Is Chicken Pox a Form of Herpes?

Is Chicken Pox a Form of Herpes? When you hear individuals say they have herpes, you will immediately think it’s either HSV-1 or HSV-2. However, it is also essential to note that there are classes of the herpes virus. For example, chickenpox is a type of herpes, which the varicella-zoster virus triggers. It is a form of infection related to herpes, but it is not sexually transmitted. Therefore, it may not be wise to associate chicken pox with genital herpes or cold sores.

This list will show you the type of virus associated with chickenpox.

• Varicella-zoster virus – This viral strain is what triggers chickenpox. It is not a sexually transmitted infection. Individuals acquire this condition during their younger days.
• Herpes zoster virus – The viral strain that causes shingles.
• Epstein Barr virus – This triggers mononucleosis. You will experience extreme fatigue, fever, and sore throat if you have this infection.
• Cytomegalovirus – This infection is common in individuals with HIV. If there is no proper treatment, it can cause health complications to emerge.
• Herpes simplex viruses 1 & 2 are the main types of herpes. HSV 1 refers to cold sores, while HSV 2 refers to genital herpes.

Takeaway

It doesn’t matter if chickenpox is a form of herpes. What matters most is ending the stigma associated with both the infections.  Initiatives to eradicate the stigma will inspire more people to take medical help.

At a personal level, report your condition to your healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms associated with the different strains of herpes. That way, you will prevent the development of other associated health complications. Whether it be sexually transmitted or not, preventing any infection  plays a significant role in living healthily.