WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HERPES TYPE 1 (HSV-1) AND HERPES TYPE 2 (HSV-2)?
HSV-1 is associated with “oral herpes” because this type of the virus is often found in lesions on the lips, mouth or face. These lesions are often called cold sores, canker sores, or fever blisters. HSV-2 is associated with “genital herpes” because this type of the virus is often found in lesions on the external genitals, anus, cervix, vulva, buttocks or thighs. However, HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause herpes infections in either area. Between 1 and 30% of all genital herpes outbreaks are caused by HSV-1. In other words, HSV-1 has been found in lesions on the genitals and HSV-2 has been found in lesions on the lips, mouth or face, but when this happens infections tend to be less severe with fewer recurrences. If you have HSV-1, the first genital outbreaks of HSV-2 tend to be less severe. HOW IS IT SPREAD? • Vaginal Sex • Anal Sex • Oral anal sex (rimming) • Oral vaginal sex (going down on a woman) • Oral penile sex (going down on a man) • Kissing • Direct skin-to-skin contact • During child
