HIV has infected 37 million people worldwide and is the most reported sexually transmitted disease (STD). Another STD — herpes — is a far more common disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 3.7 billion adults under the age of 50 suffer from the herpes simplex-1 (oral herpes) virus. Moreover, around 417 million adults under the age of 50 suffer from the herpes simplex-2 (genital herpes) virus. Taken together, more than half of the human population suffers from the herpes virus.

Early detection of STDs is very vital. While herpes is not fatal on its own, people who have contracted the disease are at increased risk of contracting HIV virus — and that can be a fatal combination. Here, we will explain the connection between herpes and HIV, and what steps you can take to keep yourself safe. If you’re wondering about how herpes is related to HIV, read on here.

How is Herpes Related to HIV?

People who have contracted the herpes virus are at increased risk of being HIV positive. HIV that causes AIDS can cause serious complications in people who have contracted herpes virus. The herpes virus is not fatal on its own. However, when combined with HIV, it can take a toll on the immune system of the individual.

The fact is that herpes and HIV are a dangerous duo. The presence of one virus can worsen the effect of the other. Any Early detection of STDs like the two can be very beneficial. Research has shown that when herpes is present in an HIV infected person, HIV will replicate at an increasing rate. The more HIV in the body, the weaker the immune system of the person will become. HIV destroys the infection-fighting cells of the body, ultimately resulting in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Why Herpes Leads to Increased Risk of HIV

When looking at how herpes is related to HIV, it’s important to note that herpes tends to weaken the immune system of the individual. As a result, a person is more likely to suffer from HIV. Open wounds or cold sores caused by the herpes virus in the genitals provide easy access for HIV.

Even when the sores heal, the white blood cells remain under the skin, surrounding the infected area. The cells become an easy victim of HIV. The more cells present near the site, the more easily HIV can destroy them.

Herpes increases the HIV concentration in the blood, and as a result, the individual is more likely to experience the damaging effects of the virus. Moreover, treating herpes is more difficult when a person also has HIV. Higher doses of HIV drugs are needed that can result in tolerance problem. In addition, herpes in people with HIV is more resistant to antiviral medications.

Regular HIV and Herpes Testing

Regular HIV screening and herpes testing are important for sexually active individuals. Early detection of STDs is important for effective treatment. If any sexual diseases are left undiagnosed and untreated, they can result in serious health complications. Especially since some diseases can exacerbate others, like how herpes is related to HIV, you should treat any and all problems.

Contributor: admin