Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes simplex virus comes in many forms, eight to be exact. The more we understand about this family of virus, the better prepared we will be to protect ourselves and educate our loved ones about methods of transmission.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSVI)- Herpes type one refers to oral herpes. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you have Herpes type I. It is easily passed from person to person via kissing and skin to skin contact but it can also be contracted by sharing personal items like razors, towels and eating utensils with someone who has an active lesion. This type of Herpes is VERY common, with about 80% of the adult population in the US testing positive. Treatment is usually topical for mild cases, with antiviral therapy for more severe cases.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSVII) - Herpes type 2 is genital herpes. This type of herpes can affect the genitals, mouth, rectal area, pubic area and upper thighs. Type 2 is sexually transmitted and according to researchers, 1 in 4 adults is positive for HSVII. This type of herpes is treated with antiviral medications like Valtrex.
Human Herpes Virus 3 (HHV3) - this type of herpes is also called Varicella Zoster and is the cause of Chicken Pox. When this virus causes recurrent skin infections it is called Herpes Zoster or “shingles”. This type of herpes is closely related to HSVI, in the way it manifests itself physically. However, typically a HHV3 infection is more severe than a reoccurrence of HSV1.
Human Herpes Virus 4 (HHV4) - Is also known as the Epstein Barr virus, it is the major cause of Mononucleosis or “mono”. This is a contagious infection transferred by the sharing of saliva during kissing, sharing utensils, coughing or sneezing.
Human Herpes Virus 5 (HHV5) – This is the official name of CMV (Cytomegalovirus)- which is also a cause of mononucleosis- CMV can be transmitted sexually, can cause problems in newborns and can cause Hepatitis. This virus usually causes little to no problems in people with normal, healthy immune systems but in those who have lowered immune function like people with HIV, it can wreak havoc on bodily systems and cause serious complications.
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6) – This type of Herpes causes Roseola, (a viral disease which causes a high fever and skin rash in small children.)This condition causes other fever related problems in this age group as well. This accounts for many cases of convulsions from fevers in small children.
Human Herpes Virus 7 (HHV7) – This type of Herpes and HHV6 are very closely related. It has been shown that these two herpes varieties are so common that most of mankind has been infected at some point, usually early in life.
Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8) – This form of herpes was recently discovered in the tumors of KS or Karposi’s Sarcoma. These are commonly found in people with AIDS and are rare otherwise. It is very difficult to treat with medication and may also cause other cancers like lymphomas.

Source : http://www.labbocaraton.com/std-testing/genital-herpes.html