Herpes |
Herpes simplex virus Key facts
Introduction Infection with the herpes simplex virus, commonly known as herpes, can be due to either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes). HSV-2 is almost exclusively sexually transmitted, causing infection in the genital or anal area (genital herpes). However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes. Both
oral herpes infections and genital herpes infections are
mostly asymptomatic but can cause mild symptoms or painful
blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), are two members of the herpes virus family. Herpes virus, generally infect humans . It clears up without treatment within 7-10 days. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is usually responsible for cold sores. In
rare cases, cold sores can also be caused by the herpes
simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This can be a result of
having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes. The
herpes simplex virus, is highly contagious and can be
easily passed from person to person by close direct contact.
After someone has contracted the virus, it remains dormant
(inactive) for most of the time. Although the virus can
be activated by certain triggers, resulting in an outbreak
of cold sores. These triggers vary from person to person
but can include fatigue, an injury to the affected area. Video links You
Should Know - Herpes Herpes Herpes
simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex
virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of
the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth.
It may result in small blisters in groups often called
cold sores or fever blisters or may just cause a sore
throat. Genital herpes, often simply known as herpes,
may have minimal symptoms or form blisters that break
open and result in small ulcers. These typically heal
over two to four weeks.Tingling or shooting pains may
occur before the blisters appear. Herpes cycles between
periods of active disease followed by periods without
symptoms.The first episode is often more severe and may
be associated with fever, muscle pains, swollen lymph
nodes and headaches. Over time, episodes of active disease
decrease in frequency and severity. Other disorders caused
by herpes simplex include: herpetic whitlow when it involves
the fingers, herpes of the eye, herpes infection of the
brain,[8] and neonatal herpes when it affects a newborn,
among others.
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