There can be many complications from the Herpes Simplex Virus, including everything from feeling more emotional during a breakout 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 leading to scarring within the cornea and possible 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 called lesions or blisters, can be severe in people with suppressed 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 have overlapping conditions may experience more frequent and severe breakouts or have a persistent infection without lesion-free periods.
- 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 Herpes Meningitis, which causes a headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, and, sometimes, vomiting, which usually clears on its own.
- Genital herpes can cause Viral Cystitis.
- Genital herpes (HSV-2) increases the chance of developing Cervical 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.
- HSV doesn't activate the immune system like most viruses because herpes can hide and move from cell to cell.
- Frequent infections cause mast cells to become overly activated and can result in Histamine Intolerance.
- Cancer
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 breakouts. 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-to-hour, and even minute-to-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 be present, such as 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, I suggest doing so.
HSV-1 (cold sores) symptoms include fatigue, headache, facial pain, sore throat or tongue, jaw or neck ache, light sensitivity, sore throat, 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.
It's important to note that symptoms of headache, stiff neck, back pain, and low-grade fever are symptoms of Aseptic Meningitis or Herpes Meningitis, so if you ever have a headache or any other symptoms you feel you can't handle or are severe, please see your doctor or call 911.
Complications from Immune Suppression
While I am all for all-natural approaches, there can be instances where antiviral medications are a godsend. Regarding Herpes Simplex Virus, suppressive therapy means taking a low-dose antiviral prescription medication to decrease the frequency and severity of breakouts. 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 breakouts 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 breakouts will continue after therapy is discontinued. Because there are doubts, most doctors suggest taking a break occasionally to check for long-lasting results. Therapy can always be restarted if and when it becomes necessary. However, if a particular antiviral medication didn't work the first time, it's doubtful if it ever will. Why? Because herpes teaches its "offspring" to become resistant.
Suppressive therapy is an option if your breakouts are severe and you fear passing the virus to others. When you experience immune suppression from the following conditions, you're more likely to experience more frequent and severe breakouts 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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