Herpes 1 (HSV-1) is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, usually spread by kissing or close contact with an infected person.
Cause
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
How it spreads
Kissing, sharing utensils or lip balm, and oral sex. It spreads even without visible sores.
Prevalence
About 67% of people under 50 worldwide have HSV-1 (WHO).
Symptoms
Cold sores, tingling.
Treatment
No cure. Antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir) shorten outbreaks.
Triggers
Stress, sun and illness.
Prevention
Avoid contact during sores.
Cause and spread
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes oral herpes (cold sores) and sometimes genital herpes. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, kissing, sharing utensils or lip products, and oral sex. The virus can spread even without visible sores through asymptomatic shedding.
- The WHO estimated in 2020 that about 3.8 billion people under age 50 (64 percent) had HSV-1 worldwide.
- After infection, the virus stays in nerve cells (trigeminal ganglion) for life and can reactivate.
- Triggers include sun exposure, stress, illness, fever, hormonal changes and a weak immune system.
Treatment and prevention
Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir shorten outbreaks, with docosanol cream available over the counter. Outbreaks usually last 7 to 10 days. Avoid kissing and sharing items during outbreaks, use sunscreen on lips, and wash hands. Infants and people with eczema or weak immunity face higher risk, so avoid contact with them during sores. See a doctor for eye involvement, frequent outbreaks or sores lasting beyond 2 weeks.
Cause and spread
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) spreads through skin to skin contact and saliva. The WHO estimates 3.8 billion people under 50, about 64 percent, have HSV-1 infection. Most have no or mild symptoms, with cold sores being common.
Treatment and prevention
Antiviral drugs like acyclovir and valacyclovir shorten outbreaks. Avoid contact during sores. There is no cure.
Statistics and transmission
The WHO estimated 3.8 billion people under 50 (64 percent) had HSV-1 infection in 2016. In the US, about half of adults aged 14 to 49 have HSV-1 antibodies. Spread occurs via kissing, sharing utensils and oral sex, and can occur without visible sores (asymptomatic shedding). HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.
Management
First outbreaks can last 2 to 3 weeks with fever and gingivostomatitis in children. Recurrent cold sores heal in 7 to 10 days. Valacyclovir 2 g twice daily for 1 day treats a cold sore. Suppressive therapy cuts outbreaks. Triggers include stress, sun, fever and illness. Newborn exposure is dangerous, so avoid kissing babies with active sores. Condoms and avoiding sex during outbreaks lower genital spread.
Based on data from the World Health Organization and the CDC
