HSV~1 is commonly known as cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are contagious and are usually transmitted to others through kissing. More than half of the population in the United States has HSV-1. Most people are infected with HSV-1 during childhood from a non-sexual kiss from a relative or friend having kissed them during an active breakout of oral HSV-1. You need only come into contact with a cold sore one time to contract HSV-1.
Cold sore symptoms range from mild to severe when it comes to itching, burning, and pain. Laughing causes the lips to stretch and can lead to blisters cracking and oozing. Certain foods, such as citrus and hot spices, can cause cold sores to sting like the dickens. A headache might be part of the picture.
Cold sores from the mouth can also be transferred to the genitals and vice versa during sexual acts. Once blisters appear, it can take a couple of weeks to scab over and heal.
HSV~1 can also transfer to the eyes by touching your eyes with contaminated fingers or someone else when kissing or hugging, causing the cold sore to come into contact with their eye. Herpes breakouts of the eye have all the usual symptoms and can lead to blindness.
It is possible to have an oral HSV-2 (genital herpes) breakout inside and around the mouth. Oral genital herpes is not all that common. It often breaks out on the roof of the mouth. However, so do canker sores, so it's vital to get a diagnosis if you have recurring symptoms in your mouth. HSV-2 can also mimic canker sores on the tongue, cheek, or gums.
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