I recently bought Fast Facts-Sexually Transmitted Diseases-inadequate ,not even suitable for an undergrad,but the book under review is a horse by another colour,its all here for the non-specialist, particularly helpful is its advice and algorithms for patients whose symptoms persist in spite of repeated clear tests,the only minor complaint was that it did not address the poorly named male pelvic congestion syndrome in its discussion of ongoing symptomatology where a clear cut cause is being elusive, however maybe that is one for the urologists rather than venereologists.An invaluable primary care reference.

This book lives up to its title of taking a “holistic approach” as it promotes a dozen or more alternative therapies to prevent and heal outbreaks.

When this book was published there was very little scientific research available on specific treatments for herpes except for one drug, so I didn’t expect to find much in the way of research study citations to support the validity of most of the alternative therapies discussed here.

However, the author does a good job of providing credible sources and important information throughout the book, whether it be about statistics, prevention strategies, early warning signs, who gets herpes or drug-free remedies, including the familiar amino acid lysine.

Any health practitioner will tell you the key to avoiding future outbreaks is to keep the immune and nervous systems healthy, which is exactly what this book tells you how to do in a clear, straightforward manner.

This is the most relevant approach to controlling herpes that I have found. Anyone can follow her program. Ms Picozzi reviews how to bolster the immune system through diet, stress management, exercise. The overall result is a healthier body and immune system. After a number of years of searching for a resource that is concise, useable and effective, this book is well worth the money. Thank you Michele!

Its very good and very oh so helpful its the first book that I have read that really addresses the PROBLEM instead of making it worse. Its worth it, to avoid an outbreak every so often

I think the book was well written and I liked the author’s writing style. Its a little outdated though. I would like to see an updated edition with more data on the newer anti herpes drugs such as Valtrex. Its been 5 years, so its time to get some newer information out there.

The most recent edition of this book is now nearly 10 years old. In the medical field, that is a huge amount of time. I bought this book based on the positive reviews posted on Amazon, but ended up more confused after reading it. This book focuses primarily on the medical facts about herpes (if you want a book to help you deal with the emotional issues, this is NOT the book for you), but much of what is discussed is outdated. For instance, the book discusses that not much is known about asymptomatic shedding, but that there probably isn’t much risk of infecting a partner unless visible sores are present — science now knows that this isn’t the case (in fact about 70% of people got herpes when their partners had no visible symptoms). The anti-virals such as Valtrex were just coming on the market around the time this book was published and effectiveness of these drugs wasn’t well known at that point. A few days of research online will educate you far better than this book will about treatment and reducing the risk of transmission.

I did like some of the medical details regarding rarer symptoms — this book does go much deeper than any information you will find on herpes resources online. This book also discussed herpes behavior on other part of the body — something that isn’t well discussed in other sources I have consulted.

If this book is ever updated, I think it will oncew again be a very valuable read. Until it’s updated, however, the outdated information outweighs the detail it contains.

Sometimes genital herpes can feel like a life sentence. And an occasionally itchy one at that. I experienced bitterness over the person who gave it to me and for 10 years people have resented me for having it. They believe it’s a punishment for promiscuity when in fact I only had three serious partners and one gave it to me.

This book is awesome! It has all the fax AND good advice about handling herpes. I am more confident about just coming out and saying yes I am herpes sufferer please understand my perspective. I am not a leper. I FEEL A LOT BETTER AND KNOW ONE DAY I WILL FIND SOMEONE. highly recomended

This book is a comprehensive collection of questions that a person (infected or not) probably has. And there are questions that may not have even been thought of.

Stepehen Sacks “speaks” to the reader in a way that is humane and almost comforting. He answers these questions and presents the facts in a straightforward, realistic, non-judgemental and responsible way.

Some things this book explains are:

Symptoms.

Medical aspects of infection/ reinfection (in a way easily understood by those not in the medical profession.)

Type 1 vs. Type 2.

Means of transmission.

Management of the virus.

Asymptomatic vs. having symptoms and not knowing it.

Herpes and cancer.

It also addresses pshcological concerns and neonatal concerns.

It contains color plates that visually exemplify the virus.

This book will allow those who read it to have the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Read this book with your highligter and a notepad by your side.

This book not only explains and informs about the physical aspects of herpes better than any other I have ever seen, but it also places all of this information within a “ethically and morally neutral” framework, in which the reader has the choice and is presented with alternative perspectives about how to come to grips with their own infection…. the risk to others… to tell or not to tell… did my partner cheat on me… all of these important questions which are raised by herpes (in addition to the physical ones) are addressed in this book. If you read this book, you will be less risk to others, and you will have made important decisions about your life from an informed perspective. Don’t delay… this is a wonderful book.

This book was a lifesaver for me when i found out i was diagnosed as a type 1 carrier of the disease. I felt very hopeless and scared, but after reading this book it was comforting to know the prevalence of the disease and that I could take preventative measures to not transmit it to others.