There are an estimated 80 different types of herpes known today. 

The most common form of herpes is genital herpes. This sexually transmitted disease (STD) is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The HSV family of viruses can also cause mononucleosis and meningitis. Two types of HSV exist: HSV-1, affecting 80 percent of the population of the United States, often appear on the lips as cold sores. HSV-2 is usually found in the area of the genitals (sexual organs). Someone with HSV-1 (oral herpes, or cold sores) can perform oral sex and infect the partner with HSV-1 genital herpes, and HSV-2 can also infect the mouth area during oral sex.

There is growing evidence that those infected with genita herpes have a greater risk of contracting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) during unprotected sex with someone infected with HIV. Those infected with HIV and genital herpes also have outbreaks that are both more often and severe and harder to treat. There also is a chance that pregnant women may pass genital herpes to their child as it passes through the birth canal.

Herpes zoster, which is commonly referred to as shingles, is a viral disease that presents as a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body. Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), aka chickenpox. After an incident of the chickenpox, usually in childhood, the disease can permanently infect the cells without causing symptoms. Various things can release the virus such as stress, immune deficiencies and so forth. Headache, fever and malaise (an generalized feeling of discomfort and/or uneasiness) are strong indicators of infection.

Ocular Herpes Simplex, or Eye Herpes, usually affects one eye in the cornea (the front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil) region. A recurrent infection, caused by the type 1 herpes simplex virus, Eye Herpes can cause scarring and inflammation. It's often referred to as a cold sore on the eye and can reoccur. There are several forms of ocular herps. Symptoms include swelling, tearing, recurrent eye infections and redness. The condition should be treated by an eye doctor because certain types of eye herpes can lead to blindness. Treatment varies depending upon where within the eye the infection lies. Steroid drops often prove effective.

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) is a serious condition affecting the brain. Caused by HSV outbreaks, HSE inflames the brain and can be fatal. Symptoms such as a stiff neck, altered reflexes, confusion and speech abnormalities might be indicative of this condition. About 30% of these infections occur in children and may be caused by maternal genital infection at birth.