Kenyan Nurse Jos the Nurse Highlights Herpes Symptoms and Risks in Viral TikTok Video

A Kenyan nurse known as Jos the Nurse has raised awareness about herpes simplex virus (HSV) through a widely shared TikTok video, emphasizing symptoms many overlook and the virus's lifelong presence.

Herpes Prevalence and Forms

Jos the Nurse cited research indicating that 64% of people carry herpes without knowing it. She explained that herpes manifests in two main forms:

• Oral herpes: Spread through kissing and sharing items like lip gloss or cups.
• Genital herpes: Transmitted primarily via sexual contact.

She noted that condoms do not fully prevent genital herpes because the virus can infect exposed skin around the genital area.

Recognizing Symptoms

The nurse described typical herpes outbreaks as involving fever, headaches, intense itching, redness, and painful fluid-filled blisters. These sores can appear on various body parts—including eyes, chest, buttocks, and genitals—especially when the immune system is weakened. She stressed that herpes remains dormant in the nerves and cannot be eradicated from the body.

Risks for Pregnant Women and Infants

Jos the Nurse issued a strong caution to expectant mothers, explaining that women with active herpes infections during delivery are often advised to deliver via caesarean section to protect newborns from infection. She underscored that infants have fragile immune systems and are particularly vulnerable to severe complications.

Additionally, she warned against kissing other people's babies, highlighting the risk of transmitting oral herpes to infants through close contact.

Managing the Virus

Although herpes has no cure, the nurse acknowledged that antiviral treatments and topical creams can help control outbreaks and reduce their frequency, but they do not eliminate the virus.