What Is the Difference Between Herpes 1 & 2?

According to the American Social Health Association over 50 percent of adult Americans have oral herpes and 20 percent of adult Americans have genital herpes.

Causes

• Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Types

• There are two types of herpes: oral herpes (Herpes 1) and genital herpes (Herpes 2). People can get oral herpes from sharing common items or by having contact with someone else who has the virus and genital herpes is caused by sexual contact.

Effects

• Herpes 1 causes people to have cold sores or fever blisters on their face, often around the mouth. People who have Herpes 2 have painful sores on their genitals or buttocks and may experience painful urination or fever.

Treatment

• There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications, both prescribe and over-the-counter (OTC), that can alleviate symptoms. Doctors prescribe antivirals for both Herpes 1 and 2 and people can also purchase OTC medications for pain relief from Herpes 1.

Prevention

• People can prevent getting the herpes virus by washing their hands after contact with a person who has Herpes 1 or by avoiding sexual contact with a person who has Herpes 2. Using condoms can also lessen the risk of contracting Herpes 2.