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Herpes side effects include cold sores (ouch!) and poor brain function (yikes!). | Source: ShutterStock
Herpes is scary to begin with, but herpes side effects are getting scarier. It turns out that herpes can actually make you less smart!
A study was done that tested the blood of 1,625 people in New York. The blood tests checked for infections like genital herpes, oral herpes, chlamydia and a few others. The people who took the blood tests then did a few simple mental exercises.
And it turns out, the experiment that showed people with cold sores–which can come from genital or oral herpes–did a whole lot worse on really basic tests of mental function.
And another herpes side effect? Worse memory. (Maybe that’s why herpes spreads so fast: People get it and then forget how to have safe sex!)
There were other links too. One expert in the study revealed, “We found the link was greater among women, those with lower levels of education and Medicaid or no health insurance, and most prominently, in people who do not exercise.” (It seems a little obvious that people with lower levels of education wouldn’t perform as well, but the rest of the stuff is scary!)
You hear that, ladies? The links to herpes side effects on the brain were strongest in women. This is yet another reason why it’s so, so important to practice safe sex and always, always wear a condom! And apparently to work out.
Are you surprised at the herpes side effects on the brain? Have you ever had a herpes scare? Tell us in the comments!
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I think this Is a ridiculous thing to post,
Think of all the people this is going to scare
I don’t agree with scaring the general public
1 study doesn’t say anything until other study’s are done to prove it
I think we deserve an apology because this is extremely upsetting
And rude
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I have to agree with the comment below mine. I am actually going to track down this study.
Also-to whoever wrote this- you are saying “Herpes can make you dumb” when in reality it is not even what the newspaper article said. Be careful what you write.
well i was born with the cold sore virus , and im not gonna lie , i am one of the smartest people in my class , and I dont see how the virus can make you dumber , like come on hahaha
I think we need to understand that there is a correlation between test results and STI’s- remembering that correlation does not imply causation. Also what it means to pass a mental test is a social construction-yes what is considered to be intelligent is socially constructed.
Also on memory. I highly doubt it affects one memory. Cold Sores are viruses, everyone pretty much gets them- how would this affect the brain?
What was the name of the study? I think those who are going to read and interpret this should know how before making wild claims like” herpes makes you dumb so wear a condom” (Shall I add that condoms aren’t useful for oral sex? Unless you cut them to make dental dams that is). The statement is about as silly as the mean girls quote “you will get Chlamydia…and die”.
I’m sorry but I think that’s a little ridiculous. Lot’s of perfectly intelligent people are infected with oral herpes from childhood. I perform above average in school and in standardized tests and I’m almost certain I have had cold sores before. Could it be possible that less educated people, or people who come from less educated families are more likely to get herpes?