Herpes 1 Vs. Herpes 2

Herpes is a disease that is caused by a virus. Oral herpes (herpes 1) and genital herpes (herpes 2) are both caused by an infection from the herpes simplex virus. The location of the outbreaks associated with herpes 1 and herpes 2 differ. Consequently, the frequency, duration and severity of sores and lesions differ between the two types. A herpes infection can produce flu-like symptoms, itching and rash, which can be mistaken for other diseases and health problems.

Virus

• The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes an infection that produces an outbreak (herpes). A related virus, herpes zoster, causes chickenpox or shingles (which also have outbreaks). HSV outbreaks can appear as sores on the face or genital areas. As with any viral infection, individuals may not exhibit symptoms for long periods of time because the virus remains dormant in the body. Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, lowered immune system, changes in the body or environmental factors. There is no cure for HSV infections; treatment is focused on managing the outbreaks, preventing the spread through active lesions and preventing future outbreaks.

Herpes 1: Symptoms

• Herpes 1 (also called HSV-1) commonly appear around the mouth or on the face as cold sores or fever blisters (oral herpes). These lesions appear as small blisters filled with a clear fluid, either alone or in clusters. Before an outbreak, the skin may feel tingly or itchy. The blisters eventually break open to release the fluid, crust and scab during the healing process. Outbreaks are associated with colds, flu and changes in seasons (which are stresses to the body).

Herpes 2: Symptoms

• Herpes 2 (HSV-2) infection is also called genital herpes because it usually appears below the waist, typically in the genital or anal areas. Like HSV-1, outbreaks appear as sores or blisters. However, outbreaks in these sensitive areas can be more painful and may also produce fever and achy muscles. Healing of the sores may also be painful because of the body area. HSV-2 outbreaks may result from stresses, but also produce more severe flu-like symptoms than HSV-1.

Treatment and Prevention

• Outbreaks can be managed to reduce the severity and extent of the sores. HSV-1 outbreaks are generally considered to be milder than those associated with HSV-2. With any infection, fever, aches and fatigue are associated with both. HSV-1 symptoms are more noticeable, while HSV-2 symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, depending on the severity. Oral antiretroviral medications can be prescribed by a doctor to treat an active outbreak and to prevent future outbreaks by reducing the virus activity within the body. Topical ointments can accelerate the healing and drying process of active sores or blisters, to reduce pain and spread of the disease through active lesions.

  Prevention is centered around awareness and precautions. Individuals with oral herpes can prevent spreading the virus through sharing utensils, drinking cups and physical contact with the sores. The transmission of genital herpes can be reduced through consistent condom and barrier protection during sex and avoiding contact with active lesions.

Misconceptions

• The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted in the absence of sores or blisters. Infected individuals without symptoms can unwittingly infect others. Since the virus can remain dormant for long periods of time, determining instance or source of exposure cannot be accurate. The virus can be spread between individuals. The virus cannot live long outside the body, so protection and good hygiene can prevent transmission; herpes cannot be transmitted from a dirty toilet seat. Outbreaks and flare-ups can occur periodically. Over time, the frequency and severity of the outbreaks can be reduced, especially with medications.