The Eight Types Of Herpes Virus
chicken pox herpes virus, herpes zoster virus, herpes virus infection
Eight strains of herpes virus are known by numbers of 1 to 8 (HHV1 – HHV8).
TYPE 1 of the herpes virus:
This classification is human
herpes
virus 1 (HHV1) and is also called herpes simplex virus 1
(HSV1). This one is most commonly identified by infections around the
mouth called cold sores. This classification of virus can also lead to
infection in the area of the genitals and is commonly known as genital
herpes and comes in by oral copulation. This is a very contagious infectious
disease and is spread by skin touching or rubbing skin. It enters by tiny
breaks in the mucous membrane or the skin. This can be transmitted by
sharing razors, towels of an individual with an active condition of herpes
and through sharing eating utensils.
TYPE 2 of the herpes virus:
This classification of human herpes virus 2 (HHV2) is also commonly known
as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2). This is mostly the one that is responsible
for genital herpes which is spread by sexual contact. It too can be the
source of cold sores on the face. This is also very contagious and is
transmitted by skin touching skin. Sexual interaction is the main way
it spreads because it will not live to any extent when not inside the
body.
TYPE 3 of the herpes virus:
This classification is know as varicella-zoster virus or human herpes
virus 3 (HHV3). This virus results in chickenpox. It can also be known
as a frequently infectious virus called shingles or herpes zoster. This
will be visible in a belt or band-like design of blisters on one side
of the body. They do tingle, itch or even have intense pain.
TYPE 4 of the herpes virus:
This is human herpes virus 4 (HHV4) classification that is called Epstein-Barr
virus and is the commonly known “kissing disease” or “mono” which is infectious
mononucleosis. This virus is transmitted through the saliva, therefore
the 'kissing' disease. This is very contagious and infectious being spread
by sneezing, sharing eating utensils, or coughing.
TYPE 5 of the herpes virus:
The medical classification is cytomegalovirus (CMV) or human herpes virus
5 (HHV5). This virus strain will also result in mononucleosis. This one
can affect babies, can be spread by sexual encounters, and could result
in hepatitis. This can also be spread by organ transplants, breast feeding,
and blood transfusions. This can lead to several serious complications.
TYPE 6 of the herpes virus:
This classification is human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) and appears in the
blood cells in several different diseases. It does result in roseola that
is a disease that affects small children by a skin rash and high fever.
TYPE 7 of the herpes virus:
Known as human herpes virus 7 (HHV7) has a very close association with
HHV6. This one attacks individuals in early life and can also result in
roseola.
TYPE 8 of the herpes virus:
This is called Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) or is known as human
herpes virus 8 (HHV8). This one is found in tumors of individuals
suffering from AIDS and is rarely discovered. It may also result in other
cancers and is very difficult to treat.