Why is Stress a Key Factor in the Recurrence of the Herpes Simplex Virus?

11/19/2024

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection induced by the herpes simplex virus that usually results in genital and oral herpes. However, it can also affect other parts of your body, including the eyes, brain, spinal cord, etc. HSV induces blisters filled with fluid that often rupture and crust over wherever infection is present; it is also referred to as a herpes outbreak. Additionally, you may have asymptomatic HSV as well, which means you may be living with the virus without any apparent symptoms or active episodes of herpes.

Besides, other people infected with this virus may stumble upon the frequent or infrequent episodes of fluid-filled blisters or sores. In most cases, these blisters are usually seen on the genitals, lips, and mouth. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t appear in other parts of the body; they can be seen in the hands, fingers, back, face, etc.

This medical condition is highly contagious, which means it can spread from one person to another easily. It usually multiplies when close/direct skin-to-skin contact is established. Herpes occurs when HSV enters one’s body either through skin or mucosa. For the further multiplication in the body, the virus uses one’s cells to generate copies of itself.

In most cases, herpes is sexually transmitted, but it can also spread to other people from the infected person in many different ways. There is nothing to be ashamed of; it’s prevalent. Early diagnosis can improve the condition and may prevent its spread.

Estimates garnered from the World Health Organization disclose that:

• Almost 67% of the population of the world below the age of 50 years had genital or oral HSV-1 in the year 2016 and

• Around 13% of the world’s population between the ages of 15 and 49 years encountered HSV-2 in the year 2016.

Once you have developed herpes, the virus resides in your system throughout your life. It remains asleep, also known as dormant, most of the time but may wake up, commonly known as reactive,  and cause frequent outbreaks of ulcers and blisters anywhere on the body. The way herpes affects may vary from one person to another and depends on many factors.         

How Does Stress Reactivate the Herpes Virus?

As mentioned earlier, it comes as a sexually transmitted disease that can result in oral and genital symptoms. Herpes is one of those sexually transmitted diseases that cannot be cured completely with any treatment. However, there is a multitude of medications available online that can help manage and control the condition in the best way possible.

Stress and anxiety are two common reasons for herpes flare-ups. In addition to this, it can also induce fatigue, infection, other illnesses, etc. Anxiety can lead to herpes flare-ups, but it shouldn’t be associated with any type of anxiety disorder. If you are under physical stress, such as tiredness, or emotional stress, such as anxiety or depression, you may have to encounter herpes symptoms.

Your immune system weakens when you are worried, stressed, or exhausted. The immune system's potential to fight against an infection becomes weaker when you are under excessive stress, allowing the herpes virus to resurface.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

What are the Common Symptoms of HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus? 

Herpes simplex infections have various types, and symptoms can differ based on the specific type you are diagnosed with. The following are the common types of infections with their symptoms.

• Oral Herpes: You may have oral herpes if you have blisters on your lips or around moths. You may go through itching, burning sensation, and tingling for up to 48 hours before blisters form.

• Genital Herpes: The signs of genital herpes may consist of blisters on or around your genitals. Other symptoms that occur within 48 hours before blisters appear may include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, itching, or tingling in the genital area.

• Herpes Keratitis: The following are the symptoms of herpes keratitis: eye pain or irritation, blisters on your eyelid or around your eyes, sensitivity to light, and feeling like there is something present in your eye.

• Herpes Meningitis: This type of herpes infection may contribute to symptoms such as sensitivity to light, headache, and fever.

• HSV Encephalitis: The symptoms may include headache, focal seizures, changes in speech or behavior, and fever while suffering from HSV encephalitis.

• Herpes Gladiatorum: Herpes gladiatorum may cause blisters anywhere on your skin. However, it usually leads to blisters on your ears, chest, and face.

• Herpetic Whitlow: The symptoms of herpetic whitlow are as follows: blisters on your fingers, discolored skin around your fingernail, and swelling in your fingers.

Note: Symptoms and treatment of herpes will depend on the specific type of herpes you are diagnosed with.

What is the Major Difference Between Herpes 1 and Herpes 2?

The herpes simplex virus infection is classified into two major categories: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1

• HSV-1 usually results in oral herpes, characterized by fever blisters or cold sores on your face or around your mouth.

HSV-2

• HSV 2 usually leads to genital herpes with symptoms such as sores on or around the genitals, anus, buttocks, inner thighs, etc. This may also trigger sores to develop inside the vagina.

Before you move further, it is noteworthy that HSV-1 is usually linked to cold sores, while HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes. Both viruses can be spread through genital or oral contact. In other words, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can result in genital and oral herpes episodes.

Most people with genital herpes are actually living with HSV-1, as the virus usually spreads from oral-to-genital contact. In addition to this, HSV-2 rarely leads to oral episodes or cold sores, but it is not impossible.

Conclusion: 

HSV, or herpes simplex virus, is one of the widespread viral infections. It tends to transmit quickly when direct contact is established, and the chances of stumbling upon the virus are very high. In most cases, people don’t even come across any apparent symptoms, but when symptoms appear, they come in outbreaks. According to doctors, the first outbreak of this virus is considered the worst as it may lead to intense and severe symptoms.  At present, there is no permanent cure for this medical condition, but the symptoms can be improved with the use of antiviral medications. Before you opt for any treatment, please get in touch with your doctor first.

FAQs

1. Why does stress cause herpes outbreaks?

The immune system suffers and becomes weaker when you feel stressed, worried, or worn out. As a result, your resistance to fight against infections reduces, allowing the herpes to regrow.

2. What's the worst thing about having herpes?

The first encounter with the herpes virus is very challenging and painful. You may come across the following symptoms: fever, body aches, and fatigue upon the first encounter. The severity of the symptoms associated with HSV tends to decrease with recurrent outbreaks. In rare cases, this viral infection can result in the inflammation of the membrane covering the brain, called meningitis.

3. What triggers the herpes virus to become active?

The herpes simplex virus thrives inside a nerve cell and switches between active and inactive phases. Below listed triggers can cause the virus to become active:

• Injury

• Surgery

• Emotional stress

• Illness or fever

• Sun exposure

• Menstrual period

4. What is the most common cause of herpes outbreaks?

Herpes simplex virus has two types named HSV-1 and HSV-2.  HSV-1, commonly known as type 1, is usually transmitted through oral contact and results in infection in or around the mouth. On the other hand, type-2 or HSV-2 spreads through sexual contact and leads to genital herpes.