STD of the week: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2

Did you know there are two different strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and both forms are lifelong and most infectious when a blister is present?

Oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters, are painful fluid-filled blisters that can form around and inside the mouth. Cold sores are the HSV-1 strain and are transmitted from oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing. 

Most people with the HSV-1 activated in their bodies will not show symptoms and may even have been infected at a young age through non-sexual contacts, such as drinking after an infected person.  

There is no cure for either strain of the virus, but there are over-the-counter topical medications such as Orajel, Blistex and Abreva that can make the blisters heal faster. Another medication that can be used to shorten the lifespan of a blister, is a prescription brand called Valtrex that can be provided by a doctor or primary care provider.

Genital herpes is the second variation of the HSV, referred to as HSV-2. HSV-2 is very common in the United States, with more than one in every six people between the ages of 14-19 having genital herpes.

Genital herpes can be transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex. The virus is spread through saliva, genital secretions or skin to skin contact with a person who has an open blister. HSV-1 or HSV-2 can also be spread from a person who does not show symptoms of the virus. 

HSV-2 is not transmitted from toilet seats, pools, bedding or from objects such as silverware, towels or soap. 

For genital herpes, a topical cream called Acyclovir will help lessen the pain and shorten the lifespan of the active sore.

If a person is sexually active, there is no 100% sure way of avoiding HSV-1 or HSV-2. Using a barrier contraceptive such as condoms during sexual interactions will lessen the possibility of contracting or spreading the virus.