Can Stress Cause a Herpes Outbreak?

Herpes virus is an infectious disease that has no known cure. Once the initial outbreak passes the virus will lay dormant in the nerve endings near the spine where it causes no symptoms whatsoever. However at any time and without warning the virus can travel back up to the spot of the original infection and causes subsequent and recurrent outbreaks.Doctors are still unclear why or how the herpes virus decides when to reactivate but studies suggest that among the most prevalent triggers is stress, both the physical and emotional type.A possible reason for this is that Corticosteroid, a natural stress hormone, has been shown to activate the JNK gene pathway which itself has the ability to trigger viral activation.

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your specific condition.