World Herpes Day, this Wednesday, November 20, is an opportunity to take stock of a disease that is still taboo and stigmatizing. Frequent and very contagious, this infection should nevertheless be better known in order to better prevent it.
1 – There are two types of herpes
There are two types of herpes simplex virus, which causes herpes. The HSV-1 subtype is most often associated with orofacial infections (the famous cold sore or herpes labialis). According to figures put forward by the French Society of Dermatology, it is present in nearly 70% of the European population.
The HSV-2 subtype is linked to anogenital and perineal infections (less often they can also be caused by HSV-1). And, the HSV-1 virus is present in 10% of the general population.
2 – Herpes is part of a larger family of viruses called herpesviruses
This family has eight members. The 2 that we have just presented and:
- HSV-3 responsible for chickenpox and shingles;
- HSV-4 – also called Epstein-Barr virus, responsible for infectious mononucleosis and involved in certain cancers;
- HSV-5, the cytomegalovirus, responsible for serious infections in newborns and immunocompromised people;
- HSV-6 and HSV-7 are involved in the occurrence of childhood roseola;
- Human herpesvirus type 8 causes certain cancers in people with weakened immune systems.
3 – Herpes remains dormant in the body
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. This then migrates towards the nerve cells where it can remain ‘asleep’ and appear randomly, during flare-ups, throughout life. The triggering factors are numerous: stress, fatigue, menstruation, sun, etc. When he wakes up, a herpetic eruption (vesicular or ulcerative lesions) in the mouth, on the lips, and genitals occurs. Flare-ups are generally less severe than the first infection.
4 – Herpes can be asymptomatic
Most affected people do not show any symptoms. Many of them do not know they have it but can nevertheless transmit it.
Symptomatic, herpes causes lesions that are sometimes painful and recurrent. Primary infections can also cause fever, aches and swollen lymph nodes, headaches and throat pain (orofacial/labial herpes). Symptoms may be more severe and recurrences more frequent in immunocompromised people.
In some patients, a herpes simplex virus infection can result in inflammation of the meninges. Treatment of herpetic meningoencephalitis is an emergency.
5 – Herpes cannot be cured
No treatment completely eradicates herpes. Symptoms are treated with an antiviral, mainly in cases of genital herpes. However, for people who suffer from frequent labial or genital outbreaks, more than 6 times a year, the antiviral can be taken continuously.
6 – The Herpes simplex virus is very dangerous for infants
“Neonatal herpes, although rare, is a serious infection transmitted during childbirth, with increased risks for children born to mothers with a primary infection. This type of infection can cause severe complications, particularly neurological and systemic, and requires specialized medical care”, notes the French Society of Dermatology. A baby can also become infected after birth, through contact with the saliva or active lesions of an infected individual.
In the event of genital herpes in the mother, precautions are taken to avoid contact of the baby with the lesions. A cesarean section may even be decided. As for possible contact infection after birth, prevention is essential. In the event of a flare-up, it is important not to kiss a baby, to wash your hands regularly and to cover the lesions, for at least the first two months after birth.
7 – Herpes is responsible for an increased risk of HIV transmission
Infection with the herpes virus exacerbates the risk of HIV transmission. “The virus increases the density of CD4 cells on mucous membranes, making HIV transmission more likely,” explains the French Society of Dermatology. The risk is increased even in the absence of lesions.
To note : several trials are underway to validate an effective vaccine against herpes.
