Infection of Herpes simplex in lungs of immune compromised people

Resolved question:

Hello doctor, Is it possible to get affected with herpes in lungs? If there is a possibility, how can it get affected there? Can it go fatal anyways? I roamed around internet searching for information related to this, but found nothing. But still, I think it can happen so. Can an infection in adults, of any of type 1 or type 2 of HSV, go fatal if the affected person does not have any other problems?

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. Cecelia J. Russ replied 4 Days.

Thanks for your question and concern. It is possible for HSV to get affected in lungs, even though it is not so common. It occurs more in immune-compromised people than that in others. People who have underwent chemotherapy, corticosteroid use etc. fall under the category of immune-compromised people. In such people, immune system cannot fight well against normal infections which can occur naturally. It can go fatal if the infections spread to lungs along with a development of vesicular lesions in trachea. If it involves with pulmonary canal, it can become a life-threatening situation. Hope I have answered your query well. Take care.

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