Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV 1) and 2 (HSV 2) are very similar. Herpesonline.org reports that, under the microscope, the two viruses are virtually identical. Both types share genetic composition but have a preferred site of infection. HSV 1 is primarily responsible for oral herpes and HSV 2 is most likely to present no symptoms but be transmitted through sexual contact. Each type is primarily responsible for affecting one part of the body, but this does not mean they are unable to infect other areas. Symptoms of HSV 1 and 2 are quite similar.
No Symptoms
Exposure to the herpes virus, either type 1 or type 2, may not lead to any sign of infection. This is called an asymptomatic infection. Should symptoms occur, the primary outbreak is usually worse than any future outbreak, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Nearly 10 to 25 percent of individuals infected with HSV 2 will not show symptoms or even realize they have been infected. This does not mean the virus cannot be transmitted to others, though.
Blistering
WIthin one to two weeks of exposure to either HSV 1 or HSV 2, an individual may develop his first symptoms of infection. If the virus has infected the genital area, the individual may notice tingling sensations on the genitalia, buttocks and thighs. Within a few days, small, fluid-filled, blisters may appear in clusters or singly. The blisters will eventually burst and ooze before scabbing over. Itching, pain and general discomfort at the site of the infection is common. Soon the scabs will fall off and the blister will disappear. Except for the initial outbreak, the herpes outbreak usually lasts about three days, according to the UMM.
HSV 1 is most often the cause of oral herpes, but HSV 2 can cause an oral outbreak as well. During this outbreak, the nose, mouth, cheeks and lips can develop blistering. It is possible to have sores on the tongue or the roof of the mouth. The first signs of an oral herpes outbreak include tingling, soreness or redness at the future site of a blister. Once the blister appears, it will appear to contain fluid and develop a yellowish top. Within three to 14 days the blister will burst, scab over and disappear. In rare cases, the individual may have trouble swallowing, develop chills, muscle pain or hearing loss, indicates Merck.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms are most common in the primary outbreak of genital herpes but are much less likely in recurring genital herpes blistering. The UMM points out that about 40 percent of men and 70 percent of women experience flu-like symptoms with the infection. Oral herpes is less likely to present flu-like symptoms the way genital herpes might, even in the initial outbreak. The symptoms include headache, muscle pain or tenderness, fever and swollen glands in the neck and near the groin area. Urinating may be painful or difficult. Women may experience a mild to moderate vaginal discharge.
