5. Appetite Loss: The Stomach’s Quiet Retreat
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Among the myriad responses to herpes gladiatorum, one of the most profound, yet understated, is the loss of appetite. It’s as if the stomach, in solidarity with the beleaguered skin, opts for a retreat, a momentary step back from the pleasures of nourishment.
This isn’t mere caprice. The body, when battling an infection, often reallocates its resources. Digesting food is an energy-intensive process. By reducing appetite, the body might be conserving energy, channeling it towards fighting the virus.
It’s a fascinating dance of priorities. The stomach’s usual rumblings, its eager anticipation of meals, becomes subdued. Instead of hunger pangs, there’s a gentle lull, an uncharacteristic disinterest in food. (5)
