The herpes virus infects humans and resides in the nervous system, making it difficult to eradicate. HSV-1 causes outbreaks on the face, while HSV-2 causes genital sores. The virus is contagious during outbreaks and can be transmitted through contact with saliva or genital secretions. Many people are unaware they have it, and outbreaks become less frequent over time. Severe symptoms and complications are rare.
The herpes virus, also called herpes simplex, refers to two very similar viruses that infect humans. These viruses reside in the nervous system, which means they are nearly impossible to completely eradicate. Herpes simplex virus one (HSV-1) is most commonly associated with outbreaks on the face, called fever blisters or cold sores, while its relative, HSV-2, usually presents as sores in the genital areas. Herpes virus outbreaks usually appear as watery blisters in one of these areas, which form rapidly and eventually dissolve.
Like all viruses, the herpes virus is contagious, but only during a time when the body “clears” the virus, such as during an outbreak. Transmission of the virus from an infected person usually occurs by contact with that person’s saliva or genital secretions. While the presence of sores indicates the possibility of transmitting the virus, it can occur at other times as well.
The main difference between the two types of herpes is where they settle in the body. HSV-1 usually reaches the trigeminal ganglion, a group of nerve cells near the ear. From here, the virus causes outbreaks on the face or lower lip. HSV-2, on the other hand, usually prefers the sacral ganglion, located near the base of the spine. From that location, it causes outbreaks in the genital area. This is just a generalization, as both viruses can reside in one or even both of these places, which most people are unaware of.
Many people who get infected with herpes are never aware of it, due to a lack of obvious symptoms. Others may have periodic outbreaks that last for years. The difference here usually comes from differences in the strength of each person’s immune response. It has been estimated that as many as two-thirds of people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 do not know they have it. Whenever a person contracts the herpes virus, the infection is lifelong.
Herpes outbreaks are usually more frequent in the first year after infection. The frequency of outbreaks typically decreases as the years go by, and these sores are usually the only outward manifestation of the virus. Sometimes, however, the virus can affect people in other ways, including severe symptoms that can lead to death. As serious as these complications are, they are quite rare.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
