HSV-1: What exactly is This Virus?
By K. Kardasian
The name Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is also referred to as HSV-1. If you ask me, the name is rather scary; however, the virus really is not as vicious as it sounds. It is important not to confuse it with the Herpes Simplex Virus 2, which causes genital herpes.
No, HSV-1 is much more common and harmless than its name might suggest. HSV-1 is the virus that causes recurring cold sores, or "fever blisters," around the mouth.
It isn't dangerous to the average person, but it can be annoying, unpleasant, and painful. Usually, the way that HSV-1 is transmitted from one person to another is through contact with the sores or the fluid that comes from them.
Therefore, many people catch HSV-1 by kissing someone with cold sores, or by sharing eating utensils or a razor, giving the virus an opportunity to enter through a break in the skin near the mouth.
Once HPV-1 is in your system, it will be with you for life. There are Cold Sore Cure options, however. Luckily, the virus is not always active, and it goes through dormant and active phases. This is because HPV-1 invades nerve cells in the areas it affects.
When the virus is staying dormant, not much is really happening. In fact, you can just picture it chilling under your skin. However, when it does become active that is when you will see that annoying, painful blister on your lip.
The duration of the sores can vary: Usually, they will last no longer than three weeks. When they start their healing, they will crust over. The most contagious part of the period is before crusting over, when the sore is filled with fluid.
Cold sores usually appear, when you least need them. Most often, this is the case when you are stressed out about something or when you are sick, and your immune system is struggling to begin with. There are many variables as to what causes cold sores but they certainly will interfere with your social life unless you stop them.
Along the same lines of your immune system being weak, cold sores often shortly follow others symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen glands or pain.
No, HSV-1 is much more common and harmless than its name might suggest. HSV-1 is the virus that causes recurring cold sores, or "fever blisters," around the mouth.
It isn't dangerous to the average person, but it can be annoying, unpleasant, and painful. Usually, the way that HSV-1 is transmitted from one person to another is through contact with the sores or the fluid that comes from them.
Therefore, many people catch HSV-1 by kissing someone with cold sores, or by sharing eating utensils or a razor, giving the virus an opportunity to enter through a break in the skin near the mouth.
Once HPV-1 is in your system, it will be with you for life. There are Cold Sore Cure options, however. Luckily, the virus is not always active, and it goes through dormant and active phases. This is because HPV-1 invades nerve cells in the areas it affects.
When the virus is staying dormant, not much is really happening. In fact, you can just picture it chilling under your skin. However, when it does become active that is when you will see that annoying, painful blister on your lip.
The duration of the sores can vary: Usually, they will last no longer than three weeks. When they start their healing, they will crust over. The most contagious part of the period is before crusting over, when the sore is filled with fluid.
Cold sores usually appear, when you least need them. Most often, this is the case when you are stressed out about something or when you are sick, and your immune system is struggling to begin with. There are many variables as to what causes cold sores but they certainly will interfere with your social life unless you stop them.
Along the same lines of your immune system being weak, cold sores often shortly follow others symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen glands or pain.
posted by Denny B. @ 12:02 PM
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