Herpes Simplex Virus Virulence
Channel: Proven Health Benefits - Healthy with Science
Date: 2015-06-15

Originally called "Fighting The Viral Wars" this clip explains how viral latency helps certain viruses like the herpes simplex virus evade the immune response by turning off or downregulating its gene expression. 

Because occult infections (hidden infections recognized by secondary manifestation) like herpes can avoid the immune response we are unable to purge them from the body. The virus lies latent and when the right stressors are in place indicating a compromised immune system, the virus springs into action resulting in what is known as a "cold sore".

Most people with herpes infections already know that the amino acid arginine can cause outbreaks and should be avoided, while foods high in lysine (amino acid) help prevent outbreaks. Many fruits and vegetables are typically low in arginine and by comparison high in lysine and thus considered effective foods to limit herpes outbreaks. Besides that, it seems that the single most important strategy to reduce the occurrence of herpes outbreaks and cold sores is to avoid stressors and maintain a healthy and strong immune function.

Video posted using the CC license, original video can be found here:  https://youtu.be/9idAdgIP06g