Question:
Hi ,

Heard that encephalitis in the brain is a type of hsv complication.
How safe are oral-herpes sufferers having normal health, no immuno-deficiency?

Anyone know of anyone getting brain infection?

Jacky Wu

Answer:
it's the first I heard of it.

Answer:
When I was first diagnosed, almost 20 yrs ago, my doctor told me not to kiss babies or small children around their eyes. He said, herpes could cause a brain infection. So, I make it a practice not to kiss babies or small children on the face! I don't know if he really knew what he was talking about. He did, however, tell people that I had herpes.

Answer:
Just FYI: Herpes encephalitis is EXTREMELY rare. You have a much better chance of being hit by a Mac Truck. This possibility should not be a common worry of somebody with herpes. Yes, it happens, but it's like asking whether splinters ever lead to amputations. Also, people unlucky enough to get encephalitis (many of whom are cured of it) will have an acute onset. Do you get headaches from time to time since your herpes? Don't worry, it isn't encephalitis or aseptic meningitis. Systemic herpes infection in newborns is a different matter entirely. Again, it's rare, but is often life threatening. If a pregnant woman is having an acute outbreak at delivery, a c-section would be indicated.

Answer:
what about a stiff neck? I have hsv-1. I've had an outbreak around my mouth for about a week and this morning I woke up with the worst stiff neck i've ever felt. I don't know what to do.

Answer:
newtoday - I am not a dr and I have not had meningitis or encephalitis but I think the test is to see if you can drop your chin to your chest and if you cannot you should consult your physician. This would be a possible sign of viral meningitis.

It is not uncommon to have severe headaches that accompany a herpes infection.

Answer:
newtoday - I am not a dr and I have not had meningitis or encephalitis but I think the test is to see if you can drop your chin to your chest and if you cannot you should consult your physician. This would be a possible sign of viral meningitis.

It is not uncommon to have severe headaches that accompany a herpes infection. Thank you for responding. No one else did!

But this isn't a headache, it's below the back of my neck...I can touch my chin to my chest, though it hurts a little, my mom called her doctor and she said to just keep an eye on me and make sure i don't have a fever or the chills or anything but, I'm still worried. Before I was diagnosed I thought I just had chapped lips and who knows what I did with my hands after putting stuff on my lips. I could have rubbed my eyes(though I'm not in the habit of it). How else does it travel or turn into encephalitis?

Ugh. I'm trying to be positive here.

Answer:
for starters it is extremely rare for individuals to present with encephalitis or meningitis and it is usually the initial symptom of onset. this means it does not customarily follow a coldsore.

your mom's dr is correct that the first thing that you would look for is fever and neck stiffness. Symptoms to watch for are lethargy followed by confusion, stupor and then coma. It would include symptoms such as behavior and speech disturbance. Seizures and loss of consciousness.

It is not unusual with herpes to have symptoms of the flu which includes muscle aches, neck aches, headaches, swollen glands etc. I recommend that you take some otc pain meds such as Tylenol and bundle up and drink lots of water. Your body is trying to fight off the effects of the virus. Dosing with vitamin c may be helpful.

I submerge myself up to my neck in a bath containing epsom salts so that my shoulders are under water. This helps alot with muscle stiffness and pain. The warm water would be soothing.

If you are taking antiviral meds it takes a few days for them to get working. For the physical symptoms you may want to try applying ice to reduce swelling and/or applying cool teabags as compresses.

I hope you feel better soon.

Answer:
Thank you again for responding. I'm the kind of person that stresses beyond belief because I'm rarely sick. I rarely even have any kind of muscle pain. I was so depressed before I knew what was going on that i stayed in bed for two days. that's probably why I hurt so much.

I'm better now thanks to my family and friends. I know it may seem like I'm overreacting but I tend to do that. I really appreciate your comments and advice. I'm starting to feel better already. Thank you.