What You Need To Know About Herpes

October 28, 2025

2 min read

If you thought that herpes was just a "cold" on the lips, then think again! There are 8 types of cold sores affecting the skin, nervous and immune systems that can cause disease. How can you detect and neutralize them in time?

Key takeaways

If you thought that herpes was just a "cold" on the lips, then think again!
Herpes simplex viruses
HHV-3 — varicella-zoster virus

Who this is for

People exploring Bacterial and viral infections through herpes, viruses.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Irene

Doctorate in Medicine, Infectious disease doctor

Not all herpes viruses have pronounced specific symptoms. They are detectable through a blood test and PCR diagnostics. A gynecologist, dermatologist, or urologist can send you for a test if there are clear signs of illness or suspicion of infection. This test is required for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy.

Herpes simplex viruses

Herpes simplex virus type 1 HHV-1 usually causes oral herpes and HHV-2 genital herpes. Antiviral drugs can prevent flare-ups and reduce symptoms. However, once the patient is infected, it is impossible to get rid of herpes simplex.

HHV-3 — varicella-zoster virus

Also known as the chickenpox virus, it is highly contagious and causes itchy rashes that develop into fluid-filled blisters on the chest, back, and face and then spread throughout the body.

The varicella-zoster virus remains in the body for a very long time and after years can manifest itself in the form of shingles, causing pain and a burning sensation in the lower back.

HHV-4 — infectious mononucleosis virus

This disease has an acute onset and symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged spleen. It is transmitted through body fluids, mainly saliva, as well as common items such as cutlery recently used by someone infected.

HHV-5 — cytomegalovirus

More than half of all adults on the planet are infected with cytomegalovirus by the age of 40. Not everyone knows this since the carriers of the virus do not have specific symptoms.

However, they can appear with an exacerbation of a viral infection and include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, decreased appetite, and weight loss. People with significantly weakened immune systems can have more serious health problems. Babies born with the virus have developmental delays.

HHV-6 and HHV-7

Both viruses have similar symptoms. HHV-6 is spread through the saliva of an infected person. In infants, it can cause fever, diarrhea, and a rash called roseola, while healthy adults carrying the virus may never show any symptoms.

The virus poses the greatest risk to people with weak immune systems. HHV-7 is less common and usually less dangerous. Scientists believe that this virus leads to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

HHV-8

It spreads through body fluids and can cause a tumor process (Kaposi's sarcoma) with damage to the skin, lymph nodes, mucous membranes, and other organs. People with immune system diseases and HIV infection are at the greatest risk.

Currently, doctors do not yet have the means to completely defeat herpes. Herpetic viruses remain in the body of an infected person for life. They can be in a "dormant" state or aggravated from time to time.

It is possible to suppress activity or prevent the transition of the virus to an active state. The goal of therapy is to achieve long-term remission of the disease. Antiviral, immunomodulating, symptomatic drugs serve this purpose.

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