Iiiiiiiiiiih how disgusting – now I get herpes. The rumor that you get herpes when you are disgusted by something is well known by most. But what is really true about this rumor?
The word herpes comes from the Greek and refers to an infectious disease, which is caused by viruses.
Spread of herpes
Herpes is transmitted by droplet and smear infections, which can occur as early as infancy (mother-to-child contact). The virus enters the body through the oral mucosa.
Once infected, infected forever
98% of the population carries the herpes virus – the virus rests inactive in the nerve tracts. However, when the immune system is weakened, the virus also becomes active again. Triggers are stress, disgust, fear, febrile infections, mechanical irritation or climate change.
So it’s actually true: if you carry the virus inside you and are disgusted by something, you can actually get herpes.
How does herpes manifest itself?
When herpes breaks through, the skin tenses, itches, burns and tingles hours before. After 1-2 days, cold sore (herpes simplex labialis) breaks out in groups with the typical filled blisters and usually dries into yellowish crusts after 3-10 days. The immune system eliminates the viruses, and the viruses that remain are dormant, waiting for another opportunity to break out.
