Herpes type 1

What is herpes type 1?  What does it do?  Does it cause genital herpes?  What’s the difference between it and the other types of herpes?  These are some of the most common questions people have about herpes type 1, and if you’re one of them, you’re not alone.  There is a lot of confusion abroad when it comes to the topic of herpes, and most people couldn’t tell you the difference between type 1 herpes and type 2, or which one generally causes cold sores and which one usually is responsible for genital herpes.  But we’ll answer all those questions in this article, and you’ll get the answers you need.

There are eight different kinds of herpes that humans can contract.  However, the vast majority of cases fall into only two categories – type 1 and type 2.  Type 1 herpes is the virus that usually causes cold sores, or other lesions in and around the mouth.  Not always, though.  Millions of people carry the type 1 virus, but have no symptoms.  Type 1 can be spread through casual contact, and you can get it from someone else even if they don’t have symptoms.  Doctors say that even though they don’t get cold sores very often, and many times not all,  most people carry the type 1 virus.  That’s because it’s highly contagious.

Can type 1 herpes cause genital herpes?  Yes, but in most cases genital herpes are type 2 viral infections.  However, it is possible to for herpes type 1 to spread via way of oral genital contact.  And it’s far more likely to be contracted during an active outbreak.  So if you or your partner has an active cold sore or other lesion caused by the type 1 virus, it’s best to refrain from all sexual activity until it dies down.  Failure to do so can give the other person either oral herpes or genital herpes.  Are there cures for type 1 herpes?  No, but there are very effective treatments which can reduce the number of outbreaks, and make them less distressing.