Sores
Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV 1, symptoms are often called fever blisters or cold sores. The sores are described as tiny blisters that are fluid filled and usually occur on the face, mostly around the mouth. They occur less often in the genital region. Most people get infected when exposed to the virus, but only 10 percent actually develop sores, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The sores may appear two to 20 days after transmission and may last for seven to 10 days. There are two kinds of HSV 1 infections, primary and recurrent, the AAD says. Primary infections eventually heal and leave no scarring. The virus moves to nerve cells and remains dormant. Recurrent infections are often mild, but they can be triggered by fever, sun exposure, menstrual periods and trauma. They can also appear for no reason.
Contagious
Both HSV 1 and Herpes Simplex 2, or HSV 2, are highly contagious. HSV 1 is estimated to be two to three times more common than HSV 2, according to herpestreatmentguide.com. Most people with HSV 1 do not experience painful symptoms of the virus and many don't even know they have it. The virus can be transmitted by something as simple as a social kiss. But it can also be spread through oral-to-genital or genital-to-genital contact. It is important to seek medical attention if there are breakouts around the mouth area or genital region.
Not Visible
Both HSV 1 and HSV 2 are easily spread through sexual contact or by contact with someone who has visible blisters. But HSV 1 can spread from an infected person without visible sores and may be unaware he or she has the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HSV 1 infections can occur in childhood because of a lack of resistance. By adulthood about 50 percent of Americans have HSV 1 and that moves up to 80 percent or more by age 50 or over, according to Herpesonline.org.
Genital
HSV 1 causes between 20 to 30 percent of all cases of genital herpes, according to Herpesonline.com. Genital herpes was once thought to be exclusively caused by HSV 2. People with HSV 1 orally have a lower risk of contracting HSV 1 genitally. It is also believed that acquiring HSV 2 genitally will protect against infection of HSV 1. Having an HSV 1 genital infection can be transmitted to a sexual partner, but the risk is reduced because there are fewer outbreaks with HSV 1.
