Six Types Of Herpes Viruses That We Need To Know

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 can result in incurable lifelong infections, which is really alarming. The different viruses that fall under the Herpesveridae family are the cause behind herpes.

Herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, is among the herpes viruses that stay dormant within nerve cells; it is the cause behind oral herpes or cold sores. The nerve area may experience some skin symptoms where the virus is dormant. Making contact with the affected skin by sharing cups and lip-care items will transmit this type of herpes virus. 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

The commonly known genital herpes is caused 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 because it becomes latent after the nerve cells have been infected. Just as with HSV-1, the skin surrounding the nerves that have been affected may exhibit blistering.

Varicella zoster

This virus is responsible for a person to have chickenfox and later becomes shingles. Varicella zoster and HHV-1 and HHV-2 have in common since they become latent in the nerve cells. The only people that can get VZV are the ones that have not had chickenpox. This virus spreads via sternutation, expectoration, and contact with chicken pox weals. Shingles is a diseases more severe than chickenpox but it is less itchy than the latter.

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 the United States almost 50% of all five year old children and about 90% to 95% of adults show signs of infection. When transmitted during childhood, the virus does not show any symptoms however, in the case of young adults, HHV-4 can result in mononucleosis. There are some strong and valid proofs that recommend this virus to have a function in the pathogenesis of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and dermatomyositis.

Cytomegalovirus

Herpes Virus 5 in humans also refers as cytomegalovirus. Just like the other herpes viruses, HCMV can lay dormant in the body for a long time. It is also a very common virus found in all geographic locations and is said to infect about 50% to 70% of the adult population in the United States. Generally it does not cause any symptoms. In the case of people who are HIV positive the disease can cause visual impairment and a number of other problems.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus is formally known as HHV-8. Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of skin cancer it leads to. Kaposi's sarcoma affects people who have AIDS.

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

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