Herpes is an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Type 1 herpes simplex virus causes oral blisters and is spread via contact with the saliva or open sores of infected persons. Type 2 herpes simplex virus causes blisters or sores around the genital, buttocks or anal area and is spread via sexual contact with an infected person. Herpes outbreaks or flare-ups are triggered by stress, illness, physical or surgical trauma, menstruation or sexual contact, notes the American Social Health Administration.
Oral Herpes
HSV type 1 causes oral herpes and is spread via direct contact with an infected individual actively shedding the virus via an oral sore or contact with bodily fluids including saliva. HSV type 1 infections cause cold sores characterized by tiny, fluid-filled blisters. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 10 percent of individuals infected with the HSV-1 virus will develop cold sores during a primary infection. The cold sores of a primary infection emerge within two to 20 days of the initial infection and can last up to 10 days. After the initial outbreak of cold sores, the virus becomes dormant and moves to nerve cells. Factors such as a fever, menstruation or sun exposure can activate the type 1 herpes simplex virus causing a recurrent outbreak of oral sores.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by an infection by the HSV type 2 virus. It is a sexually transmitted disease and according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.2 percent of the American population is infected with genital herpes. HSV type 2 infection results in blisters or sores in the vaginal, penile or anal area two to 20 days after the initial infection and it may last for two to four weeks. The virus is spread via shedding from the genital sores or it can spread between outbreaks in a process known as asymptomatic shedding. After the initial outbreak, an infected individual is expected to have recurrent outbreaks; however, the severity and duration of the outbreaks decrease with time.
Recurrent Outbreaks
When the HSV virus enters the body, the immune system mounts a counterattack which forces the virus to retreat to neural cells where it lies dormant. The HSV virus can be reactivated due to emotional stress, sexual intercourse or menstruation. The virus moves up to the surface of the skin where it causes an outbreak or sores.
