What is HSV-1
HSV-1 stands for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. It’s one of two main types of the herpes simplex virus; the other is HSV-2.
Here are some key points about HSV-1:
Primary Infection Site: HSV-1 primarily causes infections around the mouth, leading to what are commonly referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters.” However, it can also cause genital infections.
Transmission: HSV-1 is primarily transmitted through oral-to-oral contact, which can include kissing or sharing objects like toothbrushes or eating utensils. It can also be spread to the genital area through oral-genital contact, leading to genital herpes.
Commonality: A significant portion of the population carries HSV-1, with many individuals becoming infected during childhood.
Symptoms: Many people with HSV-1 never show any symptoms. However, those who do may experience painful blisters around the mouth. Symptoms of genital herpes include painful sores in the genital and rectal areas, accompanied by itching and burning sensations.
Recurrent Outbreaks: Once a person is infected with HSV-1, the virus remains in their body, residing in nerve cells. It can reactivate later and cause outbreaks. Outbreaks can be triggered by factors such as stress, sunlight, fever, or menstrual periods.
Treatment: While there’s no cure for HSV-1 infections, antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Prevention: Avoiding oral contact with someone having an active outbreak and not sharing personal items can reduce the risk of getting HSV-1. For genital herpes caused by HSV-1, using barrier protection during sexual activity can reduce transmission.
It’s worth noting that HSV-2, while closely related to HSV-1, primarily causes genital herpes, and its mode of transmission is usually through sexual contact. However, the lines between the two viruses have blurred in recent years as oral-genital practices have become more common, leading to HSV-1 also being implicated in many new cases of genital herpes.
