Herpes simplex is a virus that infects either the oral or genital region. Once transmission has occurred, a person will always carry the virus--there is no cure. The initial outbreak of herpes is often the most severe. Outbreaks can continue to occur several times a year, or the virus may lie dormant in the body. Nearly 90 percent of Americans will experience oral herpes once during their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control states one in five adult Americans carries herpes simplex two, or genital herpes.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure may cause the virus to change from the dormant stage to the active stage. The sun's ultraviolet rays may hinder certain immune cells, causing a flareup to return. If an active outbreak is present, sun exposure may further irritate blisters and rashes suggests Dr. Robert Schmerling of Harvard Health Publications. Avoid the possibility of an outbreak by wearing sunscreen when outdoors and avoid overexposure. Penn State University lists over exposure to sunlight as one of the leading triggers of outbreaks.
Illness or Surgery
Fever is one of the leading triggers to recurring outbreaks of herpes. A fever occurs when the body's immune system is weak--an opportune time for the virus to become active. Other types of illnesses as well as surgery also trigger outbreaks. People who suffer from HIV/AIDS often have more outbreaks of herpes due to weak immune systems.
Menstruation
Women often experience recurring outbreaks prior to their menstrual cycle due to fluctuation of hormones. Herpes does not interfere with a woman's menstrual cycle. A missed period or irregular periods are caused by other factors and not the virus.
Stress
Stress may be a major factor in reoccurring herpes outbreaks. According to the University of Michigan one study showed stress lasting more than seven days increased the recurrence rate by 25 percent. Still other studies have shown no relation between stress and herpes. Stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery and herpes education classes may aid a person infected with the virus.
