What Is the Difference Between Herpes Zoster & Herpes Simplex?

The herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes herpes zoster, are all part of the viral family herpesviridae. Although related, these viruses cause different conditions.

Types

• Herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster virus are all human herpesviruses (HHV). HSV-1 is also known as HHV-1; HSV-2 is also known as HHV-2; and VZV is also called HHV-3.

Effects: HSV

• HSV-1 is the virus that most commonly causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores. HSV-2 is responsible for most cases of genital herpes.

Considerations

• Although the HSV viruses are primarily associated with either oral or genital herpes, each virus can also cause either infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Effects: VZV

• Varicella-zoster virus is the virus that is responsible for both chicken pox and shingles. Like the herpes simplex viruses, VZV never fully leaves the system, allowing it to cause shingles much later in life, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

• Although these viruses cause different conditions, they are all treated with the same group of antiviral drugs. These include acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir.