6 Different Kinds Of The Herpes Virus That Everyone Should Be Aware Of

There are 6 kinds of herpes viruses and they are herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.

Herpes affect both humans and animals and it is actually accumulation of various illnesses. Herpes is dangerous since it can result in incurable lifelong infections. 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. Even when the cold sores have disappeared people who have weak immune systems can easily be infected by the virus.

Herpes simplex virus type 2

What is commonly referred to as "genital herpes" is the result of an infection by the herpes simplex virus, type 2 or HSV-2. HSV-2 can be transmitted from one person to another by contact with skin which 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 similar to the one found 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 is similar to HHV-1 and HHV-2 which becomes latent within the nerve cells. People who have not had chickenpox are the only ones that can be infected by VZV. The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or from the chickenpox sores. Shingles, on the contrary, is less itchy when compared to chickenpox however is more severe.

Epstein-Barr

Epstein-Barr is also known as HHV-4. This virus causes cancer and very commonly affects people. As a matter of fact, almost 50% of all five year old children and about 90% to 95% of adults in the U.S. show signs of this infection. If you contract it during childhood, the virus will more than likely show no symptoms, but HHV-4 can cause mononucleosis in young adults. 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 known as Human Herpes Virus 5 (HHV-5) and, more commonly, HCMV. Just like the other herpes viruses, HCMV can lay dormant in the body for a long time. It is considered as a very common virus which can be found in all geographic locations and generally infects about 50% to 70% of the adult population in the United States. But it typically does not cause any symptoms. For people who are HIV positive, the disease can result in visual impairment and a number of other problems.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus

Formally, HHV-8 is Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus. It is known to lead to Kaposi's sarcoma, which is a type of skin cancer. People who have AIDS are affected by Kaposi's sarcoma.

Being aware of the various types of herpes viruses is the most basic form of protection one can have against the illness.