Doctors across the city are reporting a significant increase in herpes infections, which they attribute to weakened immunity associated with long Covid. The condition, characterized by lingering symptoms months after a Covid-19 infection, appears to leave patients vulnerable to recurrent viral and bacterial illnesses, with the herpes virus group taking advantage of this immunosuppression.
The herpes virus family includes the Varicella Zoster Virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and the virus responsible for Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO), or shingles. These viruses often remain dormant in the body and reactivate when immunity drops, triggering conditions like rashes, blurred vision, and even life-threatening complications.
Spike in Cases Among Younger Patients
“Before Covid, herpes infections were more common among individuals above 60 due to age-related immunity decline. Now, I see 4-5 cases daily, many in the 30-40 age group,” said Dr. Varsha Rangari, a senior dermatologist at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital. She noted a noticeable increase in genital herpes cases among women.
Dr. Sapna Kamalani of Jupiter Hospital highlighted a rise in Herpes Zoster infections over recent months. While the direct link to Covid remains to be fully established, Dr. Kamalani emphasized that weakened immunity likely plays a role. “It’s logical to attribute this to post-Covid immune suppression rather than the virus itself,” she explained.
Worsened Outcomes and Severity
Experts report that long Covid symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and depression may also stem from the reactivation of herpes viruses like Epstein-Barr. “Weakened immunity can cause dormant herpes viruses to flare up,” said Dr. Ameet Dravid of Noble Hospital. He added that conditions like oral and genital ulcers (caused by HSV) and shingles (caused by Varicella Zoster) have been increasingly prevalent post-Covid.
Dr. Ratna Masi of Jehangir Wellness Center revealed a growing number of patients seeking herpes zoster vaccines after suffering painful episodes. “Herpes infections, especially severe cases, were rare before Covid. Now, they’re more frequent. We’ve even seen cases like herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal,” she said.
Herpes-Related Eye Problems Rising
Ophthalmologists are also seeing an uptick in herpes-linked eye conditions. Dr. Anil Dudhbhate, a city-based ophthalmologist, said: “We now see 2-3 patients monthly with painful papules on the eyelids, face, or scalp—a hallmark of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus. Most had mild or moderate Covid during the pandemic.”
As reported by economictimes, doctors urge individuals experiencing long Covid symptoms or recurrent herpes-related issues to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment options include antiviral medications such as Acyclovir for herpes simplex and Varicella Zoster, while Epstein-Barr-related conditions are managed symptomatically.