What causes oral herpes simplex virus infections?
• Oral HSV infections are most often caused by HSV type 1 (HSV-1). HSV type 2 often infects the genital and rear end area but may also infect the mouth. Both types can cause primary or recurrent HSV infection. Oral HSV infection is usually spread by getting in close personal contact with an HSV-infected person. This is usually through kissing, using contaminated (dirty) utensils, or by touching the eyes or a wound with dirty hands. Oral infections caused by HSV-2 may depend on the person’s sexual practices. The blisters carry the herpes simplex virus until they heal. • Stress, trauma, or exposure to heat or cold may increase your risk of having a cold sore. Anything that may decrease your body’s ability to fight infection may also cause a cold sore to form.
