Viruses from previous infection may stay dormant in our bodies for years - sleeping away the time, never causing any trouble. However, in immunosuppressed conditions like DRESS, the virus may awaken and wreak havoc. Viral reactivation of  human herpesviruses, in particular HHV-6, are a known phenomenon of DRESS, occurring in up to 50% of patients. While the exact role of HHV-6 reactivation in DRESS has been a controversial topic, many experts believe that it is not taken seriously enough.

Co-founder, president and executive director of the HHV-6 Foundation, Kristin Loomis discusses the importance of identifying HHV-6 viral reactivation  in DRESS syndrome and the existing roadblocks to treating infected patients with antiviral medication. 

Interview: Kristin Loomis (Founder and Executive Director of the HHV-6 Foundation), June, 2019 in Quebec, Canada

https://hhv-6foundation.org
https://hhv-6foundation.org/category/drug-hypersensitivity