Monique Rainford

There are a number of readers' questions which I have not yet answered, but I do intend to address as many of them as is possible.

Genital herpes

Dear Dr. Rainford,

I am just writing to ask you a few questions. I am 26 years old and recently found out that I have genital herpes. I would like to know what supplements to take and what foods to eat. While reading over the Internet, I see where some websites say that it can be cured with a (particular) plant, but it is not in Jamaica. Is this true? I would really like to talk to someone because I am feeling a little depressed.

Dear Reader,

I am sorry to hear about your distress. Herpes is caused by a virus; there is no known cure. However, the symptoms can be readily treated by medication which is available in Jamaica. It cannot be cured by the plant which you read about, but I do recommend that you discuss your concerns with a doctor. Let me remind you that herpes is by no means a death sentence and does not have to interfere with you leading a healthy and happy life.

Night fever and mouth sores

Dear Dr. Rainford,

I just read your article on herpes, dated November 22. I noted where you said that HSV1 causes infection above the waist such as night fever. In 2001, one year after my last unprotected sexual encounter, I did a HIV/STD test which showed negative. I have never had any sexually transmitted disease before and I have not had unprotected sex since then.

However, on about three or four occasions, I got the 'bad 'flu' and I ended up with night fever. The last time I went to the doctor she told me it was not night fever. Could this night fever be caused from any other problem?

Dear Reader,

There are a number of STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and each have to be tested for individually. It is important each time you test to know which ones you specifically tested. Night fever describes the blisters formed on the mouth by the herpes virus. This is usually caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) which can be transmitted in a non-sexual manner. Infection usually occurs in a young child with the highest incidence between the ages of six months and three years. It is found in saliva and blood and, although it is most often spread by close contact such as kissing, it can also be spread if skin comes in contact with an infected area.

Mouth sores similar to night fever have many different causes. These include canker sores which are not contagious but the cause of which is unknown; injury to the mouth such as a burn; reaction to certain medications or as a part of a different illness. Even if you have night fever because of herpes infection, it is not likely due to any sexual activity.

Stabbing pain

Dear Dr. Rainford,

I would like to know what causes a sharp stabbing pain in the vagina area even when walking or sitting in a certain position. It's basically not consistent, but causes discomfort whenever it happens. Is there a cure for this? I'm wondering if it's a nerve down there that's causing this.

Dear Reader,

To answer your question appropriately, I would require a full history and physical exam. If you have not already done so, you should see a gynaecologist to assist in determining the cause.

Dr. Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.