follow @herpesfaq
 on twitter!



Herpes Simplex

(HSV-1 and HSV-2)


Herpes simplex is a viral illness infecting a large portion of the population. Its infection rate has been increasing for years and is a significant public health concern. The infection is characterized by the development of recurring small, fluid-filled, painful blisters on the skin.

The occurrence and frequency of symptoms with this chronic disease are different for everyone, but once infected with the virus it stays within the body for life. There are treatments for herpes simplex viral infections, but there is no cure.

There are two types of the herpes simplex virus: type 1 and type 2. Their origins and development are similar but not identical. Herpes simplex 1 is referred to as HSV-1, and herpes simplex 2 is referred to as HSV-2. Generally, HSV-1 causes cold sores and HSV-2 causes genital herpes. The site where the virus enters the body is where symptoms will appear.

Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1)

  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 is also referred to as HSV-1 and the blisters are usually found in and around the mouth, face, and on the lips.

  • HSV-1 is usually thought of as a cold sore or fever blister.

  • HSV-1 usually sets itself up in the trigeminal ganglion, which is a group of nerve cells located near the ears.

  • HSV-1 is also known as herpes labialis or oral herpes.

  • Herpes simplex 1 is the most common form of the herpes virus.

  • The virus is usually spread through kissing or direct contact to the skin or mucous membranes of the lips and mouth. Many pick up the virus during childhood.

  • Oral herpes infection in childhood is not considered a sexually-transmitted disease as it was not acquired in a sexual manner.

  • People tend to think of of HSV-1 as the "good herpes".

  • HSV-1 can also occur on the genitals if the herpes virus is transmitted from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2)

  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 is also referred to as HSV-2 and causes genital herpes. The blisters are generally found on or around the genitals or anus.

  • HSV-2 establishes itself at the lower base of the spine in a collection of nerves called the sacral ganglion.

  • HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

  • Herpes simplex virus 2 is generally thought of as genital herpes. It is considered the "bad herpes".

  • Of the many types of sexually transmitted diseases, genital herpes seems to carry more of a negative stigma than other STDs like syphilis or gonorrhea.

  • HSV-2 is spread through close contact, usually from the secretions associated with sexual activity. It enters the body by passing through close contact of the skin and membranes of the penis, vagina, urinary opening, cervix, or anus.

  • HSV-2 can occur on the mouth if the virus is transmitted from the genitals to the mouth during oral sex.