The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1) is often referred to as oral herpes. It is very contagious and can be contracted by touching infected saliva, mucous membranes and/or skin.
Common symptoms of a primary oral herps outbreak include:
- pain, burning, itching or tingling at the infection site (before sores appear)
- fever blisters
- cold sores (inside or outside the mouth)
- lesions
- fatigue
- fever
- muscle aches
- irritability
- swollen and/or bleeding gums
- and swollen lymph nodes.
Primary infection in human adults is quite common as 90% of us have a detectable antibody to HSV-1 in our systems. The primary infection generally lasts from 2 to 20 days. It will heal completely and rarely causes scarring. However, the virus that caused the outbreak remains in the body and migrates to nerve cells where it remains dormant and can recur at any time.
HSV-1 nearly always recurs. Patients must learn to recognize prodrome symptoms. These are an early group of indicators that tell you another outbreak is on the way. Symptoms include headache, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes and other flu-like symptoms. This stage can last for several hours or days and is often the extent of the recurrence. However, in some instances, the individual will face another outbreak. The symptoms are similar to those experienced in the primary attack. Of course, they are generally milder and don’t last nearly so long.
