The 6 types of herpes viruses are herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.

Humans and animals are both affected by a variety of illnesses that herpes offer. Herpes is one of the most serious STDs which can cause infections that last for a lifetime. Herpes is caused by a variety of viruses belonging to the Herpesveridae family.

Herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, is among the herpes viruses which stays dormant within nerve cells; it is the cause behind oral herpes or cold sores. The nerve area where the virus is dormant consequently experiences some skin symptoms. This herpes virus is transmitted when you share eating utensils or lipstick or by touching the affected skin. Individuals tainted by means of this germ are able to feel indications like a blazing or else itchy sensation before the eruption of wintry sores. This virus can infect people with weak immune systems even though the cold sores may have disappeared.

Herpes simplex virus type 2

The herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2, is the cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 can be passed from one person to another by contact with skin that has been affected by the virus; the skin may or may not have an outbreak. HSV-2 is similar to HSV-1 since it becomes latent after the nerve cells have been infected. The skin around the affected nerves may also have blisters just like in HSV-1.

Varicella zoster

Varicella zoster (VZV), or HHV-3, is the virus that causes chickenpox and, if it recurs later, it also causes a condition called shingles. Varicella zoster and HHV-1 and HHV-2 have in common since they become latent in the nerve cells. People who have not had chickenpox are the only ones that can be infected by VZV. This virus spreads via sternutation, expectoration, and contact with chicken pox weals. Shingles, on the contrary, is less itchy when compared to chickenpox however is more severe.

Epstein-Barr

HHV-4 is also known as Epstein-Barr. It is a cancer-causing virus and one of the most common ones to affect humans. In fact, in United States the signs of infection were felt in 50% of children who are five years old and approximately 90 to 95 percent of adults. Young adults can get mononucleosis from HHV-4, but young children won’t show any symptoms. Some strong evidences suggest that the virus has a function in the pathogenesis of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and dermatomyositis.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus is also referred as Human Herpes Virus 5 Similar to other herpes viruses, HCMV has the characteristic of staying dormant in the human body for a long period of time. This virus is commonly found in all geographic locations and infects about 50% to 70% of the adult population in the U.S. But it typically does not cause any symptoms. HIV positive causes visual impairment and a number of other problems.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus is also referred to as HHV-8, by the medical community. It is known to lead to Kaposi’s sarcoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Kaposi’s sarcoma affects people who have AIDS.

Having basic knowledge about the different types of herpes viruses is itself a protection against illness.

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Keywords: herpes virus, types of herpes, herpes facts