Herpes is a family of viruses that causes a range of diseases, from a cold sore on the lips to dangerous diseases such as mononucleosis. There are eight herpes viruses that affect humans. In the eyes, herpes simplex virus, type 1, can can cause blurred vision and even blindness. On the skin, it causes painful lesions. Certain types are sexually transmitted diseases. All are contagious.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1
The lines between the different types of herpes are not always clear. Herpes simplex virus, type 1, for instance, is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, though it can be transmitted during sexual activity. In most cases, HSV-1 causes cold sores, also known as fever blisters. When the outbreak occurs on, around or inside the mouth, it is called oral herpes. This form of herpes can also infect the eyes.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 2
Herpes simplex virus, type 2, is considered a sexually transmitted disease, though it can also cause nonsexually transmitted infections, including oral herpes. HSV-2 is the usual herpes virus that causes genital sores.
Varicella-Zoster Virus
The Varicella-zoster herpes virus causes chickenpox and shingles. A disease that usually affects children, chickenpox causes a blistering rash on the body. Chickenpox does not usually reappear, though the virus lies dormant. As people age, and their immune systems lose the ability to keep the virus in check, it can resurface. The Mayo Clinic reports that when the disease reactivates, it causes shingles, a painful rash that most often appears on one side of the body or the face.
Epstein-Barr Virus
Epstein-Barr is a common herpes virus. Dr. James M. Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic internist, reports that by the age of 35, most people have antibodies to EVB, which means that they have been infected in the past. EVB can cause mononucleosis, a disease that can cause long-term fatigue, sore throat and fever. EVB causes mononucleosis in at least half of teenagers and young adults who contract it, according to Dr. Steckelberg.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus causes an infection with symptoms similar to those in mononucleosis, along with muscle aches and night sweats. CMV generally does not affect people with healthy immune systems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for developing symptoms of CMV.
Human Herpes Virus 6, or Roseola
The human herpes virus causes roseola, an infection common in children that causes a fever and rash. The fever is generally high, and onset is quick. The Mayo Clinic reports that most children will have been infected by HHV6 by kindergarten age.
Human Herpes Virus 7
Human herpes virus 7 can also cause roseola, though HHV6 is usually the culprit. It can cause a rash apart from roseola.
Human Herpes Virus 8
Human herpes virus 8 causes a soft-tissue carcinoma called Kaposi's sarcoma. The malignancy occurs in the walls of blood vessels and usually affects those with compromised immune systems, most notably HIV/AIDS patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- Mayo Clinic Safe Sex Blog"; Herpes Prompts Many Questions; Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.; November 2008
- "Mayo Clinic Expert Answers"; What's the connection between mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus?; James M. Steckelberg, M.D.; November 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Cytomegalovirus
- Mayo Clinic: Soft-Tissue Sarcomas
- Mayo Clinic: Roseola
