Herpes is a common disease affecting the mouth and genital area. Herpes of the mouth, lips and face is caused by herpes simplex 1, a virus that can be transmitted through the saliva. According to Medline Plus, by adulthood, 30 to 90 percent of people will have antibodies or resistance against herpes simplex 1. Herpes simplex 2 is a disease that is usually found in the genital area and it can be contracted through intimacy and sexual contact. Symptoms usually include genital ulcers and sores. However, some people may carry the herpes simplex 2 virus without any symptoms.
Recurrent Genital Sores
Genital herpes can cause recurrent, very painful genital sores. This can be more severe in patients with decreased immune resistance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no absolute cure for this condition. However, recurrent outbreaks can be shortened and controlled by the use of antiviral medications.
Newborn Infection
Herpes simplex can be transmitted from the mother to her baby during normal delivery. According to the Mayo Clinic website, exposure of the newborn to genital herpes during delivery may likely result in brain damage, blindness or even death. As a result of this, delivery of babies to mothers with genital herpes must be done through cesarean section, or C-section.
Susceptibility to HIV Virus and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
According to Medline Plus, herpes may be a risk factor in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, people who have herpes are more susceptible to contract HIV. Thus, proper diagnosis, treatment and management is a must to prevent this occurrence.
Meningitis
The Mayo Clinic website advises that herpes can also predispose a patient to develop meningitis, a fatal infectious disease that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition may cause fever, chills, severe headache, stiff neck, decreased consciousness and mental status changes. Increased pressure within the brain compartment due to severe infection and possible herniation, or bulging out of the brain from its compartment, is one of the most feared and most fatal consequences of this condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of the patient is needed to prevent permanent brain damage and possible death.
Proctitis
Male patients who have had sex with other males are at risk of developing proctitis, an infectious inflammation of the lining of the rectum due to the herpes simplex virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms usually seen in patients with proctitis include rectal pain, rectal bleeding, passing of mucus through the rectum, diarrhea and continuous urgency to have bowel movements. Antiviral medication is usually necessary to alleviate the discomfort brought about by this condition.
