Herpes simplex virus type 1 passes to people through contaminated saliva. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, points out that 30 to 90 percent of adults develop herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies, which protects them from the virus. Once people become infected with herpes, the virus stays in their bodies, though they do not have symptoms when the virus is dormant.
Cold Sores
Patients with herpes simplex virus type 1 can have cold sores, which are lesions that form on the mouth. The Nemours Foundation explains that people with cold sores have tingling or burning at the site of the sore, with a red bump forming on that site a day later. After the red bump forms, it blisters. When the bump dries, it leaves a yellow crust that falls off. After healing, the herpes simplex virus becomes dormant. The American Academy of Dermatology adds that fever, menstruation, trauma and sun exposure can trigger future outbreaks.
Eye Infection
The virus can also affect the eye. MedlinePlus explains that the infection can occur in the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. The name of the eye infection depends on its location. For example, the University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences notes that a corneal infection from herpes simplex virus type 1 is called herpes keratitis. Herpes retinitis occurs in the retina, while herpes uveitis occurs inside the eye. Symptoms of eye infections from herpes simplex virus type 1 include blurred vision, redness of the eye, sensitivity to light and eye pain.
Meningoencephalitis
MedlinePlus notes that the herpes simplex virus type 1 can lead to meningoencephalitis, or inflammation of the brain's lining. The inflammation can cause increased intracranial pressure, which affects the nearby brain tissue. As a result, patients can have seizures or a stroke. For some patients, meningoencephalitis can result in a coma or death.
Genital Warts
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that while patients with herpes simplex virus type 2 have genital warts, some patients with herpes simplex virus type 1 can have them as well. Herpes simplex virus type 1 can spread to the genitals through oral sex. Once herpes simplex virus type 1 affects a person's genitals, she can spread the virus to other people through sexual contact.
