HSV: A Chronic Disease That Deserves Real Action

Hello everybody,

There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding herpes simplex virus (HSV), leading to misunderstandings about how it affects the body. Let’s clear up some misconceptions and push for real change—because those suffering from HSV deserve better.

  1. HSV Is Not a Parasite

Some people mistakenly believe HSV is a parasite because it stays in the body indefinitely. However, HSV is a virus, not a parasitic organism. Unlike parasites, which continuously harm the body, HSV is a latent virus that integrates into nerve cells and reactivates periodically.

  1. HSV Is a Chronic Disease, Not Just an “Infectious Disease”

While HSV is transmissible, it is best classified as a chronic viral disease rather than just an “infectious disease.” The key difference is that infectious diseases, like the flu or common cold, are usually acute, meaning they come and go. HSV, on the other hand, stays in the body for life, much like HIV or hepatitis. It’s a lifelong battle, not a one-time infection.

  1. Millions Suffer in Silence

Not everyone experiences HSV the same way. While some people have mild or no symptoms, others suffer daily from:
• Severe nerve pain (often in the lower back, legs, and genitals)
• Back-to-back outbreaks, sometimes occurring multiple times a month
• Extreme physical and emotional distress

For these individuals, HSV isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a debilitating condition that affects their quality of life, relationships, and mental well-being. Yet, because of stigma and misinformation, their suffering is ignored.

  1. Why We Need a Cure – And Why We Need Your Vote

Despite how common HSV is, research into a true cure has been underfunded for decades. Thankfully, scientists at places like Excision BioTherapeutics and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are making progress using gene-editing and immune-based therapies that could potentially eliminate HSV from the body. But these efforts need more funding, more awareness, and more public demand for change.

That’s why we need YOUR vote. By voting, you’re helping push for:
:white_check_mark: Increased funding for HSV cure research
:white_check_mark: Public health initiatives to reduce stigma and misinformation
:white_check_mark: Better medical support for those with chronic HSV-related pain

For too long, HSV has been ignored as a serious health issue. It’s time to change that. Your vote can help drive real action—more research, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

Together, we can demand the progress that billions desperately need.

Make Your Voice Heard

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https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2024-P-5965-0001

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