Does HSV2 Have An effect on The Immune System Too?

[Unsure127]

I'm ecstatic to say as of 6/2009, I’ve made it pass the 6 month waiting period milestone. I am HIV negative! During this whole ordeal as mentioned in my prior posts, I was going through some symptoms. I had the initial outbreak 10/2008. My doctor has said that this was due to anxiety. Since I’ve find out my negative HIV status. I will admit most of the symptoms I thought I was going through have gone (diarrhea, nausea, fever, night sweats, chronic headaches, absentmindedness, and loud grumbling stomach noises). It's amazing to see how the mind and anxiety can affect a person.

My only issue now is that I am still having rashes (more now than before and in sporadic locations) coughing phlegm (constantly having the need to clear my throat), episodes of sever back pain. In the beginning, the chest rashes were localized mostly around the chest and now I see a couple on my breasts, arms, elbows, stomach, back and face. They've never been itchy. Some will go away and others if I don’t pick in them, will leave a small dark spot. Some of the rashes appear to have fluid inside and others just a bump. Prior to HSV2 my complexion has always been clear except for some few remaining scars from having chickenpox when I was a child.

It's the rashes, and coughing that concerns me the most. The coughing and clearing of my throat is constant. I've taken up exercising on the regular which has helped with the back pain to some degree. My question is does HSV2 impact the immune system as well?  My doctor just prescribed me with Valtrex to be taken daily not just when I have an outbreak. Would you know if this will help the other current symptoms I'm going through? Would this be another issue triggered by HSV2? Perhaps shingles? As always your input is greatly appreciated.

[Hopeful71310]

How are your symptoms of rash and back pain now. Are they better?  

[Verysaddude]

To Unsure127...

I have noticed the exact same thing...the rash you describe I experience the same way. I never had that until I caught HSV2. I also have lower back pain as well as a variety of other symptoms. I have not had any blisters or sores to this point.....

[Unsure127]

Thanks for your input. Summarizing that this was more a mental issue than anything else wasn't the answer I was expecting. As mentioned before I've filed most of the problems that I was going through as anxiety. Getting the doctor's "seal of approval"/confirmation that I was HIV negative was a great burden lifted.

I've joined a HSV2 support group to assist in coping with this. We meet monthly. You're right, I have spoken with others who haven't had symptoms and others who did. As for me, my initial outbreak was so severe that I had to go to the emergency room. Some did mention that since their diagnosis, they are more susceptible to colds, aches and pains, etc.etc. and that HSV2 like anything foreign in your body effects each person differently and to a certain degree.

The internet was a good and bad source for research when I was going through HSV2 and while waiting on the possibility of acquiring HIV. The pictures definitely didn't help though (gross). When you pull up a list of anxiety and HIV symptoms, they pretty much run neck in neck in probable causes. I'm now confused by your response and by the feedback I've received from others I have spoken with. I guess it just boils down to when you don't feel good or if something is out of your norm, go seek professional medical attention which I will do.

[waringblender]

None of this sounds related to herpes - sorry. As much as you probably want to blame herpes for everything from your hangnails to your acne, it's just not that broad spectrum of a disorder.

90% of people with herpes don't even know they have it. So obviously their "immune systems" aren't taking much of a hit, are they?

Herpes is just herpes. It has specific symptoms and a specific natural history and trying to ascribe anything to it above and beyond that is more paranoia or somatization.

Let it go.