ABSTRACT
The pathogen burden, defined by the frequency of antibodies to several viruses and a parasite, is greater in Hispanic whites and black populations than it is in non-Hispanic whites, in the USA. The poor and those without higher education also have higher pathogen burdens. The most frequent pathogen that was measured, was the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus can inactivate most of the elements in the immune system, that are designed to protect against the incursions of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. HSV-1 can also damage the blood brain barrier (BBB), which prevents the entry of pathogens into the central nervous system. Without the help of HSV-1, the COVID-19 virus may not be able to cause serious illness or death in humans. A prophylactic treatment to contain HSV-1, could be vital in the fight against COVID-19.