Cameron Poole, Author at Herpes Viruses Association

Posted on October 20, 2026October 21, 2026 by Cameron Poole — Leave a comment

A Newborn Baby and A Cold Sore: Understanding the Real Risk

This recent BBC report about the tragic death of a newborn baby has understandably caused considerable anxiety among parents, particularly mothers who have experienced cold sores or genital herpes. We would like to offer some reassurance, explain the facts and put the risks into perspective.

First and foremost, our deepest sympathies go to the family involved. The loss of a child is devastating, and nothing in this article is intended to minimise that tragedy.

However, it is very important that such exceptional cases are reported with appropriate medical context, so that parents are informed rather than unnecessarily frightened.

Can herpes be dangerous to newborn babies?

Yes, but the key word here is ‘can’. A common cold can be dangerous to newborn babies. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores and genital herpes, can cause serious, occasionally life-threatening illness in newborn babies.

Can does not mean will, and it certainly does not mean usually does.

Neonatal herpes is very rare in the UK. Recent surveillance data indicates approximately seven cases per 100,000 live births.

Posted on July 31, 2026October 14, 2026 by Cameron Poole — Leave a comment

Could one tablet prevent an outbreak?

In recent years, I’ve noticed something interesting about one aciclovir pill. If I had a bad night’s sleep, a particularly stressful day, or some other event that had triggered outbreaks in the past, I would occasionally take a single 400 mg or 800 mg dose of aciclovir. More often than not, the outbreak never seemed to develop.

Posted on November 15, 2023February 2, 2024 by Cameron Poole

Two-for-one! A story about sex lives

The biggest perk of this job by far is making a difference in people’s lives and giving people the tools to reclaim their confidence and their sex lives. Occasionally, people who call us in a state of anxiety about telling a partner ring us back to let us know how it went (something we encourage, we love a happy ending) but for the first time yesterday I had a two-for-one.

Posted on November 4, 2021November 6, 2026 by Cameron Poole

Stigma: who benefits?

By Cameron Poole

Since stupidity, division, snobbery and general unpleasantness continue to thrive among us humans, one might argue that stigma doesn’t need challenging. It fits very well into modern society sitting comfortably somewhere between babyishness and insecurity as a normal human behaviour.

Stigma is primarily defined as ‘A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person’. It does not say if the mark of disgrace in question is in any way justified or rational.

The human condition

Perhaps one of the biggest flaws of the human condition is this silly need to separate ourselves from others so as to feel superior. It is something we may all have been guilty of at some point or another. It makes us feel better at the expense of others, and in the purest examples it provides comfort to those with little to feel proud about themselves.