Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes are sexually transmitted and produce genital sores, they are caused by two separate and unrelated viruses.
Key Takeaways
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus) are both viral infections, but different types of viruses cause them.
- HPV can cause genital warts and is linked to certain types of cancer, while herpes leads to painful sores and blisters.
- Both infections are sexually transmitted, but HPV is more common and can be prevented with a vaccine, whereas there is no vaccine for herpes.
HPV vs Herpes
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and it is a virus that destroys a particular type of immune system cells to prevent your body from fighting diseases. Herpes is a viral infection that causes blisters or sores to develop around the genitals or mouth. It is also called herpes simplex virus.
HPV is a virus that destroys specific immune system cells (your body’s fight against sickness that keeps you healthy). When HPV weakens your immune system,
it is easier to become ill and even die from diseases that your body would be able to fight off.
This virus comes in two varieties. One kind (HSV-1) causes sores around the lips or within the mouth, which are commonly referred to as fever blisters or cold sores.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | HPV | Herpes |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | The most frequent sign is warts. However, HPV frequently causes no symptoms at all. | Herpes can sometimes be asymptomatic. However, it is frequently accompanied by weeping sores or blisters and itching or discomfort immediately after infection. |
| Diagnostic | HIP tests are available and are occasionally used in conjunction with Pap testing. Visual inspection of warts, on the other hand, can be used to diagnose some instances. | If lesions are evident, a physical exam is performed. Viral cultures are sometimes used to diagnose samples obtained using a swab. |
| Treatment | The virus cannot be cured, although medicines can be administered to treat warts. If required, warts can also be removed. HPV detected during a Pap test will be treated differently. | Although the virus is incurable, antiviral medicines help treat symptoms and decrease outbreaks. |
| Prevention | There is no way to remove your risk altogether, but practicing safe sex and receiving annual tests can significantly reduce your risk, particularly for cervical cancer. | Safe sex, not just for vaginal or anal sex but also oral sex, can help avoid herpes. |
| Affects | Without treatment, HPV can progress to AIDS, which is life-threatening and a leading cause of mortality in children. | Even if you do not receive therapy, it does not affect your longevity. |
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus that targets the body’s natural defensive mechanism, the immune system. The body has difficulty combating disease if it lacks a robust immune system.
HPV causes AIDS because both phrases refer to the same disease, the terms HPV and AIDS might be misleading. Consider AIDS to be a more advanced form of HPV infection.
When HPV is detected early enough before it progresses to AIDS, medications can help to reduce or stop the immune system’s damage.
What is Herpes?
The herpes simplex virus causes herpes. A herpes rash is most commonly found around the mouth or genitals, although it can appear elsewhere on the body.
The majority of people who have herpes develop no symptoms or have a minor rash. Periods of active illness are followed by periods of no signs in a herpes cycle.
Main Differences Between HPV and Herpes
- There is no way to remove your risk altogether, but practising safe sex and receiving annual tests can significantly reduce your risk of HPV, particularly for cervical cancer whereas, Safe sex, not just for vaginal or anal sex but also oral sex, can help avoid herpes.
- Without treatment, HPV can progress to AIDS, which is life-threatening and a leading cause of mortality in children, whereas if you do not receive therapy, Herpes does not affect your longevity.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673611617091
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473309908701816
Last Updated : 06 September, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The comparison of HPV and Herpes is illuminating. It’s crucial to understand the differences to promote health education.
Interesting comparison between HPV and Herpes. I appreciate the information provided.
The article offers a comprehensive analysis of HPV and Herpes. Great insights for those seeking to learn more about these viruses.
The comparison table is very informative and makes it easy to understand the differences between HPV and Herpes.
It’s important to have these facts about HPV and Herpes readily available to inform the public. Knowledge is power.
I did not realize the connections and differences between these two viruses. Very insightful.
This article is a great resource for anyone who wants to understand HPV and Herpes and their implications. Excellent work on providing valuable information.
This article provides clear and concise information about HPV and Herpes. It is very helpful for increasing awareness about these sexually transmitted infections.