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Genital Herpes Reference Guide
Herpes Simplex Virus
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Herpes Simplex Virus
The term, "herpes" does not always refer to a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, herpes is the name for a family of common viruses that affect males and females of all ages worldwide.
There are two types of herpes viruses, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), which usually results in sores and blisters above the waistline, commonly around the mouth and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes with sores or blisters below the waist, particularly around the groin area. HSV-2 is also the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis, chicken pox, and shingles.
HSV viruses actually blend into the DNA of the genes that they infect and force the body to regenerate the virus to spread to others. When the immune system weakens, the virus makes its way to the skin and leaks out through tiny blisters. HSV can be life threatening for those with weak immune systems, particularly newborns, but generally does not have serious consequences for those infected.
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Genital Herpes Photos