Are two species of the herpes virus family which cause a variety of illnesses/infections in humans such cold sores, chickenpox or varicella, shingles or herpes zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and various cancers, and can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis). HSV-1 is commonly associated with herpes outbreaks of the face known as cold sores or fever blisters, whereas HSV-2 is more often associated with genital herpes. They are also called Human Herpes Virus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2) and are neurotropic and neuroinvasive viruses; they enter and hide in the human nervous system, accounting for their durability in the human body.
A vims that results in cold sores or fever blisters, most often on the mouth or around the eyes. Like all herpes viruses, it may lie dormant for months or years in nerve tissue and flare up in times of stress, trauma, infection, or immunosuppression. There is no cure for any of the herpes vimses.
Causes painful sores on the genitals or anus. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States.