- Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) virus is commonly associated with outbreaks around the mouth--cold sores and fever blisters. According to the American Social Health Administration, between 50 and 80 percent of adult Americans have oral herpes. HSV-1 is usually transmitted through an innocent kiss from a loved one or face-to-face contact.
- Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) virus is associated with outbreaks of sores in the genitals. According to ASHA, about one in five people in the U.S. has genital herpes, but most don't know it because their symptoms are mild, or they mistake an infection with another medical condition.
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 are markedly similar in genetic construction. However, the main difference between them is the nerve centers where they reside. HSV-2 lives in the ganglia closest to the base of the spine, so it causes infections below the waist whereas HSV-1 lives in the ganglia at the top of the spine, resulting in infections around the mouth. However, both viruses can travel in the opposite direction from their preferred sites to another body part. And here's where HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections get complicated.
- Oral herpes, caused by HSV-1, can result in a genital infection. Similarly, genital herpes, caused by HSV-2, can cause an oral infection. The method of transmission? Oral sex. According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of genital herpes are caused by the HSV-2 virus through sexual intercouse. However, 10 percent of genital infections are caused by HSV-1 through oral transmission. Usually, genital infections caused by HSV-1 are shorter and milder, as are oral infections caused by HSV-2.
- If you had a fever blister as a child, you could be infected with the HSV-1 virus. But according to the Mayo Clinic, this may be the one factor that makes it impossible know if you're been infected with HSV-2 transmitted through sexual intercourse. Once infected with HSV-1, you begin to build up antibodies that fend off other herpes viruses, including HSV-2. Many cases of HSV-2 go unnoticed because they are very mild. Mayo Clinic experts state that more than 70 percent of cases of genital herpes are acquired through shedding of the herpes virus when the infected person doesn't show any symptoms.
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are treated with oral medications called antivirals that go by the trade names Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex. While oral herpes usually resolves on its own, some people have numerous outbreaks and also take antivirals. Similarly, those with genital herpes are often prescribed antivirals for daily use if they have numerous outbreaks or have many different sexual partners.
