An Introduction To The Herpes Viruses

The word herpes evokes an emotional response from almost everyone. Eighty percent of the world's population has serological evidence of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1, generally orolabial herpes), while 20 to 30 percent of the U.S. population is seropositive for the herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2, generally genital herpes).
Oral herpes affects areas of the mouth and face. Herpes type 1 (HSV1) is the most common cause of oral herpes. However herpes type 2 (HSV2) can also cause oral herpes infections. In other words, either HSV1 or HSV2 may be responsible for oral herpes.
Recurring symptoms or outbreaks may develop as soon as 5 to 10 days after the initial infection. Symptoms include painful blisters around the mouth, often accompanied by a cold or fever, hence the term “cold” sores or “fever” blisters. Immunity plays a key role in outbreaks. When the system is stressed or the immune system is weakened, the virus travels down the ganglia and resurfaces on the skin, causing an outbreak.
HSV2 seems to gravitate towards the genital tract and is therefore the most common cause of genital herpes. However, HSV1 can also manifest in the genital region and cause genital herpes. So, once again, either HSV1 or HSV2 can cause genital herpes.
In females, outbreaks occur on or near the vulva, labia, clitoris, pubis, or anus. In males, herpes lesions can appear anywhere on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus. Outbreaks are commonly accompanied by pain, itching, or burning. Some experience enlarged lymph nodes, muscle pain, and fatigue.