What is the risk of HSV encephalitis in a HSV 1 positive person?

Hello,

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Infection with HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus) results in immunity against it. But, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life causing encephalitis if it enters the brain. How it can come to the brain is not completely understood, but decreased immunity and infection elsewhere can cause reactivation, though the chances are less. Just maintain a healthy lifestyle and take good care of yourself. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Many of us get infected with HSV. Once we got infected, the virus remains dormant in our body for a lifetime. HSV (human simplex virus) encephalitis can occur as a primary infection in a previously uninfected person also so it can happen in those already infected and carrying the dormant virus. Dormant virus reactivates when a person is immunocompromised either due to a chronic disease or severe infection or severe stress. So, it does not matter if you are already infected with HSV 1. Just maintain your health because it will only reactivate if you are somehow immunocompromised either due to an illness or severe stress. Thank you.