Studies indicate that people with herpes face up to a fourfold increased risk of contracting HIV if exposed. It’s crucial to note that without HIV exposure, infection is unlikely. STDs like herpes or syphilis, which cause open sores, facilitate easier virus entry into the body.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with serious consequences. Research indicates that herpes may heighten susceptibility to HIV. This article explores their relationship, why herpes increases HIV risk, and measures for protection.
What is Herpes?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes, a common STI with two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 often causes cold sores near the mouth, while HSV-2 primarily leads to genital herpes, although both can cause genital infections.
Herpes spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, often during sexual activity. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with herpes lesions or sores, even with no symptoms. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life, causing intermittent outbreaks.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to other conditions and diseases. HIV spreads through contact with bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk. Transmission can occur through sexual contact, needle-sharing, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
HIV is a serious condition that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help individuals with HIV manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
The Relationship Between Herpes and HIV
Research has shown that people with herpes may be more susceptible to contracting HIV. This is because herpes can increase the risk of HIV transmission in several ways.
First, herpes lesions or sores can provide a portal of entry for HIV. When a person lives with herpes, the virus can cause sores or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes in the genital area. These sores can break open and become raw, creating a pathway for HIV to enter the body.
Second, herpes can increase the number of HIV target cells in the genital area. When a person is infected with herpes, the virus can cause inflammation in the genital area. This inflammation can cause an increase in the number of immune cells susceptible to HIV infection, making it easier for HIV to establish an infection.
Third, herpes can weaken the immune system. Herpes suppresses the immune system, facilitating more uncomplicated HIV infection and establishment in a person.
Finally, herpes can increase the shedding of HIV. When infected with herpes, the virus can cause the shedding of HIV in the genital area, even when no symptoms are present. This shedding can increase the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners.
Protecting Yourself from Herpes and HIV
The best way to protect yourself from herpes and HIV is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity, especially if you or your partner has herpes or HIV. Regular STI testing, including for herpes and HIV, and discussing your sexual health with partners are essential.
“The risk of contracting herpes increases by up to 4 times for people living with herpes”
Sexually transmitted infections tend to diminish the body’s ability to fight against foreign agents. Therefore, when infected with a virus, your body is more susceptible to other infections. The same holds true in the case of Herpes – HIV as well.
What happens when you’re having an infection?
When you have an infection, the immune system produces disease-fighting cells known as macrophages. HIV tends to bind with these cells in mucus membranes in the anus or vagina, eventually making their way into the bloodstream. If you have an infection in the genital area, macrophages are concentrated there. Giving HIV a better opportunity to enter the body.
People with both HIV and herpes infections are likely to transmit HIV to their sexual partners. The presence of the herpes simplex virus tends to increase the HIV viral load (increasing the presence of HIV in the body). As people with HIV have a compromised immune system, they experience more severe and longer herpes outbreaks. This may increase the chances of transmission of the virus.
How can you avoid transmitting/getting the virus?
Regardless of herpes status, people with HIV should follow the guidelines below:
- Using condoms or dental dams during anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
- Refraining from having sex in the event of an outbreak.
- Get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and encourage your partner to get tested and treated.
- Reducing the number of sex partners and speaking with them about their previous relationships and medical history.
Antiviral drugs have made treatment possible for both herpes and HIV despite their incurable nature. If you suspect exposure to these viruses, it’s crucial to get tested immediately. On the other hand, you may also consider joining a specialist herpes dating site. Where you can not only learn more about the STD but also find like-minded people who wish to find a companion living with Herpes or HIV.
