Herpes throat is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex 1 or 2. It can be difficult to diagnose and there is no cure, but medication can reduce outbreaks. It is spread through direct contact and can cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and trouble breathing. Regular screening and barrier methods during sexual activity can help reduce the risk of infection.
Herpes throat is a viral infection of the throat caused by the herpes virus. Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 can both be involved in cases of herpes throat. True isolated cases of the throat are relatively rare, but it’s not uncommon for people with oral herpes to develop herpes sores in or around the throat as well as around the lips and on the soft palate. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be managed with medications to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
Also known as esophageal herpes, sore throat is caused by direct contact with someone who is spreading the herpes virus. Touching sores anywhere on the body, such as can occur during oral sex or if people handle a sore and don’t wash their hands before eating, can lead to herpes infections in and around the mouth. Herpes in the throat can be difficult to diagnose when it is only in the throat, as the patient’s symptoms can be attributed to a generic sore throat.
Symptoms can include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and in some cases trouble breathing. An examination of the throat will show small active herpes sores, and samples taken from those sores may be taken to check for the presence of the virus. Once someone is infected, they have the virus for life and can actively shed it even if they have no sores. However, drugs can be used to suppress viral production, which will limit viral spread and reduce the number of outbreaks.
Some people with cold sores have only one outbreak after the initial infection. Others may experience recurring outbreaks unless medication is provided. This condition is more common in people with compromised immune systems, and they can also develop other oral infections such as candidiasis. If you develop breathing difficulties, cold sores in the throat may be a cause for concern.
Many people have herpes and don’t know it, and a very high percentage of most populations have been diagnosed with this extremely common viral infection. Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections is recommended for sexually active people in order to catch diseases such as herpes early. It is also advisable to use barrier methods during sexual activity with partners who have an unknown disease status or who are actively infected. Using a dental dam and condoms, and washing thoroughly after handling the genitals can significantly reduce the risk of getting infections during sexual activity.
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