This article aims to demystify the complexities surrounding herpes viruses, differentiating between the types found in humans and those in animals, and examining the potential for cross-species transmission.
With so many snuggles and licks, can our beloved pets unknowingly pass this common virus to us? The answer to that might not be what you expect.
Herpes viruses comprise a large family of viruses that can cause various diseases in animals, including humans. In humans, the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are the most commonly recognised forms, responsible for causing oral and genital herpes, respectively. These viruses are highly adapted to human hosts and do not naturally occur in animals.
