Herpes Medications

Herpes is one of over 80 known viruses that exist within the Herpes family. Of these, 8 are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. Usually, however, HSV-1 occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) - commonly causes herpes labialis (also called oral herpes, cold sores or fever blisters), which are highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing. Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) - a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in men and women. The telltale signs and symptoms of genital herpes include recurrent clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital areas. HSV-2 can also be responsible for herpes labialis, although less often than HSV-1.