Genital Herpes Dictionary

fever blister: A cold sore, caused by the Herpes Simplex 1 virus, which can be transmitted to any part of the body or to others by contact with the infectious fluid.

genital herpes: Medically known as the Herpes Simplex 2 virus (HSV-2) that is highly contagious in its active stage and often without recognized symptoms; commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and lies in the nervous system when dormant.

genital warts: Known as the human papilloma virus (HPV) and not to be confused with HSV (herpes simplex virus), although often transmitted in the same way through sexual and skin-to-skin contact.

gladiatorum: A Herpes Simplex I virus also known as "wrestler's disease" that can be transmitted to any body part and in the active stage presents lesions on the torso, face and limbs.

herpes: A family of highly infectious viruses, including the most recognized genital and oral herpes, both of which can be transmitted through sexual contact and are often activated by a poor immune response.

Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV 1): The virus that causes cold sores on the face, especially around the mouth that is highly infectious through the transfer of saliva or liquid from the blisters; a common childhood infection.

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2): A sexually transmitted virus that causes lesions on the genitals and surrounding area and can also be active on other parts of the body, as well as impacting internal organs, with active and dormant phases.

herpes zoster: Part of the viral group that causes clusters of blisters, also known as shingles, which in its initial widespread form is known as the varicella-zoster virus, or chickenpox.

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): The known cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a sexually transmitted disease. Because it also is a result of a weakened immune system, sufferers may also be more susceptible to acquiring any of the herpes viruses and vice versa.

immune system: The body's network of infection- and disease-fighting agents that, when compromised, leads to a host of illnesses including an increased risk of contracting genital herpes or, following infection, may be the result of additional and multiple outbreaks.

immunological diseases: Conditions that are contracted or activated when the body's immune system is weakened due to other illness, stress or simply as a biological response.