Turns out that a study found that the reactivation of VZV is associated with the use of certain drugs, such as methotrexate and certain biologic medications [2]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Reactivation of VZV usually occurs as a result of weakening of the immune system due to aging or a damaged immune system. Children may also develop shingles, however the risk of getting shingles increases when as you get older, usually at the age of 60 or older[1].

 

The development of technology in the modern era has contributed to our understanding of various diseases mechanisms and drug development methods. In addition, post clinical epidemiological research highly contributes to our understanding of whether a current treatment is efficient and to what extent.

Turns out that a study found that the reactivation of VZV is associated with the use of certain drugs, such as methotrexate and certain biologic medications [2].

This study results suggest the need for a vaccination against VZV in patients with psoriasis and various risk factors for shingles. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

I bet your next question might be, “What is Methotrexate?” Well, good question! Methotrexate is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer such as breast, skin, head and neck, or lung, as well as severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis [3]. According to Medline Plus, Methotrexate may decrease the activity of the immune system, and as a result develop serious infections [4]. Which actually may be the reason to the reactivation of VZV I mentioned, though the actual reason for reactivation was not discussed in the study.

In actual fact, Psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis are a chronic inflammatory disorders of the immune system [5-6], in which the body actually attacks itself. This causes a problem: on the one hand, there is a need to regulate and control the immune system, and on the other hand, if the immune system is too down regulated, the body won’t be able to fight latent infections. Therefore, this study results suggest the need for a vaccination against VZV in patients with psoriasis and various risk factors for shingles.
References
1. CDC.gov – “Shingles (Herpes Zoster)” – Prevention & Treatment. Last Reviewed on May 1, 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/prevention-treatment.html
2. Family Practice News – Methotrexate and biologics linked to higher zoster risk in psoriasis. Published on March 22, 2015.
3. Drugs.com – Methotrexate. Last revised on January 6, 2015.
http://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html
4. Medline Plus – Methotrexate. Last revised May 15, 2014.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html
5. Psoriasisconnect.com – Psoriasis and your immune system.
http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/psoriasis-and-immune-sys.jsp
6. Shah, Ankur. Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine (18th ed.). United States: McGraw Hill. p. 2738.

Genital herpes infection, usually caused by HSV-2 virus, has a social stigma attached to it. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

There are many stigmas surrounding emerging viral infections.Stigmas which serves as a constant source of gossip, and as a result display certain viral infection in a rather negative light.

Genital herpes infection, usually caused by HSV-2 virus, has a social stigma attached to it. It is thought of as a disease only the promiscuous and cheating type get, and is a popular joke topic [1].

The first question which struck my mind was,” Why don’t people make jokes about HIV\AIDS or HPV? They are serious viral infections!” I guess the reason is because they cause serious illness such as cancer, making it no joke [1].

Other STD’s such as Chlamydia, syphilis, crabs, scabies, and gonorrhea are sometimes the target of jokes, but they are typically curable, so people won’t have to tolerate the annoyance for too long.However, genital herpes isn’t curable which strengthens existing social stigma around it [1].

For some, physical symptoms lead to extreme mental suffering. Insecurity, discouragement, rejection, humiliation, shame, and isolation are only few examples caused by this stigma (genital herpes).What’s even more absurd is that genital herpes usually doesn’t show up most of the year! So there is actually no reason for stigmatizing this condition! [1]

Interestingly, according to a study, being open about genital herpes assists in stopping some mental fears.

Interestingly, according to a study, being open about genital herpes assists in stopping some mental fears.

Moreover, couples who share this information could reduce the risk of transmitting herpes by agreeing to use condoms, holding off sex during outbreaks, and avoiding skin to skin contact around the genital region [2].And besides, revealing the fact of being infected with genital herpes to other people, may contribute to awareness regarding new antiviral treatments in the market.

Couples who share this information could reduce the risk of transmitting herpes by agreeing to use condoms, holding off sex during outbreaks, and avoiding skin to skin contact around the genital region. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

The stigmatizing process in society is a natural process which occurs due to man’s natural tendency of constant gossip.However, we must not allow that kind of gossip lose control to the extent of incorrect facts as in the case of genital herpes.If infected with herpes, telling your partner, family member, or close friend, can greatly ease shame rejection and isolation feelings. As Frank Warren once said, “Trade your secretes and become who you are [3].”

References:
1. Fortenbury, J. The Overblown Stigma of Genital Herpes. Published July 28, 2014.
2. Sabo, E. Overcoming the Stigma of Herpes. Published May 26, 2010.
3. Frank Warren, Post secret, 09.06.08

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Familiar with those mornings when you feel blue or sad? It is a part of life, and is very common.

The good thing is that those feelings usually pass within a couple of days, only to help us appreciate our joyful periods in our life. However, when you experiences depression, it interferes with your daily life and causes you pain as well as for those who care about you. Depression is a common and serious illness [1].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

But before we begin, let me quickly remind you the meaning of a “latent infection”. A latent infection is caused by viruses found in the human body in a latent state. These viruses can remain dormant and hidden from the immune system for years, only to erupt later without warning [4].

So in a matter of fact, any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase viral symptoms, which, in turn, increases depression [5].

There are various viruses which cause latent infections, while the “famous” ones being herpes, and HPV, which also cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s).

But wait, It doesn’t end there, what if I told you that latent infections may also cause depression? Sound crazy, but according to various studies, it is true [3].

Herpes virus it mostly infects a type of cell called an epithelial cell.

For example, our skin is an epithelial cell. Once a person is infected the virus copies itself, and uses nerves to travel to the brain [7]. Once in the brain, the virus establishes a latent infection, kinda like “falling asleep” in your brain [4].

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

All these changes can introduce a vicious cycle that’s tough to break without treatment for both depression and any other diseases.
It is similar to entering a feed forward situation where any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase the viral damages, and therefore, increases depression [3].
The good news is that depression treatment is often a “two-for-one”, by treating the depression, you can also improve your overall health. If you or someone close to you are experiencing depression, talk with your doctor about treatment.

In addition to antidepressants and talk therapy, exercise may help.
The two-for-one treatment may work the other way round too- treating latent infections may help treating depression.

There are various treatments for latent infections, depending on type of virus you are infected with. However, if someone is infected by several viruses, it is quite a bummer taking several medications, each one for a different condition.
But wait, it turns out that there is a single treatment for all types of viruses- Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin which are natural antiviral dietary supplements.

Their formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract.

They activate the imune system and helps it target latent viruses more efficiently therefore, targeting all latent viruses occupied in the body.

To date, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are the only natural antiviral products on the market with published clinical studies that support their claims, making them safe to use! [6]
It is known that happiness is the best treatment for any condition. William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind” [8]. At the end of the day, our health and well being is only up to us, and under our own responsibility. A mans merit is measured by his ability to get out of difficult and tough situations in life, and deal with them.

References:
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
2. Chen MH1, Wei HT, Su TP, Li CT, Lin WC, Chang WH, Chen TJ, Bai YM. Risk of depressive disorder among patients with herpes zoster: a nationwide population-based prospective study. Psychosom Med. 2014 May;76(4):285-91.
3.Wang X1, Zhang L2, Lei Y2, Liu X2, Zhou X3, Liu Y3, Wang M3, Yang L4, Zhang L4, Fan S3, Xie P3. Meta-analysis of infectious agents and depression. Sci Rep. 2014 Mar 31;4:4530.

4.Villarreal, Luis P. (2005). Viruses and the evolution of life. Washington, ASm Press.

5. WebMD.com – Depression Health Center – How Depression Affects Your Body. Last updated on May 31, 2014.

6. Polansky, H., Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published on August 12, 2013. cbcd.net/Gene-Eden-VIR-Clinical-Study.php

7.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005) Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 2-3.
8. William James, US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 – 1910)