Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is found in the brain cells of approximately 90% of the world’s population and leads to cold sores, recurrent eye infections, genital lesions, and in rare cases encephalitis. Its closely related virus, VZV, also causes chicken pox and shingles.  When a person develops cold sores, the reason is that the neurons in which HSV reside, are under stress. HSV reactivation from … Continue reading Study shows how the herpes simplex virus reactivates in neurons.