Herpes and HIV

Herpes is a type of infection that increases someone’s chances of getting HIV or the human immunodeficiency virus. If the is insufficient, HIV can progress to its most-advanced stage – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome popularly known as AIDS. Individuals with the infection are subject to severe health complications.

The herpes simplex virus triggers herpes. It has two main types – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Usually, people with HIV have HSV-2. It is commonly known as genital herpes. But what is the connection between HSV-2 and HIV?

Individuals with herpes are indeed more receptive to HIV. If an individual with the herpes infection engages in unsafe sex with an HIV-positive person, HIV transmission is possible. The transmission rate is higher if HSV-2 symptoms are active during sexual intercourse. Some of these symptoms include sores or blisters on the surface of the genitals.

Herpes and HIV are dangerous duos. People who acquired both infections need immediate treatment by using antiretroviral drugs. There is also a high tendency that these people can experience severe and recurring outbreaks because of both infections. Since the human immunodeficiency virus impairs the immune system, it becomes difficult also to treat the hostile effects of herpes.

Treatment

Several antiretroviral drugs are available to treat herpes. These drugs are as follows:

• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Acyclovir

Besides these drugs, individuals with herpes can also use topical creams and ointments to relieve the inflammations triggered by the infection.

HIV-positive individuals may have a hard time treating their herpes infection. In this case, adjustment of drug dosage is necessary. If any of these drugs do not function effectively, alternative medicines are always accessible. These substitutes may include Cidofovir and Foscarnet.