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Whether you call it a cold sore or a fever blister, oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area that is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus by age 50. Once infected, a person will have herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life. When inactive, the virus lies dormant in a group of nerve cells. While some people never develop any symptoms from the virus, others will have periodic outbreaks of infections. Causes of Oral HerpesOral herpesis spread most commonly from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch oral herpes by engaging in intimate or personal contact (e.g., kissing or oral sex) with someone who is infected. Prevention of Oral HerpesSince oral herpes is spread through direct, physical contact, the best method of prevention is to avoid physical contact with a person’s herpes sores when they are having an outbreak. Oral Herpes SymptomsThe initial (primary) infection of oral herpes is usually the worst. It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and headache. However, some people have no symptoms at all. During the initial infection, sores can occur on and around the lips and throughout the mouth. Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores usually erupt on the edges of the lips. Some people never have any additional outbreaks beyond the initial infection. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a recurring oral herpes simplex virus infection.
The signs and symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing Oral HerpesSince oral herpes can be confused with many other infections, including allergic reactions, a virus culture (PCR), blood test or biopsy are the only ways to confirm your diagnosis. However, your health care provider may also diagnose your condition based on the location and appearance of the blisters. Recurrence of Oral HerpesAlthough the specific triggers that cause oral herpes to recur are unclear, several factors may play a role. These include:
While recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode, they tend to lessen as the body builds antibodies to the virus. Oral Herpes Treatment OptionsYour health care provider will recommend treatment options based on your:
Your specific treatment plan may involve:
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Mouth InfectionNot what you're looking for? What is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) mouth infection?Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister. Herpes simplex virus is the cause of this annoying and often painful chronic condition. The herpes sores (lesions) typically last a week to 10 days. They most often occur on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, or the gums. The sores occur first as fluid-filled blisters that burst (rupture) after a day or 2. The sores will ooze fluid that has the virus. After a few days, the sores will form crusts or scabs. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact such as kissing. What causes an HSV mouth infection?The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus. Most people with oral herpes were infected during childhood or as young adults from nonsexual contact with infected saliva. It can be passed by kissing, touching the infected person's skin, or sharing infected objects such as lip balm, silverware, or razors. The 2 most common forms of the virus are:
Both types of HSV can infect both the mouth and the genitals. Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of their life. When the virus is not active, it is dormant in a group of nerve cells. Some people never have any symptoms from the virus while others have periodic outbreaks of infections. It is not clear what triggers the virus to return. But the risk factors below may play a role:
Recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode. After that, the outbreaks diminish in frequency and severity as the body builds antibodies to the virus. What are the symptoms of an HSV mouth infection?The initial (primary) infection of the oral herpes simplex virus is often the worst. It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. But some people have no symptoms at all. In the initial infection, sores can occur on and around the lips and all over the mouth. Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores often erupt in the edges of the lips. Some people never have any more outbreaks beyond the initial infection. These are the most common symptoms of a recurring oral HSV infection:
The symptoms of an oral HSV outbreak may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is an HSV mouth infection diagnosed?Herpes simplex virus may be difficult to diagnose because it may be confused with many other infections, such as allergic reactions. HSV can be confirmed only with a virus culture, blood test, or biopsy. A healthcare provider can often diagnose it based on where the blisters are and how they look. How is an HSV mouth infection treated?Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:
What can I do to prevent an HSV mouth infection?These tips can help you prevent an oral HSV infection:
Key points about an HSV mouth infection
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Michael Kapner MD Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? How long after oral herpes outbreak are you contagious?How long are cold sores contagious for? Cold sores, caused by a type of virus called herpes simplex type 1, are contagious until they completely go away, which usually takes about two weeks. Cold sores are the most contagious when fluid seeps out of the sores.
Is oral herpes permanently contagious?Once you contract HSV-1, you have the virus for life. While you'll always be able to spread the virus, you're most contagious when you have an active cold sore.
How long after cold sore can you kiss?In general, it's best to wait for three to four days after the cold sore scab disappears before you kiss someone or engage in oral sex. This is because the herpes virus can continue shedding in the late stages of a cold sore healing, even if there's no viral fluid present.
Is oral herpes still contagious after scabbing?Cold sores, aka fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — not by colds or fevers. But like colds, they are very contagious. You can spread HSV at any point from the first warning tingle up until the cold sore scab has completely disappeared.
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