Herpes comes from the Greek word meaning “to creep” and is used to describe two distinct but closely related varieties of the herpes virus. The first type, known quite simply as herpes simplex virus type one (HSV-1), commonly affects the mouth and throat. Meanwhile, herpes simplex virus type two (HSV-2) usually affects the genital areas. Although the viruses are most commonly restricted to these areas, each virus is capable of causing infections in both places.

Oddly enough, humans are the only known hosts for HSV. In most cases, the infection is transmitted via contact with infected areas that are secreting the virus. But scientists have also discovered that the virus may survive for a short time on surfaces outside the body, suggesting that contact with an infected person is not the only means of transmission.

The herpes virus is somewhat unique in that it involves a recurring cycle of primary and latent symptoms. Upon infection, the virus quickly causes an outbreak of primary symptoms. This first episode of primary symptoms is often more severe than later outbreaks and may include the development of oozing lesions in the genital or mouth areas that are highly infectious. Many patients also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, and general feelings of illness. Following this stage of the infection, the virus becomes latent and symptoms subside completely. Scientists are unsure about what exactly triggers the latent stage of the virus. What is clear, though, is that the virus can be periodically reactivated, whereupon the primary symptoms return. There is also speculation about what triggers reactivation of the virus. It is believed that physical and emotional stress can contribute to reactivation. Scientists have also observed that reactivation of oral herpes, or HSV-1, occurs eight to ten times more frequently than reactivation of HSV-2, or genital herpes.

Although oral and genital herpes are the most common forms, there are four other varieties of herpes infection. Hepetic whitlow, or HSV infection of the finger may occur as a complication of the primary stage of oral or genital herpes, or it may occur as a result of exposure of the virus directly to the hand. Another form of infection that affects the skin is aptly named herpes gladitorum and is often associated with wrestling. In this case, HSV can infect the throat, ears, face, and hands. The virus is transmitted through the cuts and bruises wrestlers sustain during competition. HSV can also infect the eyes and such infection is a frequent cause of corneal blindness in the United States. Finally, women who are experiencing the primary stage of genital HSV infection can transmit the virus to newborns during delivery. Without treatment, neonatal herpes is a significant risk to newborns. High infant mortality and abnormal development are associated with the infection.