Can You Die From Herpes?
Dean Mitchell / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can cause oral herpes—known as cold sores or fever blisters—and genital herpes. HSV-1 infections usually result in oral herpes, while HSV-2 infections are the typical cause of genital herpes.
Herpes doesn't usually cause serious health issues or death, but it can lead to complications in some cases. Here's what else you need to know, including information about the treatment and prevention of herpes.
Dean Mitchell / Getty Images
How Common Is Herpes?
About 11.9% of people under 50 have an HSV-2 infection in the U.S. Based on 2018 data, the CDC also estimates about 572,000 new genital herpes infections occur per year. HSV-2 is also more common in people with a vagina, at about 15.9% compared to 8.2% in people with a penis.
Also, about 3.7 billion people under 50 (67% of the global population) have an oral or genital HSV-1 disease. Most people with herpes are also asymptomatic (or don't show symptoms) and have no clue they have the disease. In the U.S., the CDC estimates about 87.4% of people under 50 are unaware they have genital herpes.
Possible Complications of Herpes
People with herpes usually have no symptoms or only have mild symptoms. Common symptoms typically appear between 2-21 days after exposure to the herpes virus, but some might not start until months or years later.
However, in rare cases, herpes can cause complications. For example, an untreated HSV-2 infection may result in meningitis, a brain and spinal cord fluid infection and inflammation, or acute tissue death within the retina, a layer of cells within the eye. Other complications are outlined below.
Oral Herpes
Complications of oral herpes can include:
Bacterial skin infections
Bodily infections, which can be life-threatening for individuals with a weakened immune system
Eye infections, which may lead to blindness due to eye surface scarring
Recurring mouth sores and blisters
Viral spread to other areas of the skin
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes has been linked to an increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection risk. It can also cause body-wide infections if you have a weak immune system because of HIV or some medications. Genital herpes can also spread to your baby if you are pregnant.
Neonatal Herpes
Most birth parents with herpes do not transmit the infection to their children during pregnancy and birth. If you have an active genital herpes outbreak during labor, you may need a cesarean section to decrease the risk of passing the infection. If your baby does get a herpes infection, known as neonatal herpes, it can cause life-threatening complications like:
Central nervous system disease and damage
Infected organs (especially the lungs and liver)
Skin, eyes, or mouth infections
However, in babies with neonatal herpes who were not treated, the risk of death is about 60%, so it is critical to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Herpes Treatment
Antivirals like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir reduce the virus presence in your body. This helps lower your risk of outbreaks and transmitting the virus to another person.
A healthcare provider may also prescribe antiviral medications if you're pregnant. The provider may also suggest a C-section if you have an active outbreak or new infection.
How To Prevent Spreading Herpes
Medication and other preventative measures can help you reduce your risk of spreading herpes to your partner, including:
Avoid sex until your sores have healed. The presence of herpes sores means you have an active infection and are contagious.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant. Monitoring a herpes infection and taking antivirals during pregnancy can help prevent the spread of herpes to your baby.
Use the appropriate protection during outbreaks. Condoms or dental dams do not eliminate the risk of transmitting herpes to your partner. However, barrier methods can significantly lower the risk of contracting the infection during sex.
What To Do If You Find Out You Have Herpes
Talk with a healthcare provider about the best treatment options if you've been diagnosed with herpes and maintain your treatment plan. Avoid touching any sores so the virus doesn't spread to other places on your body you may touch.
Additionally, communicate with your partner about the diagnosis and use condoms if you're sexually active. Try to limit your exposure to stress and maintain good health by getting enough sleep and regular exercise, for example.
A Quick Review
It's rare for herpes to cause severe disease or spread to infants if the birth parent has herpes. Most people will not face life-threatening complications from a herpes infection.
Antiviral medication can help you avoid outbreaks, but taking medications and avoiding intimacy during an outbreak can reduce your risk of spreading it to your partner. If you experience herpes symptoms, getting tested and ruling out other conditions is essential.
For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.com.
