That’s why some people balk when they hear thatchickenpoxis a form of herpes.
Does this mean all of these conditions can be referred to as “herpes”?
About Herpes Viruses
Herpesviridaeis a group of viruses also described as herpes viruses.
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The nameHerpeviridaeis derived from the Greek wordherpein, meaning “to creep.”
However, it is technically correct to refer to either genital herpes or oral herpes as herpes.
By contrast, infections with the other types of herpes viruses arenotclinically referred to as herpes.
The term “herpes” also suggests sexual transmission.
It is an attitude that reflects the general discomfort that many people have with sex and sexuality.
The same thing is seen with HIV and pretty much every other sexually transmitted infection.
And the problem is growing.
Moreover, an estimated 776,000 new infections occur each and every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
No,HPVis not the same as herpes (HSV).
There is a different virus responsible for each one.
Shingles is due to a separate virus known as the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital Herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Causes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (Varicella) Transmission.
In; NCHS Data Brief No.
Tung RC, Shaaban A, Kim M, Cristiano P.An Unusual Presentation of Herpes Zoster.
2014 Feb 1;209(3):325-33. doi:10.1093/infdis/jit458.
2017 Jun;74 Suppl 1:S27-S33.
doi:10.1016/S0163-4453(17)30188-3.
