Herpes isnt deadly and it usually doesnt cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.

Does having herpes shorten your life?

Becoming infected with the herpes virus seriously complicates your social, emotional and sexual life, but it is not otherwise a terribly dangerous condition to have. Having genital herpes does make it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, the condition is not disabling, and does not reduce lifespan.

What are the long term effects of herpes?

In rare circumstances, herpes can cause viral meningitis. This complication can occur when the virus causes inflammation in the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround both the brain and the spinal cord. Other viruses such as HIV infection and mumps can also be a cause [2].

Is herpes a good virus?

The herpes family of viruses can have a surprising upside--it can protect against the bubonic plague and other bacterial contagions, at least in mice.

Can you get rid of herpes?

Can herpes be cured? There is no cure for herpes. However, there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. One of these anti-herpes medicines can be taken daily, and makes it less likely that you will pass the infection on to your sex partner(s).

What is the root cause of herpes?

Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. These viruses are contagious and transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. Kissing or touching is the main cause of HSV-1 transmission, and sexual contact is the main cause of HSV-2 transmission.

Does herpes make u tired?

The first time a herpes infection develops; some of the symptoms may affect your whole body. You may run a fever and feel tired and run down. Later you may notice tender lymph nodes and a generally ill feeling.