Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) often causes oral herpes, which can result in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, most people with oral herpes do not have any symptoms. Most people with oral herpes get it during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva. There is currently no cure for herpes simplex virus.
How Oral and Genital Herpes Spreads
Oral herpes can be transmitted non-sexually by coming in contact with an infected person’s saliva, sores or blisters by kissing or coming in contact with genital fluids. According to the World Health Organization, herpes can be spread even if a sore is not present.
Herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, sores, or blisters. This can happen through kissing, sharing utensils, or using the same towels. Even a peck on the cheek or a hug can result in a herpes infection if the person has active lesions.
While they can be treated, there is currently no cure for genital herpes or oral herpes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of genital herpes, contact your physician or primary health care provider. If you are not an established patient with a physician or a primary health care provider, then contact your local health department for testing and treatment.
Diagnosis can be confirmed by the doctor seeing the sores or fluids, taking a swab of the sore, and sending it to the lab for testing. If a person has the virus, oral and genital herpes can also be confirmed through a blood test that shows the presence of herpes antibodies. If a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment includes anti-herpes medication to be consumed by the infected party.
The only true way to prevent the spread of herpes is to abstain from sexual contact with others, abstain from kissing or from sharing utensils or towels. Since this virus can be spread even if sores are not present, it is essential to alert your sex partner and seek treatment to mitigate the risk of spreading the infection.
