The Herpes Virus Family: Beyond Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

The Herpes Virus Family: Beyond Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

Most people associate herpes with cold sores or genital herpes. But herpes is much more than that. In fact, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 belong to a larger family of viruses called herpesviridae, which includes several viruses that affect the skin, nerves, and organs – and that many people carry without knowing it.

 

In this post, we take a closer look at the 8 human herpes viruses, what they cause, and how they differ from each other.

1. HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus type 1)

Typically responsible for cold sores around the mouth, but can also cause genital herpes through oral sex. Very common – up to 70% of Europeans carry HSV-1.

2. HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus type 2)

Primarily associated with genital herpes. Transmitted almost exclusively sexually. Can cause sores, itching and burning in the genital area. Approximately 10-20% of adults in Europe are infected with HSV-2.

3. VZV (Varicella-Zoster Virus)

This virus causes chickenpox upon initial infection and shingles (herpes zoster) later in life when the virus is reactivated. It is found latently in nerve pathways like HSV.

4. EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus)

Best known for causing mononucleosis, but also suspected of playing a role in certain cancers and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Widely distributed globally.

5. CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

Often asymptomatic in healthy people, but can be serious in pregnant women and immunocompromised people. CMV can cause hearing loss in fetuses and infections in organ transplant patients.

6. HHV-6 (Human Herpesvirus 6)

Typically causes "three-day fever" in young children. In rare cases, it can cause encephalitis or be reactivated in people with weakened immune systems.

7. HHV-7 (Human Herpesvirus 7)

Similar to HHV-6 and most often occurs in childhood. Almost always mild and asymptomatic, but sometimes associated with rash or feverish illnesses.

8. HHV-8 (Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus)

This virus is rare and occurs almost only in people with severely weakened immune systems – especially those infected with HIV. It causes the rare cancer Kaposi's sarcoma.

 

Common features of herpes viruses

• All 8 viruses can establish lifelong infection
• They become latent in the body and can be reactivated later
• The immune system usually keeps them in check
• They are spread through body fluids, skin contact or droplet transmission

Conclusion

The herpes virus family is far more complex than many people realize. Cold sores and genital herpes are just two of the eight members—and many of us carry multiple of these viruses without even realizing it. Knowing the difference can help you understand your symptoms better and make the right health choices.