Herpes: What You Need To Know
What is Herpes? Herpes Simplex Virus, or simply Herpes, is an incredibly common viral skin infection. About 20% of Americans over age 12 have Genital Herpes, of which 90% are undiagnosed. An additional 50-80% of the population is estimated to have the more common oral Herpes presentation. What’s the difference between Oral and Genital Herpes? Oral and Genital Herpes are both caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV. However, there are two forms of the virus, one of which is more likely to cause genital herpes and one which it more likely to cause the oral. Most commonly, HSV-1 (also known as Type 1) causes oral herpes presentation while HSV-2 (also known as Type 2) causes genital presentation. However type 1 can also be found on the genitals. What are the symptoms of herpes? The trademark symptom of either type 1 or type 2 is blistering lesions. With oral herpes the lesions appear around the mouth or nose and with genital herpes appearing in the genital and/or rectal area. When appearing on the mouth, these blisters are often referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Traditionally, it was assumed that HSV-1 strictly caused oral sores and blisters, whereas HSV-2 caused genital and/or rectal sores and blisters.