The herpes simplex virus or HSV is the main cause of herpes. It is very common and contagious through intimate contact. There are two forms of HSV, include HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former type leads to oral herpes and some fever blisters or cold sores on your mouth, while the latter type results in genital herpes and causes herpes outbreak in this area. Keep reading this guide to learn more about the differences between these two forms.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or HSV-1
Overview of HSV-1
Herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1 is a form of herpes. This infection is very common and highly contagious. Most of the reported cases occur during childhood. It would affect both the genital areas and oral regions in women and men. According to statistics, up to 50% of people in the United States and 3.7 billion people all over the world are infected with this type. In most cases, HSV-1 cases are oral herpes with blisters and lesions around the mouth. [1]
