What Are The Risks Of Genital Herpes?

By HelloLife

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2.
It is a very common virus; it is estimated that one in 5 adults is infected, although 80% of these are generally asymptomatic.
In most cases, genital herpes is an irritating but not life-threatening condition.
The most common physical symptoms of herpes are itchy or painful sores in the genital area.
Psychological effects of herpes include fear of rejection, depression, feelings of isolation, and sexual inhibition.

In very rare cases, genital herpes can cause more severe complications.

Herpes and Pregnancy

Herpes in pregnant women can be extremely dangerous to her newborn. Pregnant women with herpes have a higher incidence of:

Miscarriage
Premature labor
Delayed fetal growth

The baby can be infected with herpes in utero or during birth. Complications of infection in newborns are severe and include:

Painful lesions on the body
Infection of the central nervous system. Symptoms of this include:
- Irritability
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Seizures
Disseminated herpes, in which herpes attacks the baby's internal organs.
Babies that develop herpes can die or suffer brain damage.
If you are experiencing an outbreak of herpes when you go into labor, your doctor will probably advise a caesarean section. This is intended to minimize contact between the baby and the herpes virus.

Ocular Herpes

Herpes can transfer to the eye. This is more common in people who have oral herpes, but it is possible to transfer the virus from the infected area to the eye via the hands. Always make sure to wash your hands with soap if you touch an open herpes sore. Ocular herpes can result in the following complications:

Corneal scars
Loss of vision
Blindness

Herpes Meningitis

In approximately four to eight percent of cases, genital herpes causes a condition known as herpes meningitis. Women are more likely to develop this condition that men. Symptoms of herpes meningitis are:

Headache
Fever
Stiff neck
Light sensitivity
Vomiting

Usually herpes meningitis lasts between 2 and 7 days. Neurological damage rarely results, although it is possible.

Other Conditions

There are many other conditions that are associated with herpes.

Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal inflammation
Pain disorders
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Coronary artery disease

Increased Risks of Developing Other Diseases

Herpes has been shown to increase a person's risk of contracting other diseases, like sexually transmitted hepatitis and HIV.

Herpes and the Immune System

Your best defense against herpes complications is a healthy immune system. The immune system is what keeps the herpes virus at bay, so it is important to boost your immune system in any way possible. Suggestions for a healthy immune system:

Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep has been shown to weaken immunity.
Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that a fit, active body is more immune to disease.
Take an immune booster. All natural supplements have been shown to boost immunity without side effects.

Sources:

http://www.uic.edu/com/eye/LearningAboutVision/EyeFacts/OcularHerpesSimplex.shtml

http://www.babycenter.com/viewArticle.htm;jsessionid=5D6BB6F4A46841DF2FB83F4E485DCCA3.01-03?articleId=1360877&page=2#articlesection1

http://www.gotherpes.com/doc52severity.sht