The recent media storm surrounding Cardi B vs Tasha K is a great testament to the social stigma round the Herpes virus. The gist of this is Tasha K, a famous YouTuber made accusations that Cardi B suffered an outbreak of Herpes on her mouth, and this led to lawsuits and Cardi B being ordered to provide medical records (which I think is quite ridiculous) to rebuff the rumour. The fallout from this only goes to show how the social perception of Herpes is very much stigmatised.
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has long had a bad reputation socially due to its link with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The virus itself has two different strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both of which can present as either facial sores, genital sores or herpetic whitlows (sores on the hand or face). While HSV is mild and manageable in most cases, the connection between the oral and the genital herpes presentation has created a social stigma round the virus itself that leads to much embarrassment and stress.
While society may be busy vilifying HSV, scientists are working towards developing new anti-viral drugs, therapeutic vaccines and improving preventative measures. But is this enough to change the public perception of this virus?
HSV in Brief
Herpes Simplex Virus is an easily contractable disease that passes from one infected person to another, usually through saliva, genital fluid or skin to skin contact (i.e. close contact sports). In 2018, the CDC estimated 11.9% of people aged 14 to 49 years were carrying HSV-2 in the U.S.
Johns Hopkins estimates that between 50-80% of adults have HSV-1 the strain associated with oral herpes.
The virus itself can lay dormant in localised nerve cells for an immeasurable amount of time. Although in some patients, herpes never presents itself, some others can suffer from regular outbreaks of sores. Visible sores around the mouth and lips are the most common symptom of HSV-1 while rarer symptoms include headaches, flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes. In even rarer cases, the virus is able to travel to the brain and causes herpes simplex encephalitis.
HSV, while common, is not entirely understood and it is unclear what triggers herpes flare ups. Factors that could contribute to an outbreak include stress, menstruation, injury and prolonged exposure to sunlight. As the body manages these outbreaks, it builds up immunity to the virus and becomes more resilient to more outbreaks.
HSV in The News
With HSV presenting as both an oral and genital virus, it is no surprise that the social stigma surrounding HSV causes it to make headlines every so often. As with the case of Cardi B vs Tasha K, the accusation or suggestion that a person could be infected with the virus can lead to emotional distress.
In 2015, A woman alleged to have caught HSV from a Sephora lipstick sample after testing the make up before purchasing. The subsequent lawsuit against Sephora propelled better hygiene practices at make-up counters worldwide.
In 2017, three women sued Usher for “lack of duty of care” and claimed he knowingly infected them with HSV-2. The accusers stated that he was diagnosed with HSV in 2009 and did not inform them of his condition before having unprotected sex. One accuser, claimed damages for the emotional distress and the physical and emotional injuries sustained due to her HSV infection.
In 2020, a British man sued a woman for negligence when she kissed him on a date without first informing him that she had the herpes claiming damages to the tune of £100,000. His argument was that he would need fortnightly therapy sessions to overcome his trauma and the future risk of poor mental health due to the lifelong virus that he now lives with.
These cases not only highlight the negative social perception of the herpes virus, but also reinforce this view by adding value to the“emotional damage” caused after contracting the virus. In reality, HSV is a manageable albeit painful and inconveniencing virus that has been intensified by the media and society.
Available Treatments and Drugs In Development
HSV is treatable with the use of antiviral medicines. These medicines are readily available and can be bought both by prescription or over the counter. Treatments include anti-viral oral tablets like acyclovir or famciclovir which work by targeting infected cells and stopping the spread of the virus further. The immune system then attacks the virus, building up an immunity as it does so. These antiviral medicines are also available as topical ointments. Some researchers have shown that essential oils like tea-tree oil, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil possess antiviral properties that slow down viral shedding and activation.
In recent studies, a new class of drugs known as helicase blockers have shown great promise in inhibiting the replication of the virus from one cell to another. Other treatments currently in development are the Genocea GEN-003 therapeutic vaccine program and preventative vaccines in trial from both GlaxoSmithKline and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Although still in their experimental phase, provides more hopeful options.
In essence, HSV is a complex virus that is both contagious and, as yet incurable. While many people will live with this virus never having an outbreak or any symptoms, others will be managing their symptoms on a regular basis. With the new hope of preventative measures that come with the clinical trials, a cure may not become available, but eradication may just be on the horizon.
Sources:
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