Another tricky problem for space exploration.

[Biskit]

Tests show that dormant herpes viruses reactivate in more than half of astronauts.

NASA: Space travel is causing astronauts' herpes to flare up

The phenomenon "could present a significant health risk on missions to Mars and beyond," according to NASA.

futurism.com

 

[Dave]

Really, that report is just saying that spaceflight is stressful, for any number of reasons, from the high Gs at takeoff, to being away from home for long periods. I can't see a medical or pharmaceutical answer to those kind of problems. For relaxation, maybe more alcohol would help. The Russians have looser standards than NASA about drinking alcohol in orbit, but officially it is frowned upon because of the impact on the water recovery systems. They are studying suspended animation or hibernation in a torpor state for longer journeys but I'm not sure that has got anywhere as it sounds too sci-fi