What Are The Eight Types Of Herpes And How They Affect The Genitals?

Not all forms of herpes are classified as genital herpes, however, even if they are not considered to be genital herpes, they can still be spread to the genital area.

What are genital herpes and how is it possible for me to spread genital herpes to another part of my body? How do I treat genital herpes? How do I avoid getting in contact with someone who has genital herpes?

These are all very good questions, which can be answered by understanding the eight different types of herpes

Human Herpes Virus 1

HHV-1 is also known as herpes simplex virus 1. It typically causes cold sores around the mouth and can lead to infection of the genital area, causing genital herpes. It is infectious and contagious and is usually spread skin to skin contact with an affected person through small breaks in the skin or mucus membrane. The HHV-1 virus is more likely to be spread through things like sharing eating utensils, razors and towels from a person who has an active lesion.

Human Herpes Virus 2

HHV-2 is also referred to as herpes simplex virus 2. This is typically the cause of genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted disease infection. This form of virus can also cause cold sores in the facial area. It is contagious and can be spread skin to skin contact. The main route of transmission is through sexual contact. This virus does not survive very long outside of the body.

Human Herpes Virus 3

HHV-3 is also called varicella-zoster virus. This is the virus which causes chickenpox and cause a recurrent virus infection of the skin, which is called herpes zoster or shingles.

Human Herpes Virus 4

Also known as the Epstein-Barr virus, it is the major cause of infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono. Mono is known as the kissing disease and is a contagious disease which is transmitted through kissing. Coughing, sneezing or sharing eating utensils are also ways the virus can be spread from person to person.

Human Herpes Virus 5

Officially called cytomegalovirus or CMV, is also a cause of mononucleosis. CMV can be sexually transmitted, can cause problems with newborns and can cause hepatitis. It can lead to diarrhea, severe vision problems, including blindness, infections of the stomach and intestines and even death.

Human herpes Virus 6

Found in blood cells of patients with a variety of diseases. It causes roseola, which is a viral disease causing high fever and skin rash in small children.

Human Herpes Virus 7

Closely related to HHV-6, it is very common and most people have experienced it at one point in their life or another.

Human Herpes Virus 8

HHV-8 was most recently found in tumors called Kaposi’s Sarcoma. These tumors are found in people with AIDS, but otherwise are very rare. HHV-8 can also cause other cancers.

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What Are The Eight Types Of Herpes And How They Affect The Genitals?

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