Herpes – The Virus
The herpes virus is a lifelong viral infection that affects about 1 in 5 adults and teenagers. The two prominent types of herpes virus are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1 or Oral Herpes) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2 or Genital Herpes).
In a case of Herpes Simplex 1, or Oral Herpes, sores generally appear in or around the mouth and lips and is transmitted by oral secretions or sores usually by kissing, using the same toothbrush or eating utensils. With Herpes Simplex 2, or Genital Herpes, sores will appear on the genitals or rectum and is transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected person. It is important to understand that sores do not necessarily have to be present to transmit the virus. In many people, herpes will go through a period of dormancy between outbreaks. Outbreaks are usually associated with a depressed immune systems as a result of illness, fatigue, stress, trauma, medications, immune-suppression diseases (like AIDS) or even menstruation in women.