He described the virus as being 'dormant' or inactive, only becoming active when a person's immune system is weakened such as during times of stress, fever, or menstruation. How Does Oral Herpes Spread? Through kissing, even without visible sores Through oral sex with an infected individual By sharing personal items such as lip balm, spoons, or straws By touching an infected area and then touching your mouth Signs You Might Have It Dr Samhan explained that oral herpes symptoms may include: Small blisters or growths around the lips Itching or a burning sensation at the affected area Mild fever General fatigue or weakness 'Oral herpes spreads easily sometimes without you even realizing it. Practice good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and always pay attention to any changes in your body.' He ended his post with a reminder that it is better to be safe than sorry. Tak masam — MYDIN (@MydinMalaysia) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Heartbroken mum warns of killer mistake to never make with newborn babies after daughter dies from common infection
A HEARTBROKEN mum is warning others of a common mistake made with newborns after losing her daughter to a deadly infection. Hailey Riches, 25, knew there was something wrong with Violet Constantinou after she refused to feed and had yellow skin. 5 5 She was advised to take Violet to hospital as she "started getting worse". At eight days old it was discovered from a series of tests she had contracted neonatal herpes (HSV-1) - a serious infection in newborns caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Violet was immediately given anti-viral medication, but her condition quickly deteriorated, and she began to experience seizures. She was consequently taken to Southampton Hospital where she was placed in intensive care. Doctors noticed the newborn was having acute liver failure and despite being put on highest priority in the UK for a liver transplant she tragically died at one month old while still waiting. They told mum Hailey and dad Dimitri Constantinou, 30, they would never know where the herpes came from. Hailey and her fiancé have vowed to spread awareness for people with cold sores, or those prone to the virus, to keep away from newborn babies. Hailey said: "I do see it online many times people saying 'but why can't we kiss a baby?' when it is not their baby - it frustrates me because of having gone through this situation. "This is why you have to be slightly protective and be aware. If you have got a cold sore don't go near a baby because it is deadly and can kill them. "This is not to scare new mums or pregnant women. It is to say if you are not feeling right in yourself and if the baby is not feeling right then to be persistent and get it checked." Hailey added: "I don't have genital herpes, none of my family or myself had a cold sore outbreak. They said it is most likely from an outsource but they are not sure who. "Anyone can spread the virus without even knowing. Even if you have got no symptoms you might still pass it on." From a normal pregnancy to critical ordeal Hailey Riches who works as a specialty coordinator for NHS said she had a "normal" pregnancy and gave birth to daughter Violet via an emergency caesarean on March 22, 2023. Despite the newborn seeming "fine and well", once the family returned home, mum Hailey noticed that Violet started to feed less, looking fatigued and had a yellow skin. A health visitor advised Hailey to take her to Worthing Hospital - where she was checked with a jaundice machine. The newborn was sent home but everything "started to get worse", explained Hailey. At eight days old, Violet was still having troubles feeding, so Hailey took her back into hospital, where a nurse discovered she had a high temperature. At that point mum Hailey was admitted with sepsis. This led to blood checks and a lumber puncture, which revealed that Violet had neonatal herpes (HSV-1) - a serious infection in newborns caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be contracted before, during, or after birth. Type 1 (HSV-1) is mostly spread by oral contact through kissing, sharing drinks or utensils, and causes infections in or around the mouth, like cold sores. Violet was immediately given anti-viral medication, but her condition quickly deteriorated, and she began to experience seizures. On April 1, she was taken to Southampton Hospital where she was placed in intensive care. Hailey, of Billingshurst, Sussex, said: "The doctors said that we will be lucky to see her survive the next 24 to 48 hours. 5 5 "She was deteriorating further and then they decided to flew her by helicopter to King's College Hospital in London because they realised she was having acute liver failure." Violet was put on highest priority in the UK for a liver transplant but tragically died on April 21 while still waiting. Hayley said: "It was absolutely traumatising. The worst time of our family's life - I don't think our family has ever gone through such a traumatic time. "Every day something was happening and she was deteriorating further - it affected her brain, her lungs, she then had a cardiac arrest at one point where we watched her being resuscitated for nine minutes. "It just got worse and worse and it was time to say goodbye at the end." Doctors told mum Hailey and dad Dimitri, who works as a driver for builders merchants, they would never know where the herpes came from. Anyone can spread the virus without even knowing. Even if you have got no symptoms you might still pass it on Hailey Riches Hailey added: "I don't have genital herpes, none of my family or myself had a cold sore outbreak. They said it is most likely from an outsource but they are not sure who. "Anyone can spread the virus without even knowing. Even if you have got no symptoms you might still pass it on." On August 16, 2024, Hayley and her fiancé welcomed daughter Lily into the world. But Hailey explained she was "terrified" during the first months of giving birth following her experience with Violet. She said: "I had consultants telling me the first six weeks are crucial to protect her because they have no immune system. "I had always said to people no kissing, wash your hands when you come in or if you want to hold her. We were very protective because of the situation we went through. "I do see it online many times people saying 'but why can't we kiss a baby?' when it is not their baby - it frustrates me because of having gone through the situation. "This is why you have to be slightly protective and be aware. If you have got a cold sore don't go near a baby because it is deadly and can kill them. "This is not to scare new mums or pregnant women. It is to say if you are not feeling right in yourself and if the baby is not feeling right then to be persistent and get it checked." Hailey concluded: "Thank you to Southampton General Hospital, the Pediatric Unit and Ronald McDonald charity who accommodated us in Southampton and London during these tragic times." Neonatal herpes - the warning signs Neonatal herpes is a herpes infection in a young baby. The younger the baby, the more vulnerable they are to the harmful effects of infection. Herpes can be very serious for a young baby, whose immune system will not have fully developed to fight off the virus. The herpes simplex virus can be passed to a baby through a cold sore if a person has a cold sore and kisses the baby. The herpes virus can also be spread to your baby if you have a blister caused by herpes on your breast and you feed your baby with the affected breast or expressed breast milk from the affected breast. A baby is most at risk of getting a herpes infection in the first 4 weeks after birth. You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Warning signs If you see the following warning signs in your baby call a GP or contact 111 straight away: is lethargic or irritable is not feeding has a high temperature (fever) – find out how to take your baby's temperature has a rash or sores on the skin, eyes and inside the mouth Call 999 immediately if your baby: is lacking in energy (listless) is becoming floppy and unresponsive is difficult to wake up from sleep has breathing difficulties or starts grunting breathes rapidly has a blue tongue and skin (cyanosis) – if they have brown or black skin this may be easier to see on their lips, tongue and gums, under their nails and around their eyes How is it treated? Neonatal herpes is usually treated with antiviral medicines given directly into the baby's vein (intravenously). This treatment may be needed for several weeks. Any related complications, such as fits (seizures), will also need to be treated. How can it be prevented? If you're pregnant and have a history of genital herpes, tell your doctor or midwife. You may need to take medicine during the last month of pregnancy to prevent an outbreak of vaginal sores during labour. Delivery by caesarean section is recommended if the genital herpes has occurred for the first time in the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy. If you develop a cold sore or have any signs of a herpes infection, take these precautions: do not kiss any babies wash your hands before contact with a baby wash your hands before breastfeeding cover up any cold sores, lesions or signs of a herpes infection anywhere on your body to avoid passing on the virus Source: NHS
