Herpes Viruses: Body Sites, Symptoms, and Complications
The herpesvirus family includes multiple viruses affecting different body systems:
Common Infection Sites
- Skin/mucous membranes: HSV-1 (cold sores), HSV-2 (genital herpes), VZV (shingles/chickenpox) — blistering lesions.
- Eyes: Herpes simplex keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus — can cause corneal scarring, vision loss.
- Nervous system: Encephalitis (HSV-1), meningitis — fever, headache, confusion, seizures.
- Internal organs: Hepatitis (HSV), pneumonitis, esophagitis — especially in immunocompromised.
Systemic Symptoms
- Fever, fatigue, muscle aches
Serious Complications
- Blindness (ocular involvement)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Disseminated infection in immunocompromised
Early antiviral treatment (acyclovir, valacyclovir) reduces severity and complications. Consult a doctor for suspicious lesions or neurological symptoms.
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