Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Practice Exam

A herpes outbreak can indeed be triggered by stress for several reasons. Stress affects the immune system, and during periods of high stress, the body's ability to fend off viruses can diminish. The herpes simplex virus, once contracted, remains dormant in the body and can become reactivated under stress. This is due to the physiological changes that occur in response to stress, including hormonal fluctuations (like increased cortisol levels), which can lead to an outbreak.

While hormonal changes, poor diet, and excessive exercise may also influence personal health and immunity, they do not have the same direct and immediate link to triggering herpes outbreaks as stress does. For instance, hormonal changes can potentially impact the immune response but are not universally recognized triggers for herpes as stress is. A poor diet can weaken the immune system over time, but it typically takes longer to have an effect. Excessive exercise, while it may lead to fatigue and a temporary decrease in immune function, is generally not one of the primary triggers associated with herpes reactivation.