Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 viruses are very common and often produce painful blisters or sores in the mouth or genital region. Both forms of herpes are easily spread but typically have no serious health consequences. In rare cases, herpes can be medically serious in immuno-compromised individuals as well as in newborns or infants. There is no cure for herpes. A number of remedies are available that reduce the severity of herpes outbreaks.
Region of Body Affected
The herpes simplex 1 virus typically forms lesions around the mouth, while herpes simplex 2 affects the genital region. Herpes 1 usually affects the lips but can also form sores on the mucous membranes of the mouth. In rare cases, oral herpes can also be found on the cheeks and nose. Herpes simplex 2 typically produces lesions below the waist on the genitals, thighs or buttocks. Both forms of herpes can in theory produce outbreaks anywhere on the body. While herpes simplex 2 is almost never found to cause oral outbreaks, herpes simplex 1 may account for a significant portion of genital herpes cases in developing countries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Source of Infection
Herpes simplex 1 is usually acquired early in life from family members who are infected with the virus. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that herpes 1 spreads through kissing, sharing food, sharing utensils and sharing towels. Herpes simplex 2 is typically spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. While herpes 2 is most likely spread by direct genital-to-genital contact, it can also be transmitted through oral sexual activity or through touching of the genital area. Both forms of herpes are most likely to be transmitted from an infected person during a herpes outbreak, however, individuals with no apparent herpes symptoms can also spread the virus at any time.
Number of People Affected
According to the American Social Health Association, 50 to 80 percent of all Americans carry herpes simplex 1, the virus that causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Herpes simplex 2, or genital herpes is less common, affecting about 20 percent of adults in the United States. Most people infected with herpes simplex 2 are unaware of their infection as symptoms are too mild to notice or are mistaken for another condition.
