The herpes family: 8 viruses, and you probably already carry several
When people hear the word herpes, they often think only of a sexually transmitted infection. Yet there are eight human herpesviruses, and most adults carry several without knowing it, often acquired during childhood.
How are babies infected?
The most common route has nothing to do with adult sexual life: it is ordinary family contact. A kiss from a relative with a cold sore, sharing a glass or utensils, or normal close contact can transmit infection. WHO estimates that 64% of people under 50 carry herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), mostly acquired in childhood.
At least three other human herpesviruses spread in similar ways:
| Virus | Common name | How it is acquired | What it causes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSV-1 | Oral herpes | Saliva and family contact in childhood | Cold sores |
| Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) | — | Saliva, kissing, shared utensils | Mononucleosis; usually no illness |
| Cytomegalovirus (CMV) | — | Saliva and body fluids | Usually asymptomatic |
| HHV-6 and HHV-7 | — | Caregivers' saliva | Roseola in young children |
HSV-1
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
HHV-6 and HHV-7
Read more about Epstein-Barr virus and its relationship with cancer, a virus carried by 90% of adults that is almost always harmless.
An important distinction: childhood cold sores are not neonatal herpes
Oral herpes acquired after birth through family contact differs from neonatal herpes, which can occur during delivery if the mother has an active genital HSV-2 lesion. The latter is much rarer and requires immediate medical care.
Why does this matter in oncovirology?
Two human herpesviruses are oncogenic: Epstein-Barr virus is associated with lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and some gastric cancers, while HHV-8 is associated with Kaposi sarcoma.
Understanding the difference between a common harmless infection and a condition that deserves investigation is central to health literacy.
References
- World Health Organization. Herpes simplex virus (2025).
- NIH — Herpes Can Happen to Anyone (2023).
- Banner Health — Breaking the herpes simplex virus stigma.
- IARC review of Epstein-Barr virus and cancer (Group 1 carcinogen).
This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.