Herpes Virus

The herpes virus is a family of viruses that can cause various infections of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the central nervous system and reproductive organs. Herpetic diseases are among the most common diseases in the world and affect a large portion of the population.

Herpes viruses can be transmitted in a variety of ways, including airborne, sexually transmitted and transplacental - when the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus in utero. Depending on the route of transmission, types of herpes can be divided into two large groups: primary and secondary.

Primary herpes occurs upon first contact with the virus and manifests itself in the form of rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. The most common types of primary herpes are herpes simplex type I (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type II (HSV-2). Both types of herpes cause painful blisters, with HSV-II usually found on the lips and causing the characteristic “goosey” appearance. Herpes simplex is the most common type of virus and affects 95% of the world's population.

Secondary manifestations of herpes are more common in people with immunocompromised conditions, such as those with cancer or those receiving chemotherapy. Skin rashes of herpes lead to disability, as they intensify existing symptoms, which intensify during outbreaks of infection. In addition, herpes can complicate operations, causing lymphadenitis.