HSV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1, is the most common herpes simplex virus, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. HSV-1 typically infects the mouth area and is sometimes referred to as oral herpes, although it can also affect other areas of the body. Oral herpes can occasionally be caused by the related virus HSV-2.
Symptoms
When HSV-1 follows its usual path of oral infection, the symptoms include cold sores, also called fever blisters, on the lips, lining of the mouth, nose, chin and cheeks. If sores appear on other areas of the body, the virus will present as blisters that break open to form sores. It may also cause blisters on the eye. The skin may itch or burn before an outbreak actually occurs.
Transmission
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people infected with HSV-1 acquire it during childhood from contact with the saliva of an infected person, often via kisses from family members or friends or through sharing eating utensils, lipstick or other items that touch the mouth. In adults, it may be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex with a person who has oral HSV-1.
Recurrences
HSV-1 typically causes a primary outbreak upon initial infection with the virus. After the outbreak has cleared, the virus remains dormant inside a nerve cluster within the body. Occasionally, especially in times of physical or emotional stress, the virus will reactivate and travel down the nerve to cause a new outbreak. These recurrent outbreaks are typically milder than the original one and tend to decrease in frequency and severity over time.
Treatment
HSV-1, like all herpes viruses, is not curable. However, treatments are available for the symptoms; antiviral medications can help lessen the duration of an outbreak. Antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. The sores will generally go away within seven to 10 days even without treatment, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Prevention
Avoiding contact with active herpes lesions is the main method of preventing the disease. This includes not kissing anyone with active cold sores, not sharing things like lip balm, utensils or cups, and avoiding sexual contact with someone who has genital lesions. However, since HSV-1 may be asymptomatic, prevention also includes limiting sexual partners and using a condom with anyone who may have genital HSV-1. Since herpes of any type is particularly dangerous for newborn infants, anyone with an open HSV-1 sore anywhere on their body should not touch a newborn baby in order to prevent possible infection.
