Two types of the herpes simplex virus, or HSV, can infect the human body. HSV-1 typically affects the mouth, and HSV-2 normally affects the genitals. The virus causes painful blisters that rupture and cause open sores. The sores occur on the area of the body where the virus enters, either the mouth or genitals. Treatment for the condition includes taking antiviral medications to decrease the frequency of herpes outbreaks. Herpes has no cure and patients may develop complications.
Contracting Additional Viruses
Individuals infected with the herpes virus have an increased risk of developing additional sexually transmitted diseases. These disease may include the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The increased risk of contracting additional viruses is due to the open sores on the body caused by the herpes virus that allow the access of pathogens. Individuals who have HIV also have an increased risk of contracting the herpes virus.
Spread of Ulcers
An HSV-2 infection on the mouth can spread down the throat and into the lungs. These sores can cause pain and difficulty swallowing as well as pneumonia with shortness of breath, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. Individuals with genital herpes can experience sores in the colon as the virus spreads inside the body.
Meningitis and Encephalitis
A rare complication of the herpes virus is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and covering around the brain and spinal cord. This condition, called meningitis, causes symptoms such as a fever, stiff neck and headache. If the virus infects the brain, a condition called herpes encephalitis, fever, seizures, confusion and death may occur.
Newborn and Pregnancy Complications
During birth, a woman with herpes sores can pass the virus to her child. The child contracting the virus can experience serious complications, such as blindness, brain damage or death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Eye Complications
Occasionally, the herpes virus can infect the cornea, which is the transparent covering of the eye. This condition, referred to as herpes keratitis, can cause the cornea to cloud. The cloudy cornea decreases vision and may require corneal replacement.
Bowel and Bladder Complications
Individuals with genital herpes can experience bowel or bladder problems. Women with genital herpes may experience urinary retention and men may experience an inflammation of the rectum, according to the Mayo Clinic.
