According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious). Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net
Many studies are conducted on the Herpes virus on an every day basis, and as a result, new facts are discovered. But before we begin, what is the herpes virus infection all about??
Herpes virus 1 and 2, are viruses that infect humans [2]. Herpes-1 is that virus which causes those annoying cold sores and watery blisters on the skin, mainly near the mouth, whereas herpes-2 is that virus which causes genital sores and blisters- both of which can be a total bummer [2,3].
So, first thing’s first- lets say you caught herpes: what’s next? Besides the initial symptoms, the virus knows how to travel to your nerve cells, and transfer to a latent state, which is basically similer to falling asleep in your nerves. And, not only it goes to sleep, but it can hide from your immune system!
And finally, beware- if you are by any chance stressed prior to an exam or decided to go sunbathing or tanning at the beach, you may wake that darn devil up, and as a result he will travel back to your skin and you will get more cold sores on your mouth or blisters on your genitals, depends on which type of virus you have [2].
What’s interesting about herpes viruses is that many people are infected with HSV without even knowing. Moreover, infected people can transmit the virus without having symptoms, and as a result spread the infection to people unknowingly.
Many people who are in a relationship for many years, and have never experienced herpes outbreak’s, may link a partners sudden herpes outbreak to cheating.
However, the timing of transmission is usually unknown, so genital herpes infection may appear even after many years in a monogamous relationship.
However, the timing of transmission is usually unknown, so genital herpes infection may appear even after many years in a monogamous relationship.
Many people who are in a relationship for many years, and have never experienced herpes outbreak’s, may link a partners sudden herpes outbreak to cheating. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net
According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious).
And it doesn’t end there. According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious). To be more specific, HSV encephalitis is mainly caused by HSV-1, whereas meningitis is more often caused by HSV-2. And as a result, powerful seizures may occur [3-4].
The amount of health problem caused by herpes virus infection amazes me each time. To me, knowledge is power. Therefore, read, learn, and don’t leave your health in another persons hands. Take responsibility for your health.
References:
1. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.”Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.
2. 2. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.
3. Neil W. Andersona, William Sistrunkb and Matthew J. Binnickera “Simultaneous Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Seizures and Encephalitis.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Published in January 2015.
4. Meningitis.org – Viral Meningitis