Hi,
Take a deep breath and calm down. Herpes simplex virus-1 or HSV-1 causes cold sores Cold sores are small and somewhat painful blisters that usually show up on or around a person's lips. But they don't just show up on the lips. They can sometimes be inside the mouth, on the face, or even inside or on the nose. These places are the most common, but sores can appear anywhere on the body, including the genital area.
Genital herpes isn't typically caused by HSV-1; it's caused by another type of the herpes simplex virus called herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and is spread by sexual contact. But even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place.
HSV-1 is very common — if you have it, chances are you picked it up when you were a kid. Most people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus got it during their preschool years, most likely from close contact with someone who has it or getting kissed by an adult with the virus.
Although a person who has HSV-1 doesn't always have sores, the virus stays in the body and there's no permanent cure.
You are contagious and can spread the virus to someone ONLY when you have a cold sore. The virus spreads through direct contact — through skin contact or contact with oral or genital secretions (like through kissing). Although the virus is most contagious when a sore is present, it can still be passed on even if you can't see a sore. HSV-1 can also be spread by sharing a cup, eating utensils, or lip balm or lipstick with someone who has it.
In addition, if you or your partner gets cold sores on the mouth, the herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area.
You do not have to isolate yourself. Educate your friends and put an end to the nasty false rumors. I hope that all this information helps you understand what is happening in your body. It is not as serious as you have perceived it to be.
Take care,
Maryann
Comment Reply
Hi,
October 6, 2011 - 6:06pmTake a deep breath and calm down. Herpes simplex virus-1 or HSV-1 causes cold sores Cold sores are small and somewhat painful blisters that usually show up on or around a person's lips. But they don't just show up on the lips. They can sometimes be inside the mouth, on the face, or even inside or on the nose. These places are the most common, but sores can appear anywhere on the body, including the genital area.
Genital herpes isn't typically caused by HSV-1; it's caused by another type of the herpes simplex virus called herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and is spread by sexual contact. But even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place.
HSV-1 is very common — if you have it, chances are you picked it up when you were a kid. Most people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus got it during their preschool years, most likely from close contact with someone who has it or getting kissed by an adult with the virus.
Although a person who has HSV-1 doesn't always have sores, the virus stays in the body and there's no permanent cure.
You are contagious and can spread the virus to someone ONLY when you have a cold sore. The virus spreads through direct contact — through skin contact or contact with oral or genital secretions (like through kissing). Although the virus is most contagious when a sore is present, it can still be passed on even if you can't see a sore. HSV-1 can also be spread by sharing a cup, eating utensils, or lip balm or lipstick with someone who has it.
In addition, if you or your partner gets cold sores on the mouth, the herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area.
You do not have to isolate yourself. Educate your friends and put an end to the nasty false rumors. I hope that all this information helps you understand what is happening in your body. It is not as serious as you have perceived it to be.
Take care,
Maryann
This Comment
Reply