Herpes Simplex Virus Herpes is considered to be an opportunistic infection. Herpes simplex virus can invade the lungs, esophagus, bowels, genitals, and mouth. Herpes presents as a painful ulcer or lesion on the skin. Usually the ulcer comes back in the same place each time. In women with HIV, herpes can also be recurrent.
Symptoms are usually more severe and harder to treat.
Stress or illness can cause an outbreak of herpes. Sometimes you may notice signs that an outbreak is about to occur, usually a tingling or numbness where the lesions have previously appeared. If you notice these signs, you can alert your healthcare provider in advance and perhaps receive medications to either avoid an outbreak or limit the severity of the outbreak. If a woman is experiencing an outbreak more than 3 or 4 times a year, she can take a suppressive dose of medication. One to 3 pills of 200mg.