How Many Types of Herpes Are There?

The types of Herpes are..." Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6 (variants A and B), human herpesvirus 7, and Kaposi's sarcoma virus or human herpesvirus 8. A simian virus, called B virus, occasionally infects humans (NCBI)."

The following are standard HSV terms.

• Ocular Herpes is an infection of the eye that's caused by HSV-1 or Chickenpox. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain. There are two types of ocular herpes, Epithelial Keratitis (more common) and Stromal Keratitis, which is more serious as it can lead to blindness.

• HSV-1 (oral herpes) presents as cold sores or an infected mouth region and is often contracted during childhood as an upper respiratory tract infection. HSV-1 can cause symptoms of genital herpes.

• HSV-2 (genital herpes) presents in the genital or rectal region. HSV-2 can cause cold cores (HSV-1) and vice versa. Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 (cold sores) is becoming more common, as blisters do not have to be present. HSV-1 is contagious during viral shedding. However, genital herpes caused by HSV-2 is more likely to cause recurrence later.

• HSV Encephalitis is brain inflammation caused by the herpes virus, bacteria, autoimmune disorders, insect bites, or other causes. Initial symptoms are flu-like (headache, fever, aches, and pains). However, left untreated, other symptoms such as problems with speech, muscle weakness, confusion or agitation, loss of sensation, and others begin to develop. While rare, it can be life-threatening. 

• Herpes Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, called meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by HSV-2. However, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can also cause meningitis. Symptoms are headache, sudden fever, stiff neck, lack of appetite, flu-like symptoms, confusion, and sensitivity to light. Meningitis often clears up on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, it can cause death. 

• Herpes Whitlow affects the skin nearest the fingernail causing painful blisters. It can also infect the hands and wrists. It is rare (only two people in every 100,000) and is caused by touching HSV-1 or HSV-2. 

• Herpes Gladiatorum is known as "mat" herpes and is caused by HSV-1. It's associated with contact sports, such as wrestling, and affects the head and neck region of the body.

• Eczema Herpeticum affects the larger areas of the skin. It's disseminated HSV-1 that has infected areas of skin affected with Eczema or other skin conditions. Initially, it was called Kaposi Varicelliform Vruption. EH looks much like Chickenpox. It is rare but can become severe and life-threatening. Less common is Eczema Herpeticum caused by HSV-2. 

• HSV Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum and anus by HSV-1 or HSV-2. Symptoms are a sensation of having to pass stool with little or no result, constipation, rectal bleeding, a milky anal discharge, difficulty urinating, possible fever, proctalgia (terrible pain or "charley-horse" in the back passage), sacral paresthesia (numbness or tingling of the sacral nerves connected to your pelvic saddle), and swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

• Shingles, like Eczema Herpeticum, also affect the larger areas of the skin. Shingles are related to Chickenpox.

• Disseminated Herpes ~ is a term used when the herpes virus has traveled to multiple areas of the body. Underlying skin conditions, such as Atopic Dermatitis, and immunocompromised individuals have more of a threat from Disseminated Herpes, which can be fatal under certain conditions.

• Epstein-Barr Virus (HV4) causes Mononucleosis, commonly called the "kissing" disease. About 95% of the world's population coexist with the Epstein-Barr Virus. Epstein-Barr can cause symptoms similar to the ones experienced in the prodromal phase (shedding phase) of HSV-2, such as a headache, swollen lymph glands (and fever), sore throat, an enlarged spleen, vomiting, aches and pains, skin rash, brain fog, loss of appetite, and sleep problems, which can last for weeks or months. EBV can reactivate and cause symptoms while your immune system fights off another infection, such as COVID-19. Although it can happen, EBV is rarely contagious beyond the initial incubation period. Having EBV can lead to experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and painful conditions, such as rhuematism. If you've had EBV, it's esential for you to get enough vitamin A, D, and zinc (or take cod liver oil). I encourage you to watch Dr. Berg's 12-minute video about the Epstein-Barr Virus, which provides tips on keeping herpes viruses in remission.

Can I Contract More Than One Form of Herpes?

Yes. You can contract more than one form of herpes. One does not make you immune to any of the others. However, how you ended up with shingles is a bit different than how you contract other herpes viruses. Shingles can't be "caught", because it's activated from previously having had chickenpox. However, you can get chickenpox from exposure to the shingles virus if you haven't had the chickenpox vaccination.

Also, see Can Pets Contract Herpes Too?

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