HHV-6

[HELP123]

http://cfsstraighttalk.blogspot.com/

[Sheryl]

The site above is regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Although it has some valid links, it makes some inaccurate/misleading statements e.g. "non HIV AIDs".

What it is referring to is a virus in the herpes family, HHV-6, which is thought to possibly be either the cause or a contributing factor to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and also possibly Multiple Sclerosis. Its role in both this and a number of other diseases is under investigation.

LIke the various other herpes viruses, HHV-6 is widespread in the the general population and usually latent; in some people, usually those whose immune systems are already weakened for some reason, it may "reactivate" .

It has also been hypothosized that HHV-6 also speed up the progression to full blown AIDs in persons infected with HIV possibly because the weakening of the immune system by HIV reactivates the HHV which in turn accelerates the progression of HIV and vice versa.

None of this alters the fact that a person who is HIV negative (in the sense of no HIV virus detectable in the blood) does not, by definition, have AIDs. AIDs is the disease caused by HIV. There are, of course, other diseases not involving HIV which also create immuno deficiency.

There is no evidence that the medications used to treat HIV -- which were specifically developed to inhibit that virus -- would be effective in treating HHV or immunodeficiency from other causes.

Note that HHV is a different herpes strain that the one which causes genital herpes. It is spread via saliva and almost everyone has been exposed to it by adulthood, thus the issue is nto avoiding contct with it but understanding why, in some people, it reactivates.

A clear explanation of it can be found here http://www.wisconsinlab.com/hhv6.htm

And here is the CDC site: http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/eid/vol5no3/campadelli.htm

Title of the thread has been edited to reflect the topic.

[HELP123]

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/aunkn...group&slk=1