Herpes is a group of viruses that can cause infection. Herpes virus infection is generally characterized by dry skin, blisters, or open sores that are watery. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZ) are types of herpes viruses that commonly attack humans.
The herpes virus can attack anyone. Having a history of contact with people with this viral infection and a weak immune system are factors that can increase a person's risk of being infected with the herpes virus.
Herpes viruses are divided into three major groups, namely alpha (α) herpesviruses, beta (β) herpesviruses, and gamma (γ) herpesviruses. Of these three groups, there are eight types of herpes viruses that can infect humans, namely:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1)
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpesvirus 6 (HBLV)
- Herpesvirus 7
- Herpesvirus 8 Kaposi's sarcoma
Causes of Herpes
Although there are many types of herpes viruses that can infect humans, it is the alpha herpesvirus group that most often causes infection. Some types of viruses from this group are:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1)
HSV 1 is a type of herpes virus that often causes oral (mouth) or labial (lips) herpes. However, HSV 1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals and cause genital (genital) herpes in people who receive oral sex from people with oral herpes.
HSV 1 can be spread through direct contact from a person with herpes to a healthy person, for example through kissing, sharing eating utensils or lip cosmetics, such as lipstick.
In the vast majority of cases, HSV 1 is transmitted from asymptomatic HSV 1 sufferers. However, the risk of transmission will be higher if there is contact with a patient who has an open wound due to HSV 1.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2)
HSV 2 is the main cause of genital herpes. This viral infection can recur with a frequency of recurrence that varies in each sufferer.
The HSV 2 virus is transmitted through direct contact with sores in people with herpes, for example during sexual intercourse. In rare cases, HSV 2 can also be passed from mother to baby during delivery.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
VZV is a virus that causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox occurs when the varicella-zoster virus infects a person for the first time.
Meanwhile, herpes zoster, also known as skin herpes, occurs when the inactive VZV virus in the body relapses. A person can also be infected with this virus from a person with herpes zoster.
VZV is mainly transmitted through direct contact with people with chickenpox. This viral infection can be recognized by the appearance of skin nodules filled with fluid (vesicles). VZV can also be transmitted through direct contact with the fluid in the vesicles or the splashes of saliva that come out when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
Usually, the virus has been in the patient's body for 7-21 days before the rash or other symptoms appear. However, the patient can already transmit the varicella-zoster virus to other people as early as 48 hours before the appearance of the rash.
Herpes risk factors
Herpes can affect anyone in all age groups. However, this viral infection is more prone to occur in someone who has frequent contact with herpes sufferers, such as medical personnel or family members who care for herpes patients.
For herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, the following factors can increase the risk of infection with this virus:
Female gender
Frequently changing sexual partners
Have a weak immune system due to taking certain drugs or suffering from HIV/AIDS
Suffering from sexually transmitted diseases.
While some factors that can make a person more at risk of being infected with the VZV virus are:
Under 12 years old
Have a history of direct contact with people with chickenpox
Work or activities in schools or special facilities for children, especially if there are children who are experiencing chickenpox
Have a weak immune system, either due to disease or side effects of drugs.
Besides being able to cause chickenpox, the VZV virus can also cause herpes zoster. Several factors and conditions can increase a person's risk of developing shingles, namely:
Aged 60 years and over
Have a previous history of chickenpox
Suffering from a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer
Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or taking immunosuppressant drugs.
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