Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1

What is a cold sore?

A cold sore is caused by a virus commonly known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are small, sometimes painful, fluid filled blisters that can appear on the upper region of the body including lips, mouth or nose. Cold sores are typically caused by HSV Type 1.

What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

There is some misconceptions about HSV-1 and HSV-2 (commonly known as genital herpes). According to The American Social Health Association both strains of the herpes simplex virus share about 50% of their DNA makeup. The difference is not always, but usually in the site of preference when establishing latency in the body. HSV-1 typically resides in the trigeminal ganglion and outbreaks will occur mostly around the mouth. HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes, establishes latency in the sacral ganglion and outbreaks will occur mostly around the genital region.

Most people assume that if you have oral herpes you must have HSV-1 and if you have genital herpes then you must have HSV-2. That is not the case. While that is what is most commonly found, you can have either or both strains of herpes orally or genitally. The only "accurate" way to know which strain you have is to have a viral culture or a type specific blood test.

How common is HSV-1?

The HSV-1 strain, commonly known as oral herpes and/or cold sores is very common. In fact it is estimated that around 60% of those over the age of 12 have herpes simplex virus type 1. It is also thought many are infected as a child from kissing and sharing drinking glasses with relatives who are infected. It is a highly contagious virus that can be spread without even knowing you are infected.

What are the symptoms of HSV-1?

Some people do notice having symptoms before an outbreak known as predomes. These symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common form is tingling or a raised red area at the site of the breakout.

What are some causes of a HSV-1 outbreak?

There are many causes thought to provoke an oral herpes outbreak. These vary from person to person as well but include stress, sun exposure, incorrect diet, menstruation cycle and extreme temperature.

Is there a cure for HSV-1?

There is not a cure for any herpes simplex virus. There are some treatments available that will shorten the amount of time an outbreak is present.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by a virus commonly known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). A genital herpes blister(s_ is usually, small and sometimes painful, fluid filled blisters that can appear on the lower region of the body including but not limited to the genitals and buttocks. Genital herpes is typically caused by HSV Type 2.

What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

There is some misconceptions about HSV-1 and HSV-2. According to The American Social Health Association both strains of the herpes simplex virus share about 50% of their DNA makeup. The difference is not always, but usually in the site of preference when establishing latency in the body. HSV-1 typically resides in the trigeminal ganglion and outbreaks will occur mostly around the mouth. HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes, establishes latency in the sacral ganglion and outbreaks will occur mostly around the genital region.

Most people assume that if you have oral herpes you must have HSV-1 and if you have genital herpes then you must have HSV-2. That is not the case. While that is what is most commonly found, you can have either or both strains of herpes orally or genitally. The only “accurate” way to know which strain you have is to have a viral culture or a type specific blood test.

What is a prodrome?

A prodome is basically a warning sign that occurs one to two days before an recurrent outbreak. Symptoms vary from person to person. These can include tingling, itching or a painful feeling where the outbreak will occur. Other symptoms include back pain, leg pain, burning sensation during urination and exhaustion or flu like symptoms.

 
What is shedding? 

Asymptomatic viral shedding is the presence of a virus with the absence of clinical symptoms ie: genital herpes outbreak. That said, many if not most, individuals contracted HSV-2 from a partner who was asymptomatically shedding this virus. Herpes is known as a  frequent viral shedding. Studies have shown that shedding can occur 30% of days during the first 6 months of infection. After 6 months, shedding may occur as many as 20% of days.

I've had my first outbreak, now what should I expect?

The truth is each case of genital herpes is unique and varies from person to person. Some people infected with genital herpes don't have outbreaks, some have symptoms so mild they don't recognize them and some have outbreaks that can be quite pronounced.  For those of who do have an outbreak, the primary episode can vary but usually occurs approximately 2-14 days after transmission. Outbreaks are recognized by a cluster of small red bumps  or blisters. A primary outbreak usually lasts longer to heal and can take up to 4 weeks as the immune system has not developed the resistance to HSV at this time. Those who have primary outbreaks can expect to have additional outbreaks during the first year however the healing time will usually decrease with each subsequent outbreak.

Is there a cure for HSV-2 Genital Herpes?

The answer is no. There is no cure for HSV. However there are ways to help cope with outbreaks. Antiviral medications can help prevent shedding, prevent the occurrence of outbreaks and shorten the length of HSV outbreaks. These daily antiviral medications, also known as suppressive therapy can also reduce your risk of transmission of HSV to partners.