Wrestling and Herpes

Wrestlers are at risk for gladiator herpes.

Herpes is a disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. Both of these viruses are highly contagious and both cause an array of infections: genital herpes, cold sores, gladiator herpes, meningitis, encephalitis and herpetic conjunctivitis.

Oral Herpes

Herpes and Gladiator Herpes are most commonly spread through wrestling. Oral herpes is a result of the herpes virus coming into contact with damaged areas of a wrestler's lips and mouth. The initial infection causes fever, painful blisters, headaches and muscle aches. After the initial infection, herpes manifests itself with the sporadic appearance of cold sores (herpetic lesion on the mouth, nostrils or lips).

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, is rarely spread during wrestling. It is a result of the virus coming into contact with the mucous membrane of a person genitals. It is similar to oral herpes; the only difference is the lesion appears on an individual's genitalia.

Gladiatior Herpes

Gladiator Herpes is most common in athletes who partake in grappling sports (judo and wrestling, for example). For gladiator herpes to occur, the virus has to come into contact with damaged skin. Herpetic lesions appear on the area of damaged skin where the infection enters the body. Fever, fatigue, headache and muscle pains are also common during the initial infection. This type of herpetic infection is called Gladiator herpes because it is extremely common in athletes who are involved in combat sports.

Conjuctivitis

Herpetic Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation of the clear mucous membrane of the eye caused by the herpes virus. It is common in toddlers and infants. It is possible to become infected if wrestling with an opponent who has active herpetic lesions. If the virus comes into contact with the conjunctiva (clear mucous membrane of the eye) an infection can result. The symptoms are the same as with other forms of herpes, minus the lesions and with the addition of watery discharge from the eye.

Herpes CNS

When not active, the herpes virus lays dormant in the bodies of nerve cells. Meningitis and encephalitis are a complication of the previously mentioned types of herpes. These complications can be physically devastating and sometimes even fatal. This type of herpes, though common in children and those with suppressed immune systems, are not common in wrestlers. Wrestlers and all athletes tend to have a healthy immune system.

References

• "Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition";Lawrence Madoff,James Macguire,Kenneth Brandt Bruce Gillaind,Scott Thaier; 2005
• "Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 18th Editon"; David.L. Heymann; 2004
• Mayo Clinic: Health: Herpes