Insight into Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus FAQ
What is the herpes simplex virus?
The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes. Many people live with asymptomatic HSV, which means they have the virus without ever having an outbreak or active episode of herpes. Others might experience occasional episodes of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores.
What are the different types of herpes simplex virus?
There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 (HSV-1) mostly spreads by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1. Type 2 (HSV-2) spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.
Can a herpes simplex infection cause cold sores?
Herpes simplex virus infections manifest as cold sores (on the face) and genital herpes (in the genital area). Infection is usually mild, but, rarely, it can cause more serious complications, especially in immunosuppressed people. Latent viral infection in the dorsal root ganglia results in cold sores.
Herpes Simplex Virus References
If you want to know more about Herpes Simplex Virus, consider exploring links below:
What Is Herpes Simplex Virus
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
- https://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-simplex
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genital-herpes
- https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/herpes-simplex-infections
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex_virus
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/herpes-simplex-5216835
- https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/herpesvirus-infections/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv-infections