Herpes

Types of Herpes

There are two strains of viruses that cause herpes: herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. The two types of herpes viruses have different methods of infections, as well as different symptoms. Many people have experienced herpes simplex 1 sores, but herpes simplex 2 tends to be limited to adults who have had multiple unprotected sexual encounters.

Herpes Simplex 1

The herpes simplex 1 virus usually appears as sores around the mouth or inside the mouth. The virus is passed through saliva or physical contact and can occur in children or adults. The sores typically begin as small blisters but can become quite large, red, and ulcerated. With the initial infection, symptoms may also include fever, sore muscles, swollen glands, and a general feeling of tiredness. Once these fade, the virus goes into dormancy on nearby nerves.

After the virus is in dormancy, herpes can reappear at any time as a reaction to either physical or emotional stress. New sores begin with a tingling sensation and progress to a sore that develops a crust.

Herpes Simplex 2

Herpes simplex 2 is considered a sexually transmitted disease and appears in sexually active adults. It is passed by sexual conduct and results in tenderness in the genital area, fever, headache, and a general feeling of tiredness. Herpes blisters will then appear on the penis for men or around the vagina in women as well as on the thighs of either sex. These blisters can become large sores that last for several weeks. Risk of transmitting the herpes virus is high when these sores are present.

As with herpes simplex 1, the virus will then go into dormancy and randomly reappear later. If a stressful event triggers causes a reoccurrence of herpes sores, it will generally include all of the original symptoms, but they will be slightly less pronounced in later episodes.