To most people the word "herpes" conjures up an image of genital herpes, the incurable virus that is transmitted through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. However is in fact a family of viruses that is extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions affecting the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the whole body.

Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 6 people may carry some form of the virus in their body, either active or inactive.

Forms of the virus include simplex type 1 (cold sores), simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and herpes-zoster (shingles). All of these conditions are caused by viruses in the family.

Two similar conditions, gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes-like blisters on the skin but are not related to or caused by any of the various viruses.

The many diseases that are caused by the virus may differ widely from one another, but they all share
a few common traits:

They are generally very contagious.

The viruses can survive in latent form for long periods of time after the initial infection.

They are not curable. (However, there are effective treatments that can render the virus dormant, even in genital herpes)
Estimates suggest that nearly 30 million Americans are infected with simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and despite many studies over many years there has been little success in developing either a cure or an effective vaccine.

Many of the viruses in the family do not recur after the initial disease outbreak, such as chicken pox for example. However all viruses, when not active, remain dormant in your body, hidden in nerve tissues and escaping detection by the immune system.

It is unsure exactly how and why a latent virus will suddenly trigger into an active

infection, however it is known that certain stresses to the immune system appear to bring on an outbreak. These stresses that may lead to outbreaks include illness, injury, emotional stress, poor diet, over exposure to sunlight, and even menstruation.

A strong immune system seems to lessen recurrence of outbreaks, though outbreaks may continue throughout life. Studies show that chickenpox and shingles have a recurrence of nearly zero while HSV-1 has a recurrence rate of 14 percent and simplex type 2 (HSV-2) has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.

It is HSV-2 that most commonly causes genital infections, and HSV-1 that most commonly causes infections of the lips; however either viruses can be passed from one location to the other.

Studies have also shown that sores can also provide an entryway for other infections.
Women with the virus may even have an increased risk of cervical cancer and it is important for any women who has had to have a cervical smear test (Pap test) every one or two years.

Whether you have been diagnosed with some form of or not, practicing common sense prevention can go a long way in controlling the spread of herpes. For instance, avoid kissing persons who currently have sores on their mouth or lips.
Always practice safe sex in non-monogamous relationships and avoid all sexual contact with any partner who is exhibiting symptoms of an active outbreak of genital until symptoms have disappeared. While most, but not all, male genital outbreaks are easily detected, female genital outbreaks can many times go completely unnoticed. In fact, many women with genital don't realize they have contracted the virus until they have passed it on to a partner.

Using a condom may or may not prevent the spread of the virus from one partner to another, whether one partner has an active outbreak or not; So while using condoms may be better than no protection at all, you should be aware that even condoms are not 100% effective in protecting against the transmission of the virus.

If you have a history of herpes, avoid getting overtired or allowing yourself to get run down. When you are fatigued, your immune system cannot function as well, and you may be more vulnerable to a recurrence of herpes.

If you suspect you might have some form of the virus or if you have a partner that has herpes, please see your local health care provider for a diagnosis and medical advise.