Genital herpes

In people with a normal immune system, genital herpes remains a localized and bothersome infection, but is rarely life-threatening.

Pregnant women who have an active herpes infection on their genitals or in their birth canal when they deliver may pass the infection to their newborn infant.

• The risk of passing the infection to the baby is highest if the mom first becomes infected with herpes during pregnancy. Babies of women who become infected during pregnancy are at risk for premature birth. The baby may develop develop brain infection (meningitis, encephalitis) , chronic skin infeciton, severe developmental delays, or death.
• The risk for severe infection in the baby is lower in recurrent outbreaks, with the highest risk in women experiencing an outbreak at the time of delivery.
• Women with a history of herpes but who only have occasional or no outbreaks rarely transmit the infection to their babies.

Some peole may develop severe herpes infections that involve the brain, eyes, esophagus, livere, spinal cord, or lungs. These complications often develop in people who have a weakened immune system, AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or who take high doses of cortisone.

Someone with an active herpes infection who has sexual contact with someone who is HIV positive is more likely to contract HIV infection themselves.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any symptoms of genital herpes, or if you develop fever, headache, vomiting, or widespread symptoms during or after an outbreak of herpes. Also call if you are unable to urinate.