Herpes simplex - causes, forms & natural support

Herpes simplex (HSV) causes cold sores and genital herpes. Lactoferrin, a natural virus inhibitor, can prevent the spread and alleviate the symptoms.

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Wissenswertes über "Herpes simplex"

Herpes simplex is a widespread viral infection caused by viruses of the Herpesviridae family.

The best-known representatives of the Herpesviridae group are the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). Herpes viruses are characterised by the fact that they remain in the body for life and can be reactivated under certain conditions

The forms of herpes include Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), which often causes cold sores on the lips or around the mouth. Transmission occurs through direct contact or saliva. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is mainly responsible for genital herpes. Infection usually occurs through sexual contact. In addition, Varicella zoster viruses (VZV) cause chickenpox in initial infections and can be reactivated later as shingles (herpes zoster).

After the initial infection, the herpes viruses remain in a dormant state (latency) in the nerve cells. Reactivation is favoured by the following factors: Weakened immune system, stress, hormonal changes, UV radiation, infections or injuries. A natural remedy against herpes is the iron-binding protein lactoferrin, which is found in body fluids such as saliva and in breast milk.

Lactoferrin has antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that could be of great benefit in herpes infections. Lactoferrin blocks the binding of viruses to cells by binding to the cell receptors that the viruses need to dock onto human cells. This can inhibit the spread of an infection. It also activates natural killer cells (NK cells) and macrophages, which recognise and fight infected cells, thereby reducing the viral load in the body. Many viruses need iron in order to multiply. Lactoferrin removes iron from the environment, which worsens the conditions for virus replication.