Herpes Herpes has been around for a very long time. So long that it very likely predates the human species. "Herpes" derives its name from the Greek word herpein, which means to creep or crawl. The physicians of Greece, treating herpes over 2,000 years ago, described herpes of the mouth and herpetic sores in the groin, which traveled around the flank and genital regions. Throughout history many a physician attempted to understand the herpes virus. Due to similarities amongst various herpes viruses, it was difficult to diagnose which virus was responsible, as symptoms varied yet remained similar. Today herpes has become one of the most common viral infections, found in every social and economic class. Modern technology has further enabled us to classify the various herpes viruses (Hayashki, Aurelian, 1986).
What is herpes?
Herpes is an infection caused by a virus. There are two types of herpes viruses. Type I usually causes the common cold sore on the mouth. Type II usually causes blisters and sores in the genital area. It is possible for Type I to cause an infection in the genital area and it is possible for Type II to cause an infection on the mouth.
Herpes is one of the common of more than 30 different sexually transmitted diseases (STD s) in America today. Herpes is an infection that is caused by one of two closely related viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of which are very easily caught, have similar symptoms, and can occur on different parts of the body. Even though it is most common to see the virus HSV-1 appear as oral herpes and to see the virus HSV-2 appear as genital herpes. Most often herpes is a relatively harmless disease that is rarely life threatening........
