Private MD News

Immunocompromised patients at risk for uncontrollable herpes

Category: Herpes

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals troubling data regarding the herpes simplex virus. The researchers noted that the virus is becoming increasingly resistant to one of the most commonly prescribed antiviral treatments, Acyclocvir, and while patients with a healthy immune system can control HSV, those who don't may have more difficulty. Stable immune systems tend to keep HSV to a minimum, with sores that are small and only appear briefly. These patients do not usually experience pain with outbreaks.

"In contrast, immunocompromised patients might not be able to control HSV infection," noted the report.

It went on to say that longer and more painful outbreaks are common in those with weakened immune systems, especially now that the virus has become resistant to traditional treatments. According to the study, this is likely due to the over prescription of anti-herpes medications, which has led to the mutation of herpes, giving it the ability to survive typical antiviral medications.

How to determine an HSV infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that, in the U.S., there are approximately 776,000 new herpes infections annually. About one in six people ages 14 to 49 already have genital HSV-2 infections. Herpes patients are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. HSV is typically characterized by blisters on or around the genitals or mouth. According to the source, outbreaks may become less frequent with time.

Anonymous and discrete herpes 2 testing is available for those who are concerned about their sexual health status. It is possible to have an infection, even if no sores are present. Most people who have HSV show either no or mild symptoms.