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This November 20, on the occasion of World Herpes Day, it is time to talk about this taboo virus, yet omnipresent in the world population. How well do you know its prevalence, effects and risks?
Still largely taboo in many cultures (including ours), due to the stigma and prejudice associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the herpes virus is little discussed. This is why the French Society of Dermatology wishes to take advantage of the day dedicated to this virus to take stock.
Two common manifestations… and very frequent!
The very word herpes represents two types of manifestations: orofacial herpes (particularly labial – the famous “cold sore”) and anogenital or perineal herpes. The latter is increasingly widespread in populations, and there are two main subtypes: HSV-1, often associated with orofacial infections, and HSV-2, historically linked to genital infections.
7 in 10 Europeans have been exposed to HSV-1
The HSV-1 virus, the main cause of orofacial herpes, has a seroprevalence of more than 70% among European adults, “which means that approximately 70% or more of European adults have antibodies against this virus, indicating that they have been exposed to HSV-1 during their lifetime.”
10% of the population affected by genital herpes
As for HSV-2, mainly responsible for genital herpes, it affects around 10% of the general population, even if this prevalence varies greatly within certain risk groups (around 60% among sex workers, 35% among men having homosexual relations). Furthermore, the number of cases remains increasing, in particular due to the increase in oral-genital contact.
Risks not to be taken lightly
Although we can live very well as an adult with the herpes virus, it nevertheless presents risks that we rarely think about.
Greater risk of HIV transmission
First of all, infection with genital herpes significantly increases the risk of HIV transmission: the lesions caused by herpes favor the entry of HIV, and even in the absence of lesions, the virus increases the density of CD4 cells on the mucous membranes, making HIV transmission more likely. Prevention, particularly among people infected with genital herpes, therefore remains essential.
Neonatal herpes, a serious risk for the unborn child
The other risk to avoid is that of transmission to a baby at birth. 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 lead to severe complications, particularly neurological and systemic, and requires specialized medical care.”
What treatments today against herpes?
To date, treatments for herpes include aciclovir and valaciclovir, effective in cases of primary infection and recurrences. “New therapeutic options, such as helicase inhibitors (including amenamevir and vitelivir), provide hope for resistant and extensive forms of the infection” also announces the French Society of Dermatology, and the research effort continues, in particular around the development of vaccines to better prevent this infection.
“But better information on this disease can contribute to the prevention of transmission risks and better care for affected people” she pleads.
We don’t kiss babies (unless it’s yours!)
To extend this idea, on TikTok, Dr. Karan Rajan, a British doctor, issued a warning regarding a completely harmless habit: kissing newborns.
“Don’t kiss a newborn unless you are one of their parents”. For what ? Because newborns have an immature immune system. However, our face and mouth, even when clean, harbor millions of microscopic bacteria and viruses. “In a newborn, these microorganisms can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause serious complications”, he explains.
A simple cold can become dangerous for babies. A viral infection like herpes can be very serious. We avoid!