Oral Herpes (Cold sores)
What is Oral Herpes?
Oral Herpes, or cold sores around the mouth, are usually caused by a virus called HSV-1 or Herpes Simplex Type 1. Many people have already been exposed to the HSV-1 or oral herpes virus.
The HSV-1 virus can also occur in the genital area, but does not cause genital herpes as often as another virus called Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 , or HSV-2, another type of Herpes virus which is spread by sexual, skin-to-skin contact.
#1: oral herpes is caused by a virus called HSV-1
#2:HSV-1 can also occur in the genital area
What are the symptoms?
At first, symptoms may be severe and you may experience, cluster of blisters or ulcers on the tongue, mouth, lips, and throat as well as fever, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms usually last for two weeks. After the initial infection, the Herpes virus remains dormant in nerve cells and reactivates in some people. When this happens, you may have a tingling or burning sensation in the area, followed by a blister or sore. may have recurrent lesions or blisters on your lips when you experience stress, fatigue, menstrual or hormonal changes, or other infections. The virus remains dormant in some people and never causes symptoms, while in others, episodic infections can occur.
#1: Recurrent signs of infection can include: tingling or burning sensation in the area, followed by a blister or sore.
#2: some people have symptoms, while,others carry the virus but do not have symptoms
How is it spread?
Most people are infected during childhood, and about 90% have already been exposed to the virus. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, including oral sex. Some people can shed the virus even though they have no symptoms.
What are the treatments?
There is no cure for HSV-1, but most people have an infection that resolves on its own within 10 days, unless you have HIV or cancer which may severely compromise the immune system. An aspirin type product or Tylenol can help to relieve pain or discomfort. You can also take prescription pills or creams, such as acyclovir, to more quickly relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor if this is the right treatment for you.
#1: It is spread by skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, including oral sex.
#2: most people do not require prescription pills since HSV-1 normally resolves on its own within 10 days
The HSV-1 virus can also occur in the genital area, but does not cause genital herpes as often as another virus called Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 , or HSV-2, another type of Herpes virus which is spread by sexual, skin-to-skin contact.
#1: oral herpes is caused by a virus called HSV-1
#2:HSV-1 can also occur in the genital area
What are the symptoms?
At first, symptoms may be severe and you may experience, cluster of blisters or ulcers on the tongue, mouth, lips, and throat as well as fever, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms usually last for two weeks. After the initial infection, the Herpes virus remains dormant in nerve cells and reactivates in some people. When this happens, you may have a tingling or burning sensation in the area, followed by a blister or sore. may have recurrent lesions or blisters on your lips when you experience stress, fatigue, menstrual or hormonal changes, or other infections. The virus remains dormant in some people and never causes symptoms, while in others, episodic infections can occur.
#1: Recurrent signs of infection can include: tingling or burning sensation in the area, followed by a blister or sore.
#2: some people have symptoms, while,others carry the virus but do not have symptoms
How is it spread?
Most people are infected during childhood, and about 90% have already been exposed to the virus. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, including oral sex. Some people can shed the virus even though they have no symptoms.
What are the treatments?
There is no cure for HSV-1, but most people have an infection that resolves on its own within 10 days, unless you have HIV or cancer which may severely compromise the immune system. An aspirin type product or Tylenol can help to relieve pain or discomfort. You can also take prescription pills or creams, such as acyclovir, to more quickly relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor if this is the right treatment for you.
#1: It is spread by skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual contact, including oral sex.
#2: most people do not require prescription pills since HSV-1 normally resolves on its own within 10 days
American Family Physician Vol. 61/No. 6 (March 15, 2000)
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1697.html
Copyright 2007, MD Kiosk
