Herpes viruses belong to a Herpesviridae family which contains more than 70 representatives. The most dangerous for people are Herpes Simplex Virus HSV types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus which causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus, Human Herpes Virus HHV types 6 and 7.

Herpesviruses are wide spread in the human population and able to affect almost all organs and systems of a human body, which result in various latent, acute and chronic forms of lifelong infection. It is necessary to note possible connection between HSV2 and tumour development, in particular, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and atherosclerosis as well.

Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2

Symptoms of both viruses are identical. The difference between HSV 1 and HSV2 is in where they typically establish latency in the body.

HSV 1 lies latent in the nerve cells in the upper part of the body in the cranial nerves.HSV-2 lies latent in the dorsal root ganglia located in the lower part of the back. HSV type 1 usually causes small blisters on the mouth, eyes, lips and rarely genital area. HSV type 2 usually affects the genital area. Though either virus can easily cause an infection genitally or orally. The virus becomes active when your immune system is low. It travels through the nerve pathways and causes outbreaks. The lower immunity the oftener outbreaks. Some of the reasons of the virus activation are:

Emotional stress;
Somatic diseases (flue, diabetes, HIV);
The use of alcohol and caffeine;
Smoking;
Excessive exposure to sunlight;
Menstrual periods;
Overstrain and exhaustion;
Undernutrition/diet;
Hypothermia or hyperthermia.

Herpes (HSV) Symptoms

Herpes simplex virus may be asymptomatic, at least two-thirds of infected people have no symptoms, or symptoms too mild to notice. The first outbreak is the worst, it occurs within 2-20 days after the virus is transmitted and can last up to 2 or 3 weeks, skin pain can last for 1 to 6 weeks.Visible signs are skin redness, small red bumps with liquid . Then they rupture becoming ulcers that itch, burn and even can bleed. The ulcers dry out and crust over. When the crusts fall off, the area heals back to normal usually with no scars.

Other Symptoms With the First Herpes Outbreak:

Swollen lymph glands (this can be a symptom of syphilis as well);
Muscle aches;
Headache;
Fever;
Vaginal or penis discharge;
Burning sensation during urination;
Lower back pain.

Female Symptoms Herpes

Usual sites for genital herpes in women are labia minora and labia majoria, perineum, clitoris, vagina, vulva, inner thigh, urethra and cervix.
The symptoms: itching, burning sensation on passing water (when urethra is affected), swollen inguinal lymph nodes, fever, muscle pain and general uneasiness.