Herpes: Issues Under the Cold Sore

Herpes simplex virus is a widespread disease affecting about one-third of the world’s population. Many individuals suffer from its painful and debilitating manifestations, which greatly impact daily living and can lower one’s self-esteem and confidence. It is therefore vital to understand this disease process including its acquisition, replication, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment in order to better manage patients. While herpes can have many negative consequences, it also appears to offer some benefit to humans through a symbiotic relationship. In this review of herpes, there are three important points that need to be emphasized. First, herpes can be found in all organs throughout the human body and not just the dorsal root ganglion. Secondly, herpes has been proven to be recurrent by laboratory testing. Thirdly, hospitals should institute respiratory (not merely skin) precautions for herpes zoster due to potential airborne transmission.