What does herpes attack?

The herpes family of viruses is a large and diverse group of viruses that can infect humans and other animals. Different herpes viruses can attack different parts of the body, and can cause a variety of symptoms.

Here are some of the areas of the body that can be affected by herpes viruses:

- Skin and mucous membranes: Herpes viruses can cause skin infections, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. These infections are characterized by the appearance of blisters or sores on the affected areas.

- Eyes: Herpes viruses can cause infections of the eyes, such as herpes simplex keratitis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus. These infections can lead to inflammation and scarring of the cornea, which can result in vision loss.

- Nervous system: Herpes viruses can infect the nervous system, causing conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis. These infections can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, confusion, and seizures.

- Internal organs: Herpes viruses can also infect internal organs, such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These infections can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the affected organ.

Herpes viruses can also cause other health problems, such as fatigue, muscle aches, and fever. In some cases, herpes viruses can lead to serious complications, such as blindness or encephalitis.