Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is included in a group of viruses which are known as herpes viruses. The main virus that is responsbile for oral herpes is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

In the United States, about 50 % up to 80 % of adults had experienced oral herpes. Accordingly, more than 90 % already carries the herpes virus when they reached by 50 years of age. Most cases of oral herpes started when they are children when they received kiss from families or friends who have oral herpes.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes which is much known as fever blisters can affect anybody mostly adolescents and adults. The common symptoms of oral herpes may vary accordingly to its stages. However, the most common symptoms may include:

• Small blisters with fluid
• Sores
• Swelling lymp nodes

First episode

In its initial attack, the small blisters which may contain fluid are very visible. The small blisters may look a single a blister or can be exhibited in cluster. Some sores may appear around the mouth or at the back of the throat. At this stage, lymp nodes may appear to be swollen.

The symptoms of oral herpes are very similar of that genital herpes, however, the symptoms of oral herpes are sometimes subtle that is might be recognized as another condition like bug bites or just chapped lips.

Recurring Stage

Most cases of oral herpes have recurrences. The symptoms of the initial episode is the same as in the recurring stage, however, the severity may vary from one person to another.

In recurring stage, the symptoms likely to last for at least 8 to 10 days. If you have exhibited mild symptoms during the initial stage, then, you are likely to also have a milder attack during the recurring stage.

The number of number of times the oral herpes will recurr varries accordingly. There are some cases who expereince oral herpes every two – three weeks while there are some who only have one reccuring attack per year.

Prodrome

This stage is like a warning symptom that a herpes outbreak will likely to appear. In this stage, a patient would likely to experience itching or burning sensation around the infected area. After 2 -3 days, a lesion would likely to appear and at this stage, the risk of transmitting the virus to another person is doubly high.

Transmission of Oral Herpes

If you have oral herpes, you would likely to spread it another person without observing proper care. Oral herpes can be transmitted through the following:

• Direct contact – Oral herpes can be spread if there is a direct contact of the infected area to another person who have a cut or broken skin. Likewise, a cut or broken mucuous membrane like the mouth can also be infected when it has direct contact with the contagious area.
• Kissing or performing oral sex – Kissing and performing oral sex is another way to transmit oral herpes. Oral herpes can also be transmitted even there are no symptoms like sores are exhibited.

Protection Against Oral Herpes

The most common form of transmission of oral herpes is kissing so it is important that you avoid kissing your families and children if you have an outbreak of oral herpes.

In addition, oral sex should also be avoided as this might exposed the person to contact herpes. Use of dental gam is recommended to protect your partner from getting herpes.

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Understanding Oral Herpes Recommended Resources:

Periodontics Information Center

The University of Texas at Austin