Cold Sore Fact Sheet
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 is generally the cause of cold sores, while HSV-2 is generally responsible for causing genital herpes. HSV-1 infection is common when we are children, and in the majority of cases, these initial infections are asymptomatic.

Genital Herpes Fact Sheet
There is a lot of social stigma associated with genital herpes, as well as myths that can be harmful. Below are some important facts about this very common sexually transmitted disease.

Identifying and Treating Shingles
Everyone with shingles has had chickenpox at some time. Nearly 99% of adults have had chickenpox at some point in their lives, meaning that nearly all adults are at risk for shingles. When the chickenpox skin rash goes away, the virus goes into hibernation (latency) in the nerve roots of the spinal cord.

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External Genital Warts
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually-transmitted disease that is associated with a number of benign, premalignant, and frankly malignant lesions of the anogenital tract. In Canada, its prevalence varies depending on a number of risk factors, but appears to be highest in people between 15-25 years of age.

A Review of Therapeutic Options for Genital Warts
Condylomata acuminata (genital or venereal warts) pose a significant health concern, especially amongst young adults. Considered to be one of the most common forms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), external genital warts (EGWs) are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus that causes the majority of cervical cancers.

Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)
While cold sores may be considered mild and inconsequential compared with many other viral infections, they can be extremely uncomfortable physically, making it painful to eat and talk.

Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a serious complication of herpes zoster that has a predilection for older individuals. PHN is often associated with significant morbidity, and it can cause insomnia, fatigue, depression and interference with daily activities in affected individuals.

Practical Management Measures for Patients with Recurrent Herpes Labialis
Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a common condition associated with the formation of vesicles around the mouth, often preceded by prodromal symptoms including tingling and burning.

Valacyclovir for the Management of Herpes Viral Infections
The Herpesviridae family (Types 1-8) continues to inflict considerable morbidity and social stigma upon humanity. Once infected with the herpes viruses, especially Types 1-3, they establish permanent residence within our nervous system and reactivate during periods of stress, trauma, and/or other precipitating factors. To date, there is no cure for herpes viral infections but antivirals can attenuate the symptoms and duration of episodic outbreaks. Prophylactic therapy can suppress recurrences. The first antiviral with selective activity against virus-infected cells is considered to be acyclovir. Our article will highlight the clinical indications of the current generation, valacyclovir, which is a prodrug of acyclovir. We consider valacyclovir as a second-generation antiviral, having taken into account the initial selectivity and safety profile of its progenitor, acyclovir.

Famciclovir for the Treatment of Recurrent Genital and Labial Herpes Lesions
Famciclovir (Famvir®, Novartis) is an effective treatment for herpes zoster and herpes simplex. Two separate studies recently examined the effectiveness of single high doses of famciclovir for treating recurrent genital herpes and labial herpes (cold sores).