Hi, do you have pictures of any members and/or the events?

 

________________________________
From: "FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com" <FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com>
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:57:56 PM
Subject: [FloridaClub] Get downtown St. Pete/First Friday, 8/7/2009, 5:00 pm




Reminder from:   FloridaHerpesClub Yahoo! Group
 
Title:   Get downtown St. Pete/First Friday
 
Date:   Friday August 7, 2009
Time:   5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Repeats:   This event repeats every month on the first Friday.
Location:   Downtown St. Pete
Notes:   First Friday of every month. Downtown St. Pete closes the street for a
free jazz concert. Park at Baywalk and walk 2 blocks. Cant miss it.
 
Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email.
Edit reminder options Copyright © 2009  Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved | Terms
of Service | Privacy Policy







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

ST. PETE 2009 : END OF JULY UPDATE/CHANGES

Yo, y'all! Hope your summer has been no less than amazing.

This message (posted 7/31) contains a couple of important announcements
and changes:


IMPORTANT ALERT! WALK-IN (PAY-AT-THE-DOOR) FEE HAS CHANGED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pay-at-the-door price WILL NOT INCLUDE THE BANQUET MEAL. The caterer
wants a head count long before the event! If you want to eat with us at
the Saturday night Beach Carnival Banquet, we need the full event fee
by October 1. If you wait to pay at the door, you won't get into the
Banquet unless someone cancels.

Trust me, you'll be sorry if you miss the Banquet meal. It's always
DELICIOUS. (Menu available on the weekend schedule online.)


EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 1 - 12 midnight PST
After that, the event fee goes up $5


EVENT FEE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you registered at the St. Pete 2009 website, your Event Fee invoice
with payment instructions was emailed to you within 24 hours. If you
registered your work address and you didn't get the invoice, you might
have a firewall that prevents Paypal from getting through. Also, if
you're using AOL, you might have issues. (Switch to Firefox - really!)

Please write us if you didn't get your invoice, and we'll help you
troubleshoot!


REMIND ME - WHAT'S ST. PETE 2009?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The St. Pete National Beach Event is a big annual gathering for the H
community, that is generally attended by between 200-300 people each
year. Like all the national H events, it's more fun than a toboggan on
a steep, snowy hill!

This year, it will be held Thursday-Sunday of the first weekend in
November in its usual location: gorgeous St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.


SUCCESS STORIES PANEL/DISCUSSION
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We've got a special panel/discussion planned for Saturday morning,
featuring 3 couples in successful relationships, who have met each
other at H events. They'll share their experiences and ask you to share
your experiences as well. It's a chance to have a meaningful
conversation with each other about living and loving in our community.

Bring a Burning Question to ask at the discussion!


GET INVOLVED - VOLUNTEER!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to volunteer an hour or two of your time to help with set up/clean
up/running of activities, take a group to dinner, lead a group outing,
perform at the variety show, bounce gate-crashers, etc.? Let us know!
There'll be sign-ups to help at specific activities when you sign in at
St. Pete!


CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!!

Cat >"<
Lead Planner
St. Pete 2009
-----------------------------------------
http://stpetebeachevent.org
-----------------------------------------

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

so wheres the party going to be, to celebrate the inniciation. Im not sure about
the spelling but you get it.

--- On Sun, 7/5/09, D J <ddd19692002@...> wrote:

From: D J <ddd19692002@...>
Subject: [FloridaClub] New Florida H Group!
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009, 3:35 PM













 





                   http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/flencounte rs




































[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Friends - this is your mid-July St. Pete 2000 update. Important
information below, so reading the whole thing would be a good idea!


REMIND ME - WHAT'S ST. PETE 2009?
----------------------------------
The St. Pete National Beach Event is a big annual gathering for the H
community, that is generally attended by between 200-300 people each
year. Like all the national H events, it's more fun than a summer day
in a waterpark!

This year, it will be held Thursday -Sunday of the first weekend in
November in its usual location: gorgeous St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.


EVENT WEBSITE
----------------------------------
http://stpetebeachevent.org


REGISTRATIONS
----------------------------------
It's been less than 3 weeks since the website launched, with 3-1/2
months left to St. Pete 2009, and 139 of you have already registered -
we're more than half full!

This means the hotel is filling up, because successfully registering
for the event approves you for the hotel's room block and accompanying
group rate. So if you haven't registered, better hurry up!


EARLY BIRD FEE PERIOD
----------------------------------
A reminder that Early Bird fee payment period ends in two weeks, folks!
After midnight on August 1, the event fee goes up $5.00 more.

Your event fee payment instructions go out within a day or two of
registering for St. Pete 2009, so if you've registered and haven't
received your fee payment instructions, write us. You might have
accidentally entered a wrong email address on the registration form.


VARIETY SHOW
----------------------------------
The  Saturday afternoon St. Pete Variety Show is seeking acts of all
kinds! You don't have to be particularly talented - just have a great
idea for an act, get it together and tell us about it! Details on the
website.


LEAD AN ACTIVITY!
----------------------------------
Got an outing you wanna organize? Take a look at the weekend schedule,
find a good time to fit it in, and tell us what you want to do.

So far we have Gr8legs leading a golf outing a couple of mornings
(contact us to participate), Weavie leading the traditional informal
acoustic jam late Saturday night, and we're still looking for a
volunteer or two to help with the Beachfront Pub Crawl on Friday
afternoon.

----------------------------------

As always, contact us through the website's contact form with questions
and comments.

Gosh, I'm so excited, I'm bustin' outta my skin...

Cat >"<
Lead Planner, St. Pete 2009


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flencounters

Hey Mike - it's certainly possible. I'm pretty long in the tooth in the
H community. Click on my profile link - there's a photo. Or hey, come
to St. Pete in November and find out fer shure!

Cat >"<

>  Re: ST. PETE 2009 WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED!
> Posted by: "boater fv250"  boaterfv250@...     boaterfv250
>
>  Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:17 pm (PDT)
>
>
>  Cat, do I know you? Remember Mech Mike from High Springs area?


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cat, do I know you? Remember Mech Mike from High Springs area?

--- On Mon, 6/29/09, Cat <catinbarefeet@...> wrote:


From: Cat <catinbarefeet@...>
Subject: [FloridaClub] ST. PETE 2009 WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED!
To:
Date: Monday, June 29, 2009, 2:06 AM








WHAT IS ST. PETE 2009?
------------ --------- --------- ----
The St. Pete National Beach Event is a big annual gathering for the H
community, that is generally attended by between 200-300 people each
year. Like all the national H events, it's more fun than a barrel of
chimpanzees!

This year, it will be held Thursday -Sunday of the first weekend in
November in its usual location: gorgeous St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
------------ --------- --------- ------
This year, for everyone's security, participants will need to REGISTER
to attend St. Pete 2009.

WHERE CAN I REGISTER AND GET MORE INFORMATION?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
---------
The official website is launched!

But first, we must ask, for security's sake, that you don't share any
information you find there, except the WEBSITE ADDRESS. But do post the
website address wherever and whenever the spirit moves you!

(Again, we urge you to make sure you follow the rules of whatever site
you're posting on, for your own sake.)

Start getting your costume together! Dust off your steel-stringed
guitar! Blow up your pool toys! Book your airfare! Enough talk -
here's the website - go there now!

http://stpetebeache vent.org

(See you on the beach!)

Cat >"<
Lead Planner
St. Pete 2009

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

WHAT IS ST. PETE 2009?
----------------------------------
The St. Pete National Beach Event is a big annual gathering for the H
community, that is generally attended by between 200-300 people each
year. Like all the national H events, it's more fun than a barrel of
chimpanzees!

This year, it will be held Thursday -Sunday of the first weekend in
November in its usual location: gorgeous St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.


HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
------------------------------------
This year, for everyone's security, participants will need to REGISTER
to attend St. Pete 2009.


WHERE CAN I REGISTER AND GET MORE INFORMATION?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
The official website is launched!

But first, we must ask, for security's sake, that you don't share any
information you find there, except the WEBSITE ADDRESS. But do post the
website address wherever  and whenever the spirit moves you!

(Again, we urge you to make sure you follow the rules of whatever site
you're posting on, for your own sake.)

Start getting your costume together! Dust off your steel-stringed
guitar!  Blow up your pool toys! Book your airfare! Enough talk -
here's the website - go there now!

http://stpetebeachevent.org


(See you on the beach!)

Cat >"<
Lead Planner
St. Pete 2009


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL EVENTS

About 4 years after I was diagnosed with HSV-2, I finally attended a
social H event. I couldn't believe it had taken me that long! I never
had so much fun in my life, and I became something of an H event
junkie. It was hard to believe how many interesting, cool, friendly,
caring, NORMAL people I met at the H events from all walks of life, of
every cultural background and point of view. The live-ness of the
support meetings, local socials, and big national H gatherings really
brought home the fact that NONE OF US IS ALONE!

Back then, and for many, many years after, the main way to find out
about the events was through the Yahoo Groups - the main form of social
communication among the members of the H community. The events were
also usually announced through the local support and social groups, in
their meetings and via their email lists. The whole H community hung
together and helped one another, like a giant, country-wide family. The
leaders of each organization collaborated and cooperated with one
another to get the word out. We attended one another's events, met
lifelong friends, and even the loves of our lives.

To a large extent, this is still happening today!

It's in this spirit of solidarity and camaraderie that the planners of
St. Pete 2009 are organizing and focusing this year's St. Pete national
beach event. Everyone is welcome, regardless of where you're from, and
to whom your "allegiances" lie. We hope your true allegiance is to the
H community as a whole, and that you'll come out to meet and play with
the 200-300 of us who usually attend St. Pete in November!

The St. Pete 2009 website will be launched in a very few days, and
another post will follow with its web address soon. Hang in - we're
almost there!
_______________________________

MPWH MEMBERS: AN ALERT

As a courtesy to MPwH, I must inform MPwH members about a communication
I received from MPwH administration, implying a connection between the
St. Pete event and potential termination of your MPwH account.

As I had difficulty understanding the exact meaning of these
statements, as well as the exact behavior of MPwH members that violates
the MPwH Terms of Service, I wrote MPwH for clarification 7 days ago,
but never received an answer. Therefore, I urge MPwH members to find
out for sure, yourselves, what MPwH does not allow you to do, ON AND
OFF the MPwH website, regarding St. Pete, or any other non-MPwH
activity.
_______________________________

Be safe, happy, and in love with life! I hope to see many members of
the H community on the beaches and ballrooms of St. Pete in November!

(So excited I can hardly stand it...)

Cat >"<
Lead Planner, St. Pete 2009


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mrose - FYI - my reply to your offsite email bounced. But thanks for
writing!

The St. Pete 2009 website is almost ready to launch, and it will
contain all the details you and everyone else will need. I'll be in
touch again soon!

Cat >"<


>  Re: ST. PETE 2009
> Posted by: "mrose0214"
>
>  Sat Jun 20, 2009 5:19 am (PDT)
>
>
>  I am wondering if you have any specific information with regard to
> reserving a room for the event? I plan to attend as I do every year,
> but would like to get a jump start on my reservation for the room.
> Normally, we have a group name/ID in order to receive a discount. Has
> this been set up as of yet? Any information that you can provide is
> most appreciated.
>
>  Thanks!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

KT - I concur with Steve's advice. The body doesn't fully generate
antibodies until 90-120 days (3-4 months) after the first infection of
HSV. You both need to get a reliable blood test - here's a list to ask
for specifically:

      *  biokitHSV-2 Rapid Test
      * HerpeSelect® HSV-1 and HSV-2 tests
      * Herpes Western blot
      * CAPTIA™ HSV IgG Type-Specific ELISAs

If either of you doesn't have enough antibodies in your bloodstream,
then that person got the virus in the last 3-4 months.

Note: if your result shows full generation of antibodies, you may have
had HSV for years and never known it - and the fact that you've just
been diagnosed doesn't mean you just got it.

Best of luck -

Cat >"<

(Looks like it's my day to be on the boards!)

On Jun 19, 2009, at 7:20 PM, FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com wrote:

>  Re: Does this mean that my husband is not faithful???
> Posted by: "Steve Oliver"  sjoliver49@...     sjoliver49
>
>  Thu Jun 18, 2009 4:01 pm (PDT)
>
>
>  It is my understanding that the level of antibodies in the blood give
> some indication of how long a person has had HSV. So, if you're both
> tested and at least one of you has a high level of anti-bodies, then
> he is likely innocent.

>  --- On Thu, 6/18/09, kt23503 <kt.hart@...> wrote:
>
>  From: kt23503 <kt.hart@...>
>  Subject: [FloridaClub] Does this mean that my husband is not
> faithful???
>  To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
>  Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 12:36 AM
>
>  I have just recently been diagnosed w herpes simplex 2. i have been w
> my husband for 10 years. and this has never happened until now... does
> this mean he has been unfaithful? i know i have read it can be
> dormant... but my doctor's sympathy leads me to believe that he is a
> f!*ing piece of *1^! cheater. and maybe the way he reacted when i told
> him... please help... i really want anyone's opinion that has been in
> my shoes. thank you. p.s. i am really trying to deal w this maturely,
> and i am sadder than i have ever been in my entire life. please help.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>  Back to top
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am wondering if you have any specific information with regard to reserving a
room for the event?  I plan to attend as I do every year, but would like to get
a jump start on my reservation for the room.  Normally, we have a group name/ID
in order to receive a discount.  Has this been set up as of yet?  Any
information that you can provide is most appreciated.

Thanks!


--- In FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com, Cat <catinbarefeet@...> wrote:
>
> ST. PETE 2009 IS SCHEDULED
>
> for November 5-8, 2009
>
> More detailed information coming soon. But for now:
>
> SAVE THE DATE!
>
> Hello everyone! I'm Cat, who some of you may have encountered at some
> point or other in the last 15 years of national events, HELP meetings,
> or local socials. I've inherited the St. Pete national beach event from
> my dear friends and esteemed predecessors, who many of you know and
> love as much as I do:
>
>       Matthew (Furray - creator of the event, which began at Treasure
> Island in 2000)
>       Addy (Adfame - fabulous long-time lead hostess)
>       Leslie (Gem - most recent, awesome lead hostess) and her most
> capable sidekick Linda (NB)
>
> This year, the planners will not be advertising the event at any of the
> commercial dating websites and will not be associated with any single
> one, so we're relying on a more grassroots approach - listservs, group
> message boards, and your personal contacts.
>
> Please tell everyone you know in the H community, and start planning
> your trip, because we're gonna have a rollicking fantastic time (as
> usual)!!!
>
> Stay tuned to this channel because I'LL BE BACK...!
>
> Cat >"<
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

The ONLY thing it means is that you've joined the club....either or both of you
could have had it for years.....

the reaction may mean something else, but we can't say!

--- In FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com, Steve Oliver <sjoliver49@...> wrote:
>
> It is my understanding that the level of antibodies in the blood give some
indication of how long a person has had HSV. So, if you're both tested and at
least one of you has a high level of anti-bodies, then he is likely innocent.
>
> I went through a similar situation in my first marriage when I broke out with
genital warts (HPV). We had been married for 8 years and I had been totally
faithful. My wife, thanks to our doctor, didn't believe me, partially because I
traveled frequently on business,  plus he told her there was no way the virus
stayed dormant that long. Looking back, I wonder why I didn't accuse HER of
cheating?
>
> I am sorry you're in this situation. Please know that there is plenty of
support and advice available to you. One site I suggest is mpwh.net. There is a
place there where you can ask questions of a leading expert on HSV. Also, google
"good virus bad virus."
>
> Good luck to you!
>
> --- On Thu, 6/18/09, kt23503 <kt.hart@...> wrote:
>
> From: kt23503 <kt.hart@...>
> Subject: [FloridaClub] Does this mean that my husband is not faithful???
> To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 12:36 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       I have just recently been diagnosed w herpes simplex 2.  i have been w
my husband for 10 years.  and this has never happened until now...  does this
mean he has been unfaithful?  i know i have read it can be dormant...  but my
doctor's sympathy leads me to believe that he is a f!*ing piece of *1^! cheater.
and maybe the way he reacted when i told him...  please help... i really want
anyone's opinion that has been in my shoes.  thank you.  p.s.  i am really
trying to deal w this maturely, and i am sadder than i have ever been in my
entire life.  please help.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

It is my understanding that the level of antibodies in the blood give some
indication of how long a person has had HSV. So, if you're both tested and at
least one of you has a high level of anti-bodies, then he is likely innocent.

I went through a similar situation in my first marriage when I broke out with
genital warts (HPV). We had been married for 8 years and I had been totally
faithful. My wife, thanks to our doctor, didn't believe me, partially because I
traveled frequently on business,  plus he told her there was no way the virus
stayed dormant that long. Looking back, I wonder why I didn't accuse HER of
cheating?

I am sorry you're in this situation. Please know that there is plenty of support
and advice available to you. One site I suggest is mpwh.net. There is a place
there where you can ask questions of a leading expert on HSV. Also, google "good
virus bad virus."

Good luck to you!

--- On Thu, 6/18/09, kt23503 <kt.hart@...> wrote:

From: kt23503 <kt.hart@...>
Subject: [FloridaClub] Does this mean that my husband is not faithful???
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 12:36 AM

















       I have just recently been diagnosed w herpes simplex 2.  i have been w my
husband for 10 years.  and this has never happened until now...  does this mean
he has been unfaithful?  i know i have read it can be dormant...  but my
doctor's sympathy leads me to believe that he is a f!*ing piece of *1^! cheater.
and maybe the way he reacted when i told him...  please help... i really want
anyone's opinion that has been in my shoes.  thank you.  p.s.  i am really
trying to deal w this maturely, and i am sadder than i have ever been in my
entire life.  please help.































[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have just recently been diagnosed w herpes simplex 2.  i have been w my
husband for 10 years.  and this has never happened until now...  does this mean
he has been unfaithful?  i know i have read it can be dormant...  but my
doctor's sympathy leads me to believe that he is a f!*ing piece of *1^! cheater.
and maybe the way he reacted when i told him...  please help... i really want
anyone's opinion that has been in my shoes.  thank you.  p.s.  i am really
trying to deal w this maturely, and i am sadder than i have ever been in my
entire life.  please help.

I find that bizarre. I had NO idea that could happen.

--- On Wed, 6/3/09, Janette Melaram <jmelaram@...> wrote:

From: Janette Melaram <jmelaram@...>
Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] Re: New Member with questions
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 11:46 AM

















       Yes, it can occur in the throat. ...that's when I was diagnosed with
HSV-1..with a swab test and a blood test.I hope this information is helpful to
others.



____________ _________ _________ __

From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@hotmail. com>

To: FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com

Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 12:06:03 PM

Subject: [FloridaClub] Re: New Member with questions



Well, my question wasn't really if it was break out since I'm fairly sure it is.
Especially now since the spots are disappearing. It was an out break in the
throat that I had contracted HSV-1 from so I know it happens. I was just
wondering if anyone else had any experience about the outbreaks changing
locations. I contracted it through oral sex and had my first outbreak genitally.
But, now, I'm having an outbreak in my throat. Anyways, I'm just glad it is
healing up now. A relatively short span of time too. I guess its about the
mandatory week or so.

I've had strep throat before. I used to get it all the time when I was little
and this is not strep. It doesn't feel or look like it. But thanks for taking
the time to read and respond. :)



--- In FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com, "Christina" <chrstlynn2@ ...> wrote:

>

> I agree with bill. To be honest it Sounds more like strep throat.

> Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Bill <unwildbill@ ...>

>

> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 10:31:15

> To: <FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com>

> Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions

>

>

> Welcome!

>  

> I've had H for 27 yrs, and this is the first i heard about any "gland near the
ear"....to my knowledge, the virus lives in the nervous system, and travels thru
the nerves, usually recurring near the original point of contact..... having
said that, mine is genital, but i do sometimes get something under a shoulder
blade that acts like it.....so i can't really speak to any oral symptoms, but
all i ever heard of were on the lips.....

>  

> this doesn't sound like herpes to me, mine have never been "white lesions"....
..first a tingling burning sensation, then clusters of small blisters, maybe the
start of each blister being white, but mine has calmed over time to the point
that even the blisters never get formed, so again i can't really say.

>  

>  

>

>

> --- On Mon, 6/1/09, touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@. ..> wrote:

>

>

> From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@. ..>

> Subject: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions

> To: FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com

> Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:15 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello,

> I was diagnosed with HSV-1 about 3 months ago. I contracted it from my
boyfriend who was unaware of an outbreak at the time. I contracted via oral sex
but the doctor said it was possible for the virus to travel to its preferred
location. For HSV-1 he said it was a gland near the ear. So the initial outbreak
I had was obviously genital. But now, I have white lesions on my throat and my
glands are sore. In the beginning, the left side of my throat had a tingling
sensation. The kind like if you have a caught piece of food. A day later I
noticed a faint white patch and since then, I've developed multiple new ones
(maybe 5-6 total) on the left side of my throat. The area near where the ear
meets the jaw is sore in a achy sort of way. I've also had a headache. My
boyfriend looked in my throat (before I flew back, we're in a LDR) and said
that's what his had looked like (the out break he had that I contracted it from
three months prior). We had been unaware

> that herpes could also affect the throat so he didn't think anything of a sore
throat until my primary outbreak.

>

> Anyways, I'm fairly sure it isn't strep since I've had that many times and I'm
not running a temperature. But I was wondering if this does sound like a herpes
outbreak in the throat and how long it typically lasts as well as if anyone has
experienced this (the virus moving)?

>

> Thank you very much. :)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>



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Tampa Bay Caribbean Festival
Date(s):  June 13-14, 2009
Place: Vinoy Park
City: St. Petersburg (Downtown)
State: Florida

This year's headliners will include Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alison Hinds, and Sean
Paul among other local, regional and international artists. On Saturday night,
there is an "after party" at another venue to be announced.  These events draw
visitors throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

For more information:  Phone: 813.334.3710
Website: http://tampacarnival.com
http://www.uslatino.com/events.cfm?EventID=567#ixzz0HVHYxAA5&D

Schedule - Saturday, June 13
12:00 Noon    Gates Open
12:00pm to 1:00pm:  DJ Ibis & MC Ian Degoose Eligon
1:00pm to 2:30pm:  Pan Jamboree
3:00pm to 4:15pm:  Kings & Queens Costume Competition
4:30pm to 4:45pm:  Mayor Greetings
           ---   92.5 FM & Wild 98.7 FM Radio DJ's   ---
5:00pm to 5:20pm:  Latin League
6:00pm to 7:00pm:  Auturo Sandoval
8:00pm to 9:30pm:  Gilberto Santa Rosa -  Headliner
10:00pm:  Park Closes

Schedule - Sunday, June 14
10:00am:  Parade Assemble at Albert Whitehead Park
1:00pm:  Parade starts on the streets
1:00pm:  Gates Open at Vinoy Park
1:00pm to 1:45pm:  DJ Ibis & MC's Ian Degoose Eligon & Smallie
1:50pm to 2:45pm:  Neauva Saka - Live Band
3:00pm to 3:50pm:  Costume Parade of the Bands across the Stage
4:00pm to 4:15pm:  Live Steel Band - Tamboo Bamboo
4:30pm to 4:45pm:  Paulette Rolle – Alesnik & Dancers
4:50pm to 5:50pm:  Leon Coldero and Code 868 - Live Band
6:05pm to 7:45pm:  Alison Hinds
8:00pm to 9:30pm:  Sean Paul - Headliner
9:30pm to 10:00pm:  DJ Ibis
10:00pm:  Park Closes

Yes, it can occur in the throat. ...that's when I was diagnosed with HSV-1..with
a swab test and a blood test.I hope this information is helpful to others.




________________________________
From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...>
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 12:06:03 PM
Subject: [FloridaClub] Re: New Member with questions





Well, my question wasn't really if it was break out since I'm fairly sure it is.
Especially now since the spots are disappearing. It was an out break in the
throat that I had contracted HSV-1 from so I know it happens. I was just
wondering if anyone else had any experience about the outbreaks changing
locations. I contracted it through oral sex and had my first outbreak genitally.
But, now, I'm having an outbreak in my throat. Anyways, I'm just glad it is
healing up now. A relatively short span of time too. I guess its about the
mandatory week or so.
I've had strep throat before. I used to get it all the time when I was little
and this is not strep. It doesn't feel or look like it. But thanks for taking
the time to read and respond. :)

--- In FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com, "Christina" <chrstlynn2@ ...> wrote:
>
> I agree with bill. To be honest it Sounds more like strep throat.
> Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill <unwildbill@ ...>
>
> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 10:31:15
> To: <FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com>
> Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions
>
>
> Welcome!
>  
> I've had H for 27 yrs, and this is the first i heard about any "gland near the
ear"....to my knowledge, the virus lives in the nervous system, and travels thru
the nerves, usually recurring near the original point of contact..... having
said that, mine is genital, but i do sometimes get something under a shoulder
blade that acts like it.....so i can't really speak to any oral symptoms, but
all i ever heard of were on the lips.....
>  
> this doesn't sound like herpes to me, mine have never been "white lesions"....
..first a tingling burning sensation, then clusters of small blisters, maybe the
start of each blister being white, but mine has calmed over time to the point
that even the blisters never get formed, so again i can't really say.
>  
>  
>
>
> --- On Mon, 6/1/09, touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@. ..> wrote:
>
>
> From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@. ..>
> Subject: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions
> To: FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com
> Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:15 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
> I was diagnosed with HSV-1 about 3 months ago. I contracted it from my
boyfriend who was unaware of an outbreak at the time. I contracted via oral sex
but the doctor said it was possible for the virus to travel to its preferred
location. For HSV-1 he said it was a gland near the ear. So the initial outbreak
I had was obviously genital. But now, I have white lesions on my throat and my
glands are sore. In the beginning, the left side of my throat had a tingling
sensation. The kind like if you have a caught piece of food. A day later I
noticed a faint white patch and since then, I've developed multiple new ones
(maybe 5-6 total) on the left side of my throat. The area near where the ear
meets the jaw is sore in a achy sort of way. I've also had a headache. My
boyfriend looked in my throat (before I flew back, we're in a LDR) and said
that's what his had looked like (the out break he had that I contracted it from
three months prior). We had been unaware
> that herpes could also affect the throat so he didn't think anything of a sore
throat until my primary outbreak.
>
> Anyways, I'm fairly sure it isn't strep since I've had that many times and I'm
not running a temperature. But I was wondering if this does sound like a herpes
outbreak in the throat and how long it typically lasts as well as if anyone has
experienced this (the virus moving)?
>
> Thank you very much. :)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've found that alcahol causes me to break out. I had to give it up.  Sorry to
hear about your problems.



--- In FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com, chowsticks <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I've been in a long distance lesbian relationship with the girl of my dreams.
She's perfect. She thinks I'm perfect. I went to see my gf 2 weeks ago for a
long weekend getaway and we had sex for the first time. Everything about our
time together was perfect. It always is. I left that Monday. I was sad to leave
her and her me and both fell into a depression. While she stayed home in bed
crying I went out  binge drinking to not think about her. We fought about it, my
drinking problem, which has been a reoccuring issue in our relationship. I've
decided to quit that lifestyle. I decide to tell her all this and apologize.
While I'm texting this to her phone she's at the doctors finding out that she
has herpes. I'm devestated. I dont know if it was me or not but after all the
research I've done online I find it more than likely I am. Shes going through an
outbreak at this moment. Shes in pain and I'm in pain for her. I've never had an
outbreak before. I try to reach into my memory for any signs of it and I come up
with faint memories of perhaps a bump perhaps an itch a bad choice a mistake.
I'm ready to take the blame for all of it. I went to the doctor 2 days ago and
got my blood drawn. She went 3 days ago and the doctors didnt have to do much to
tell what it was. God, it must be so horrible. I dont know what to do. I've been
trying to be supportive to her to be helpful.  I've done so much research on the
subject i've read websites up and down back and forth. I'm not here to really
get more information about it. I just want to know what to do. I'm so upset
about all this. Neither of us have cheated on one another i'm sure of it. Our
past relationships have been a yr or more old. Its so unlikely that anyone else
but me gave her this. I mean i know it can stay dormant but come on!! the week
that i leave she shows signs?! I hate this. I feel our relationship being shaky.
I've told her that I'm with her all the way in this. I can tell that shes hurt.
I dont know how to talk to her. Like I can feel her withdrawing from me and her
anger.And I'm angry too. Fuck I went to the doctor and got a pap smear and
bloodwork done before i went to see her to be precautious. I called them back
yesterday and low and behold they dont test for herpes unless you ask because
its an epedemic and everyone has it or some shit. I'm angry. I feel like i
betrayed the love of my life and I'm sure she feels the same way too. I want
some advice on how to deal with this. How to cope with things. My bloodwork
comes back on monday. If its positive I dont know what to do. I'm not worried
about even having it moreso I'm worried that I've passed it to her. How do I
talk to her after doing that? How will she want to talk to me? I know she still
loves me but the fact of the matter is after all thats happened this pass week
with my complete avoidance of her calls and messages until the day of her
diagnosis. I dont think I'd want to be with me anymore. THis is a horrible mess
and I just want to know how would someone want to be talked to thats going thru
this. What should I do? I try to talk to her normally, but things arent normal.
I bring it up  telling her maybe she should try different things to help her
outbreak, that i'm worried about her, i ask her if shes in pain but I'm probably
bringing it up too much. I dont know this all is just rambling at this point so
i'll stop. I just want some advice. Thanks for hearing me out.
> -rachel
>

Well, my question wasn't really if it was break out since I'm fairly sure it is.
Especially now since the spots are disappearing.  It was an out break in the
throat that I had contracted HSV-1 from so I know it happens.  I was just
wondering if anyone else had any experience about the outbreaks changing
locations.  I contracted it through oral sex and had my first outbreak
genitally.  But, now, I'm having an outbreak in my throat.  Anyways, I'm just
glad it is healing up now. A relatively short span of time too.  I guess its
about the mandatory week or so.
I've had strep throat before.  I used to get it all the time when I was little
and this is not strep.  It doesn't feel or look like it.  But thanks for taking
the time to read and respond.  :)


--- In FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com, "Christina" <chrstlynn2@...> wrote:
>
> I agree with bill. To be honest it Sounds more like strep throat.
> Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill <unwildbill@...>
>
> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 10:31:15
> To: <FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions
>
>
> Welcome!
>  
> I've had H for 27 yrs, and this is the first i heard about any "gland near the
ear"....to my knowledge, the virus lives in the nervous system, and travels thru
the nerves, usually recurring near the original point of contact.....having said
that, mine is genital, but i do sometimes get something under a shoulder blade
that acts like it.....so i can't really speak to any oral symptoms, but all i
ever heard of were on the lips.....
>  
> this doesn't sound like herpes to me, mine have never been "white
lesions"......first a tingling burning sensation, then clusters of small
blisters, maybe the start of each blister being white, but mine has calmed over
time to the point that even the blisters never get formed, so again i can't
really say.
>  
>  
>
>
> --- On Mon, 6/1/09, touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...>
> Subject: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions
> To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:15 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
> I was diagnosed with HSV-1 about 3 months ago. I contracted it from my
boyfriend who was unaware of an outbreak at the time. I contracted via oral sex
but the doctor said it was possible for the virus to travel to its preferred
location. For HSV-1 he said it was a gland near the ear. So the initial outbreak
I had was obviously genital. But now, I have white lesions on my throat and my
glands are sore. In the beginning, the left side of my throat had a tingling
sensation. The kind like if you have a caught piece of food. A day later I
noticed a faint white patch and since then, I've developed multiple new ones
(maybe 5-6 total) on the left side of my throat. The area near where the ear
meets the jaw is sore in a achy sort of way. I've also had a headache. My
boyfriend looked in my throat (before I flew back, we're in a LDR) and said
that's what his had looked like (the out break he had that I contracted it from
three months prior). We had been unaware
>  that herpes could also affect the throat so he didn't think anything of a
sore throat until my primary outbreak.
>
> Anyways, I'm fairly sure it isn't strep since I've had that many times and I'm
not running a temperature. But I was wondering if this does sound like a herpes
outbreak in the throat and how long it typically lasts as well as if anyone has
experienced this (the virus moving)?
>
> Thank you very much. :)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Yep, it has something to do with the chemicals and it accelerates virus growth
while it's active meanwhile taking lysine supplements suppresses virus growth
and speeds healing (but you can take too much so its only reccomended for the
duration of the outbreak).  Taking calcium is also a good way to help lower
stress levels.  my neighbor's a nutritionist and acyclovir is expensive for a
poor college student so I changed my lifestyle instead to control out breaks :P

--- In FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com, Bill <unwildbill@...> wrote:
>
> Cutting back on caffeine?!?!??!?/....i couldn't live without
Cokes!.....different for everyne, i guess.....what i try to cut back on is
stress!
>
> --- On Mon, 6/1/09, touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...>
> Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] I'm fearful yet more saddened by this entire
situation...
> To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:31 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I agree with Bill: don't beat yourself up over it. I'm sure if you did give it
to her, she'll forgive you. Forgiveness is much easier than you think. My
boyfriend went through the same problems when we found out I had contracted it
from him. The doctor was a major and said "I assume you two won't be talking to
each other for a while." He was very upset. It was the first and only time I
think I've ever seen him break down over something.
>
> I'm sure she's upset about having it. I was. But I was never angry or upset
with him. There was nothing he could have done since he didn't know. Just like
you.
>
> Just be as supportive as you can and as I'm sure you will be. Maybe do
research on how to take care of herself this. A solid demonstration that you are
there for her through this. Particularly helpful was lifestyle changes to
suppress outbreaks, like cutting back on caffeine and sorts like that.
>
> Anyways, the point of this is to tell you I'm sure you're relationship will be
fine and you'll be so much the stronger for it. Don't be too hard on yourself.
There's nothing you could have done and I'm sure she knows that.
>
> Good luck and God bless. :)
>
> --- In FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com, Bill <unwildbill@ ...> wrote:
> >
> > IF you gave it to her, there's no way you could have known.....don' t beat
yourself up over this, stuff happens!
> >
> > not sure how much info is in this group, the charlotte & atlanta groups have
TONS of stats & links....maybe she could join a group near her?
> >  
> > the problem IS that they don't test....if they did, everyone would know how
prevalent it is, a lot of stigma would disappear... .
> >  
> > and it IS possible that she already had it, activity can bring on an
OB.....dry friction/chafing does it every time for me!
> >  
> > see how much easier it is to read with paragraph breaks?..... .LOL
> >  
> >  
> >  
> >
> > --- On Thu, 5/14/09, chowsticks <no_reply@yahoogroup s.com> wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: chowsticks <no_reply@yahoogroup s.com>
> > Subject: [FloridaClub] I'm fearful yet more saddened by this entire
situation...
> > To: FloridaHerpesClub@ yahoogroups. com
> > Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 2:38 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I've been in a long distance lesbian relationship with the girl of my
dreams. She's perfect. She thinks I'm perfect. I went to see my gf 2 weeks ago
for a long weekend getaway and we had sex for the first time. Everything about
our time together was perfect. It always is. I left that Monday. I was sad to
leave her and her me and both fell into a depression. While she stayed home in
bed crying I went out binge drinking to not think about her. We fought about it,
my drinking problem, which has been a reoccuring issue in our relationship. I've
decided to quit that lifestyle. I decide to tell her all this and apologize.
While I'm texting this to her phone she's at the doctors finding out that she
has herpes. I'm devestated. I dont know if it was me or not but after all the
research I've done online I find it more than likely I am. Shes going through an
outbreak at this moment. Shes in pain and I'm in pain for her. I've never had an
outbreak before. I try
>  to
> > reach into my memory for any signs of it and I come up with faint memories
of perhaps a bump perhaps an itch a bad choice a mistake. I'm ready to take the
blame for all of it. I went to the doctor 2 days ago and got my blood drawn. She
went 3 days ago and the doctors didnt have to do much to tell what it was. God,
it must be so horrible. I dont know what to do. I've been trying to be
supportive to her to be helpful. I've done so much research on the subject i've
read websites up and down back and forth. I'm not here to really get more
information about it. I just want to know what to do. I'm so upset about all
this. Neither of us have cheated on one another i'm sure of it. Our past
relationships have been a yr or more old. Its so unlikely that anyone else but
me gave her this. I mean i know it can stay dormant but come on!! the week that
i leave she shows signs?! I hate this. I feel our relationship being shaky. I've
told her that I'm with her all the
> > way in this. I can tell that shes hurt. I dont know how to talk to her. Like
I can feel her withdrawing from me and her anger.And I'm angry too. Fuck I went
to the doctor and got a pap smear and bloodwork done before i went to see her to
be precautious. I called them back yesterday and low and behold they dont test
for herpes unless you ask because its an epedemic and everyone has it or some
shit. I'm angry. I feel like i betrayed the love of my life and I'm sure she
feels the same way too. I want some advice on how to deal with this. How to cope
with things. My bloodwork comes back on monday. If its positive I dont know what
to do. I'm not worried about even having it moreso I'm worried that I've passed
it to her. How do I talk to her after doing that? How will she want to talk to
me? I know she still loves me but the fact of the matter is after all thats
happened this pass week with my complete avoidance of her calls and messages
until the day of her
> > diagnosis. I dont think I'd want to be with me anymore. THis is a horrible
mess and I just want to know how would someone want to be talked to thats going
thru this. What should I do? I try to talk to her normally, but things arent
normal. I bring it up telling her maybe she should try different things to help
her outbreak, that i'm worried about her, i ask her if shes in pain but I'm
probably bringing it up too much. I dont know this all is just rambling at this
point so i'll stop. I just want some advice. Thanks for hearing me out.
> > -rachel
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I agree with bill. To be honest it Sounds more like strep throat.
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill <unwildbill@...>

Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 10:31:15
To: <FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions


Welcome!
 
I've had H for 27 yrs, and this is the first i heard about any "gland near the
ear"....to my knowledge, the virus lives in the nervous system, and travels thru
the nerves, usually recurring near the original point of contact.....having said
that, mine is genital, but i do sometimes get something under a shoulder blade
that acts like it.....so i can't really speak to any oral symptoms, but all i
ever heard of were on the lips.....
 
this doesn't sound like herpes to me, mine have never been "white
lesions"......first a tingling burning sensation, then clusters of small
blisters, maybe the start of each blister being white, but mine has calmed over
time to the point that even the blisters never get formed, so again i can't
really say.
 
 


--- On Mon, 6/1/09, touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...> wrote:


From: touchingbeauty71 <lbrown_08@...>
Subject: [FloridaClub] New Member with questions
To: FloridaHerpesClub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:15 AM








Hello,
I was diagnosed with HSV-1 about 3 months ago. I contracted it from my boyfriend
who was unaware of an outbreak at the time. I contracted via oral sex but the
doctor said it was possible for the virus to travel to its preferred location.
For HSV-1 he said it was a gland near the ear. So the initial outbreak I had was
obviously genital. But now, I have white lesions on my throat and my glands are
sore. In the beginning, the left side of my throat had a tingling sensation. The
kind like if you have a caught piece of food. A day later I noticed a faint
white patch and since then, I've developed multiple new ones (maybe 5-6 total)
on the left side of my throat. The area near where the ear meets the jaw is sore
in a achy sort of way. I've also had a headache. My boyfriend looked in my
throat (before I flew back, we're in a LDR) and said that's what his had looked
like (the out break he had that I contracted it from three months prior). We had
been unaware
  that herpes could also affect the throat so he didn't think anything of a sore
throat until my primary outbreak.

Anyways, I'm fairly sure it isn't strep since I've had that many times and I'm
not running a temperature. But I was wondering if this does sound like a herpes
outbreak in the throat and how long it typically lasts as well as if anyone has
experienced this (the virus moving)?

Thank you very much. :)
















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Touchingbeauty,

While I thought that this article would be informative it does not
address, and I have
never heard of HSV 1 affecting the throat internally. HSV 1 can easily
be contracted
genitally if there was no prior HSV 1 infection, but its site of
preference is the lip.
I have never heard of HSV 1 internally in the throat. If you had no
prior HSV 1
anti bodies and contracted it genitally from oral and then kissed as
well it is likely
that you could also contract it orally as well since the lip is the
site of preference of HSV 1.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

Roy

   P.S. While this group has a larger membership the message volume is
relatively small.
You may also wish to join:TampaBayHClub@yahoogroups.com

********************************************************************************\
***************
This is an article from the American Social Health Association that
discusses HSV 1 and 2.
"Good" Virus / "Bad" Virus
The Truth about HSV-1 and HSV-2

How alike are HSV-1 and HSV-2? In this feature, we look at the latest
scientific facts about the two types of herpes simplex virus, as well
as social attitudes toward oral and genital herpes.

When many people first tell someone they have genital herpes, they
start by comparing the infection to oral herpes, or cold sores. How
apt is the comparison? In spite of scientific facts, the social stigma
and emotional attitudes surrounding genital herpes can make it hard to
compare it objectively with an oral infection that most people
casually accept. Following the unspoken assumptions of our society,
many people still believe there is a "good" herpes virus (HSV- 1, the
usual cause of cold sores) and a "bad" herpes virus (HSV-2, the usual
cause of genital herpes).

In this feature, we take a look at HSV- 1 and 2 to see how alike and
different the two viral types really are. We asked leading researchers
how the two compare in terms of severity, recurrences, and
transmission rates. We asked how often each occurs outside its usual
site of preference, and how each behaves in the genital area. We
questioned how much immunity having one type orally or genitally
provides against getting the second type.

In addition, we looked at the way our society views oral and genital
herpes. What's behind the very different images the two types carry?
And what can we do about it? In an interview, counselors at the
National Herpes Hotline suggest ways to help replace judgmental social
assumptions with a healthy attitude.

Under a microscope, HSV- 1 and 2 are virtually identical, sharing
approximately 50% of their DNA. Both types infect the body's mucosal
surfaces, usually the mouth or genitals, and then establish latency in
the nervous system. For both types, at least two-thirds of infected
people have no symptoms, or symptoms too mild to notice. However, both
types can recur and spread even when no symptoms are present.

The primary difference between the two viral types is in where they
typically establish latency in the body- their "site of preference."
HSV-1 usually establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion, a
collection of nerve cells near the ear. From there, it tends to recur
on the lower lip or face. HSV-2 usually sets up residence in the
sacral ganglion at the base of the spine. From there, it recurs in the
genital area.

Even this difference is not absolute either type can reside in either
or both parts of the body and infect oral and/or genital areas.
Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of this, which contributes
both to the spread of type 1 and to the misperception that the two
types are fundamentally different.

"People don't understand that you can have type 1 genitally or orally,
that the two types are essentially the same virus," says Marshall
Clover, manager of the National Herpes Hotline. One type is associated
with stigma, the other is "just a cold sore" - our society has a
euphemism for it so we don't even have to acknowledge that it's herpes."

The common myth is that HSV-1 causes a mild infection that is
occasionally bothersome, but never dangerous. The reality? HSV-1 is
usually mild, especially when it infects the lips, face, or genitals.
However, in some cases type 1 can recur spontaneously in the eye,
causing ocular herpes, a potentially serious infection which can lead
to blindness. In very rare cases HSV- 1 can spread spontaneously to
the brain, causing herpes encephalitis, a dangerous infection that can
lead to death. HSV-1 is also the usual cause of herpes whitlow, an
infection on the finger, and "wrestler's herpes," (herpes gladiatorum)
a herpes infection on the chest or face.

The range and potential severity of HSV-1 infections lead some experts
to view the virus as more risky than usually perceived. "This is
heresy, but I think type 1 is a more significant infection than type
2," says Spotswood Spruance, MD, an oral HSV specialist at the
University of Utah. "Type 1, and the morbidity associated with it, is
underestimated."

By comparison, HSV-2 is widely believed to be a painful, dangerous
infection that affects only people with very active sex lives. The
reality? Some 22% of adult Americans from all backgrounds, income
levels, and ethnic groups have HSV-2. Like HSV-1, type 2 is usually
mild-so mild that two- thirds of infected people don't even know they
have it. Type 2 rarely causes complications or spreads to other parts
of the body. It is the most common cause of neonatal herpes, a rare
but dangerous infection in newborns; however, type 1 causes up to one-
third of neonatal infections.

The two types do behave somewhat differently depending on whether they
are residing in their site of preference-the mouth and face for HSV-1,
and the genital area for HSV-2. But both types are quite common, and
under most circumstances neither is a major health threat. That's one
reason medical professionals tend to dismiss HSV -2 despite the
emotional trauma a diagnosis can cause for a patient.

While HSV can be a frustrating and painful condition for some people,
in general the virus is less a medical problem than a social problem.
For most of us, genital herpes is no more dangerous than a cold sore.

How many Outbreaks?

Just how much of a physical problem HSV poses for a person depends
largely on three factors. The first is how well the person's immune
system is able to control the infection.

Differences in immune response may be the main reason that some people
are bothered by frequent cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks while
others are not. It's also the reason that both HSV-1 and 2 can pose
serious challenges for infants, who have a limited immune response;
and for people with compromised immune systems, including people with
cancer, AIDS, severe burns, and people taking immunosuppressant
medications.

The second factor affecting outbreaks is how long a person has had the
infection. Over time, recurrences of both HSV- 1 and 2 tend to
decrease, for reasons that aren't entirely clear.

In the case of oral HSV-1, many of the approximately 100 million
Americans who are infected acquired the virus when they were children.
By the time they're adults, only some 5% of people are bothered enough
to consider oral HSV-1 a medical problem, according to Spruance.

On the other hand, almost all of the approximately 40 million
Americans infected with HSV-2 acquired the virus as teenagers or
adults. In the first year, those who have recurring outbreaks
experience an average of four to six episodes. Over time, as with oral
infections, the number of outbreaks usually drops off.

A third factor influencing the frequency of HSV -1 and 2 outbreaks is
whether the virus is established in its site of preference. While HSV
can infect both genital and oral areas, both types cause milder
infections when they are away from "home" territory. Outside their
site of preference, both type 1 and 2 lose most of their punch.

For example, most people infected with HSV-1 in the genital area have
few, if any, outbreaks after the initial episode, far fewer than is
typical with either oral HSV-1 or genital HSV-2. While experts
estimate that some 30% of genital herpes infections in the United
States may be caused by HSV-1, only 2- 5% of recurring genital
outbreaks are caused by HSV-1. Research conducted by Lawrence Corey,
MD, and colleagues at the University of Washington in Seattle shows
that genital HSV-2 recurs 10 times more often than genital HSV-1.

According to a study by Wald et al. (New England Journal of Medicine,
1995), among 110 women with genital herpes, the average number of
recurrences per year for those with genital HSV-1 was zero. Other
studies have shown an average of about one outbreak per year
(Benedetti, Annals of Internal Medicine, 1994).

Similarly, HSV-2 infection in the oral area-outside its site of
preference-very rarely causes problems. First of all, oral, HSV-2
infections are rare, for reasons discussed below. But even when an
infection occurs, recurrent outbreaks are uncommon. In one study
(Lafferty et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 1987), oral HSV-2
recurred an average of 0.01 times a year in newly infected people.
"I've never convincingly seen an oral type 2 recurrence," says Spruance.

A possible fourth factor affecting recurrence rate is viral type.
According to the Lafferty study, genital HSV-2 infections were the
most frequently recurring herpes infections, followed by oral HSV-1,
genital HSV-1, and last of all, oral HSV-2.

How easily spread?

As a number of readers have attested over the years, many people with
genital herpes are at least as concerned about transmission-the
likelihood of spreading the virus to a partner-as about their own
health. On the other hand, few people with oral herpes share this
concern. Is this because one type is more contagious than the other?

The short answer is no. Both viral types are easily transmitted to
their site of preference, and can also be spread to other sites. Both
are most contagious during active outbreaks, but are often spread
through viral shedding when there are no recognizable symptoms.
According to Spruance, people with recurrent oral HSV-1 shed virus in
their saliva about 5% of the time even when they show no symptoms. In
the first year of infection, people with genital HSV-2 shed virus from
the genital area about 6-10% of days when they show no symptoms, and
less often over time. (Both of these figures reflect shedding as
detected by viral culture.)

  From here, however, the question of transmissibility gets more
complicated. Acquisition of one type is more difficult-though
certainly possible-if you already have the other type. This is because
either type, contracted orally or genitally, causes the body to
produce antibodies, some of which are active against both HSV-1 and 2.
This acquired immune response gives some limited protection if the
body encounters a second type. When a person with a prior HSV
infection does contract the second type, the first episode tends to be
less severe than when no prior antibodies are present.

On a practical level, this means oral HSV-1 is often the most easily
acquired herpes infection. Usually the first herpes simplex virus that
people encounter, oral HSV-1, is typically spread simply by the kind
of social kiss that a relative gives a child. Because children have no
prior infection with any HSV type, they have no immune defense against
the virus.

By the time they're teenagers or young adults, about 50% of Americans
have HSV-1 antibodies in their blood. By the time they are over age
50, some 80-90% of Americans have HSV-1 antibodies.

By comparison, almost all HSV-2 is encountered after childhood, when
people become sexually active. Those who have a prior infection with
HSV-1 have an acquired immune response that lowers - though certainly
doesn't eliminate-the risk of acquiring HSV-2. According to one study
(Mertz, Annals of Internal Medicine, 1992), previous oral HSV-1
infection reduces the acquisition of subsequent HSV-2 infection by 40%.

A prior infection with oral HSV-1 lowers the risk of acquiring genital
HSV-1 even further. Studies show that genital HSV-1 infections almost
always occur in people who have no prior infection with HSV of either
type (Corey, Annals of Internal Medicine, 1983).

In the absence of prior oral infection, however, HSV-1 spreads easily
to the genital area, usually through oral sex. In some countries, such
as Japan and parts of Great Britain, genital HSV-1 is as common as
genital HSV- 2, or more common.

"Prevalence rates of genital HSV-1 differ based on the practice of
oral sex and on the percentage of people who are HSV-1 positive from
childhood," explains Anna Wald, MD researcher at the University of
Washington at Seattle.

Finally, the question of immunity and HSV types is complicated by an
additional issue. Some studies suggest that the ganglia themselves may
acquire some immunity to HSV after they are exposed to one viral type.

In the laboratory, infection of ganglia with more than one virus is
difficult, suggesting that it may be more difficult to acquire a
second HSV type in a location where you already have HSV. A prior
genital infection with HSV-1, for example, may give more protection
against genital HSV-2 than a prior oral infection with HSV-1.

What does all this mean on a practical level? Let's look at some
examples to find out. Say you have genital HSV-1 and your partner has
genital HSV-2. If you have unprotected sex, there is a small but real
risk that you will get HSV-2, resulting in more outbreaks and more
shedding. "We have documented cases where a person acquires HSV-2
after a prior genital HSV- 1 infection," says Wald. "I don't think it
happens often, but it does happen."

On the other hand, it's very unlikely that your partner will get
genital HSV- 1 from you. "I've never seen a case of a person acquiring
HSV-1 on top of HSV-2," says Wald. "It's possible, but it would be
unusual."

What if your partner has genital HSV-2 and you perform oral sex on him
or her? Will you get HSV- 2 in the mouth? Given the widespread
practice of oral sex (some three-quarters of all adults practice it,
according to The Social Organization of Sexuality, 1994) and the
prevalence of genital HSV-2 infection, you might expect oral HSV-2 to
be relatively common. It's not.

According to one study, almost 100% of recognizable HSV-2 infection is
genital (Nahmias, Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
Supplement, 1990). One reason is that most adults are already infected
with HSV-1 orally, which provides some immunity against infection with
HSV 2. Another reason is that oral HSV-2 rarely reactivates, so even
if an infection does exist, no one knows.

So far we've been talking about transmission of HSV-1 or 2 from its
site of preference. What about transmission from another site? Say you
acquire genital HSV-1 through oral sex. Can you spread the virus to a
partner through genital sex?

The answer is yes, but probably not as easily as it was spread through
oral sex. The main reason is that the virus reactivates and sheds less
often outside its site of preference. Only about one quarter of people
with genital HSV- 1 shed virus at all in the absence of symptoms,
while 55% of people with HSV-2 do (Wald, New England Journal of
Medicine, 1995). "Shedding data appear to parallel recurrence data,
meaning that people who have a lot of recurrences also have a lot of
shedding," says Wald.

While HSV- 1 can be spread from genitals to genitals, "we think it is
spread more easily through oral sex because HSV-1 reactivates more
frequently in the oral area," says Wald. However, she warns,
"transmission of genital HSV-1 during asymptomatic shedding has been
documented." In other words, genital HSV-1 can be spread through
genital sex, even when there are no symptoms.

If HSV infection is as easily transmitted from the mouth as from the
genitals, then why do people take steps to prevent genital but not
oral infection? Why don't we kiss through dental dams?

"It's ironic, isn't it?" says Wald. "It's not about health, it's about
social acceptability."

Scientists can tell us all day that the main difference between the
two viral types is simply their site of preference-whether they
typically occur above the waist or below. But the unspoken attitudes
of our society send a different message. That's just the problem,
social attitudes whisper. Below the waist is bad.

"People think of oral herpes as the "good" herpes and genital herpes
as the "bad" kind," says Glover of the National Herpes Hotline. "It's
partly that they don't understand the similarities between HSV-1 and
2. But it's also that good and bad is how our culture views sex and
our bodies."

The inescapable fact is that HSV-1 is usually spread through contact
with infected lips, while HSV-2 usually spread through contact with
infected genitals. From a social point of view, the problem is not the
disease; it's how you got it.

Whether we like it or not, the social prejudice against genital
herpes, no matter which virus causes it, is a reality. "People have
more trouble explaining to a new partner that they have genital
herpes, even if it's HSV- 1, than if they have a cold sore," says
Glover. "Just saying the word 'genital' is like an anvil that pulls
the sentence down".

Is this topic making you crazy? For people who have trouble dealing
with social attitudes toward genital herpes, the blatant double
standard society applies to oral herpes can be frustrating, to say the
least.

"Talk to a wise friend," suggests Rebecca, a health communication
specialist on the National Herpes Hotline. "Join a support group. Find
someone you respect and exchange ideas them. It's always reassuring to
see that not everyone lives inside the walls our society builds around
sexual issues and realities. "

It's also worth hoping that new research on the similarities between
HSV-1 and 2, as well as increased public education about genital
herpes, can help lower the level of misunderstanding about both types
of the virus. Today, the greatest difference between HSV- 1 and 2
appears to be the way we think about them. Tomorrow, that may change....

We are happy to present "Good Virus vs Bad Virus," an important
overview of herpes conditions from ASHA (the American Social Health
Association). You can find more information about herpes, or about
ASHA on their site. Many thanks to the American Social Health
Association for this article.





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