There can be many complications from the Herpes Simplex Virus, including everything from feeling more emotional during an outbreak to experiencing severe symptoms, even death. Complications include the following symptoms and conditions.
- Persistent, localized, or widespread herpes infection across the body (Eczema Herpetiform)
- Herpetic Keratitis is an eye infection that can lead to corneal scarring and potentially result in blindness.
- An infection of the throat.
- An infection of the liver (which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is associated with HSV-1 (cold sores) rather than HSV-2 (genital herpes) due to the Herpes Simplex Virus being in such close vicinity of the brain. Symptoms are fever, confusion, mental and emotional alterations, and possible coma. 10% of all cases end in death. Survivors often have long-lasting brain damage that causes fatigue, irritability, brain fog, hearing and memory loss, and blindness.
- Genital sores, often referred to as lesions or blisters, can be particularly severe in individuals with compromised immune systems.
- Those who are highly sensitive or have Fibromyalgia Syndrome can experience severe herpes pain. It is now understood that the herpes virus is also a cause of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
- Some individuals who are more sensitive or allergic to the Herpes Simplex Virus, or those with overlapping conditions, may experience more frequent and severe outbreaks or a persistent infection without periods of remission.
- Shingles, also called VZV, can cause three types of urinary dysfunction: Cystitis, Neuritis, and Myelitis.
- Herpes creates a higher risk of HIV and AIDS.
- Genital herpes (HSV-2) causes an increased risk of slow fetal growth, miscarriage, and premature labor. It can be transmitted to a baby during the birthing process, even when lesions are not present, and cause skin lesions, blindness, brain damage, and even the infant's death. Cesarean births are the only safe choice. Mothers can breastfeed as long as there are no visible sores on the breast.
- Genital herpes can also cause meningitis (Aseptic Meningitis or Herpes Meningitis), which may present with symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and, occasionally, vomiting. These symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, if you ever have a severe headache (a symptom of encephalitis) or any other symptom you feel you can't handle, please see your doctor or call 911.
- Genital herpes can cause Viral Cystitis.
- Genital herpes (HSV-2) increases the chance of developing certain types of Cancer.
- Prescription drugs often cause allergic Pruritus. Once you've experienced this all-over itching, you may experience it again, whether you take medication or not.
- Frequent herpes infections can cause mast cells to become overly activated, potentially leading to histamine intolerance.
Emotional Complications of HSV
Contracting HSV can be tough to cope with emotionally. Some individuals have moderate to severe mood changes during viral shedding and outbreaks. Some individuals become extremely impatient or angry, while others may cry a lot or develop brain fog (can't think clearly) and feel emotionally depressed or numb during a bout of herpes. These emotions can be felt daily, hour by hour, and even minute by minute. Feeling over-emotional is normal. Expect it. It may not happen every time, but it's completely normal. Also, see Can Herpes Cause Anxiety or Depression?
Flu-Like Complications of HSV
Flu-like symptoms may include headaches, body aches, fever, and chills. It can be challenging to get up and go to school or work, take care of children, drive around town to appointments or meetings, or get together with friends when you have moderate to severe herpes symptoms. Herpes can also interfere with sleep. If you can afford to, take a day or two off work.
HSV-1 (cold sores) symptoms include fatigue, headache, facial pain, sore throat or tongue, jaw or neck ache, light sensitivity, and tingling, itching, burning, and pain at the site of the sore.
HSV-2 (genital herpes) symptoms may also include fatigue, headache, constipation/diarrhea (IBS), urinary retention, buttock, perineal pain, and lower extremity pain, reflecting that the virus has set up housekeeping in the sacral nerve roots. Tingling, itching, burning, and pain are symptoms at the site of the sore.
Complications from Immune Suppression
While I am all for natural approaches, there are instances where antiviral medications can be a lifesaver. Regarding Herpes Simplex Virus, suppressive therapy means taking a low-dose antiviral prescription medication to decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks. In turn, this also helps to reduce the chance of transmitting HSV to others. This medication is taken daily. If you experience over 5-6 outbreaks yearly, take immune-suppressing drugs, or have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), your doctor will likely recommend suppressive therapy.
Although suppressive therapy is an option, it's still being determined how well it will work, how long therapy should continue, and whether or not frequent outbreaks will continue after therapy is discontinued. Due to concerns, most doctors recommend taking occasional breaks to assess long-term results. Therapy can always be restarted if and when it becomes necessary. However, if a particular antiviral medication doesn't work the first time, it's unlikely to work at all. Why? Because herpes teaches its "offspring" to become resistant.
Suppressive therapy is an option if your outbreaks are severe and you fear passing the virus to others. When you experience immune suppression from the following conditions (see below), you're more likely to experience more frequent and severe outbreaks and complications from HSV. You may also experience more extended periods of viral shedding. Your internal organs may be at risk, and antiviral medications may not work well.
- HIV or AIDS
- Medications that intentionally suppress the immune system
- Chemotherapy or radiation for Cancer treatment
- Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids
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