Genital herpes and HIV

Having genital herpes can reduce the risk of HIV infection, the virus that causes AIDS, and can cause serious problems for people living with HIV.

People who have genital herpes sores are more likely to be infected with HIV during sexual intercourse. When you develop sores, immune system you are trying to heal, so there are lots of immune cells concentrated in that place. This is a HIV-infected cells. If HIV in semen, vaginal fluid or blood contact with a herpes sore, the chances of infection is high.

The combined effect of genital herpes and HIV 

HIV and genital herpes virus is a difficult duo. This can exacerbate the effects of the other. Research shows that when the herpes virus is active, can cause HIV to get more copies of itself (a process called replication) than vice versa. HIV replicates, the body’s cells to fight infections more devastating, eventually causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

People who are infected with HIV and herpes virus can have a longer life, more frequent and more severe symptoms of herpes outbreaks, because the weakened immune system cans the herpes virus under control and healthy immune system.

Genital herpes and HIV Treatment Issues 

It is difficult to treat genital herpes if you have HIV. High doses of antiviral drugs are often needed for people with herpes in HIV treatment. Many people with HIV strains of herpes viruses that are resistant to treatment with standard antiviral drugs.

If you take an antiviral drug for genital herpes and treatment does not work, your doctor may test for viral resistance. If the virus is resistant, there are other possible alternative treatments, including drugs foscarnet and Vistide. These medications can be administered by infusion, or Vistide gel can be applied to herpes sores.

If you have HIV, ask your doctor if you should be tested for genital herpes. If you already know you have herpes and HIV, discuss treatment options with your doctor.