Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHSV-1 vs. HSV-2SymptomsTransmissionRisksDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionComplicationsCopingOutlookNext in Herpes GuideHow to Spot Herpes Symptoms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
HSV-1 vs. HSV-2
Symptoms
Transmission
Risks
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Complications
Coping
Outlook
Next in Herpes Guide
This article discusses the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms, transmission, and treatment options.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both herpesviruses of theSimplexvirusgenus. HSV-1 typically causesoral herpes, whereas HSV-2 leads togenital herpes. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes in some cases.
Oral herpes (HSV-1) causescold soresor fever blisters around the mouth and lips. In some cases, HSV-1 can affectthe eyes.HSV-1 can also spread to the genital area, leading to genital herpes in rarer cases.Genital herpes (HSV-2) is considered asexually transmitted infection(STI) because of how it is transmitted. It leads to genital sores.
Both types of herpes infections have a pattern of outbreaks, meaning that once the virus is in the body, sores and symptoms will develop periodically.
How Common Are HSV-1 and HSV-2?Around 67% of people younger than age 50 have HSV-1, and 13% of people between the ages of 15 and 49 have HSV-2 globally. The transmission mode plays a role in those numbers, as HSV-1 is easier to transmit. Both types can also beasymptomatic(occur without symptoms), making the spread of HSV that much easier.
How Common Are HSV-1 and HSV-2?
Around 67% of people younger than age 50 have HSV-1, and 13% of people between the ages of 15 and 49 have HSV-2 globally. The transmission mode plays a role in those numbers, as HSV-1 is easier to transmit. Both types can also beasymptomatic(occur without symptoms), making the spread of HSV that much easier.
When Do Herpes Symptoms Show Up?
Herpes Symptoms
The symptoms that develop in both oral and genital herpes can be similar, but there are some differences.
Oral Herpes Symptoms
You may be infected with oral herpes without having symptoms. You can then spread the virus to others (through shedding of the virus) even when sores are not present. However, not everyone will be asymptomatic. Painful blisters around the mouth, lips, and under the nose are the first signs of infection in people who experience symptoms. Once the blisters break, they turn into sores and crust over.
The initial infection may present with symptoms, including:
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Like oral herpes, genital herpes can be present without symptoms or can be so mild it’s hard to notice the signs of infection. When someone contracts genital herpes, they may experience:
Does Genital Herpes Hurt?Like the sores that develop in oral herpes, those on the genitals are usually also painful and can occur with other sensations, such as burning or itching.
Does Genital Herpes Hurt?
Like the sores that develop in oral herpes, those on the genitals are usually also painful and can occur with other sensations, such as burning or itching.
How Long Do Sores Last?
Genital and oral herpes have different timelines. For oral herpes, roughly four to six days following the initial outbreak, the sores crust over and heal until they are gone.
With genital herpes, that process could take as long as two to four weeks during the initial infection and between three to seven days in the following outbreaks.
How the Body Prepares You for an OutbreakBefore a herpes outbreak, you may experience burning, tingling, or itching in the area where the sores will develop. These precursor symptoms are called theprodrome. A prodrome is a sign of illness before significant symptoms.
How the Body Prepares You for an Outbreak
Before a herpes outbreak, you may experience burning, tingling, or itching in the area where the sores will develop. These precursor symptoms are called theprodrome. A prodrome is a sign of illness before significant symptoms.
How Does Herpes Spread?
Transmission of herpesdepends on the type. The spread of HSV-1 is transmitted through oral contact, such as kissing, touching, or oral sex. Oral sex can lead to HSV-1 genital herpes.
HSV-2 is an STI because it is primarily spread through condomless vaginal or penile sexual intercourse with someone who has an active infection.Transmission commonly occurs following contact with a partner who has herpes.
Other possible modes of transmission for genital herpes are:
Is Someone With Herpes Always Contagious?Viral shedding is the process that leads to the transmission of herpesvirus. Shedding of the herpesvirus can occur anytime, even if you are not experiencing an outbreak. People with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections can spread the virus 10.2% of the time, whereas people with symptoms can spread it to someone else 20.1%.
Is Someone With Herpes Always Contagious?
Viral shedding is the process that leads to the transmission of herpesvirus. Shedding of the herpesvirus can occur anytime, even if you are not experiencing an outbreak. People with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections can spread the virus 10.2% of the time, whereas people with symptoms can spread it to someone else 20.1%.
Anal Herpes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Who’s at Risk of Developing Herpes?
There areseveral risk factorsassociated with contracting herpes. They can be broken down into two categories: health and lifestyle.
People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting herpes. Examples include:
Lifestyle factors associated with a higher incidence of contracting herpes include:
Safer Sexual Practices With Herpes
Wear a condom properly during sexual intercourse if you or your partner has herpes and avoid sexual activity during outbreaks to protect yourself from the infection.
Taking antiviral medications to suppress outbreaks and asymptomatic shedding of the virus is another important way to hinder transmitting the infection to others.
Living With Herpes
Herpes Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosing herpesinvolves an assessment of symptoms alongside a health and lifestyle history. Once a healthcare provider has gathered that information and suspects herpes, they will likely conduct HSVnucleic acid amplification tests(NAAT).
While swab tests are typically considered a first-line diagnostic tool, they are not always the best route because they may not accurately diagnose someone with low or no viral shedding.
Other possible routes of diagnosis include:
These tests are often used in people without symptoms of herpes as they can detect specific proteins in the body made in response to the virus, even without signs of infection.
Should You Wait to Test During an Outbreak?If you suspect you have herpes and want to get tested, you may want to wait until the sores have reappeared. Without the sores, getting a proper diagnosis is a bit more challenging.
Should You Wait to Test During an Outbreak?
If you suspect you have herpes and want to get tested, you may want to wait until the sores have reappeared. Without the sores, getting a proper diagnosis is a bit more challenging.
Treatment for Herpes
Totreat and manage herpes, healthcare providers will likely take a multipronged approach. Therapies used to limit outbreaks and soothe symptoms include:
Treatments That Heal Herpes Sores Faster
Relieving Symptoms During an Outbreak
The symptoms and pain feltduring an outbreakcan be hard to cope with, but self-care options are available to reduce uncomfortable sensations during an outbreak. They include:
Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Herpes
Is Herpes Curable?
There is no cure for herpes. The virus will remain in the body for your entire lifetime, sporadically causing outbreaks.
However, there are ways to shorten or prevent outbreaks from occurring as frequently.
Preventing Oral and Genital Herpes
Preventing Herpes With an Active Sex LifeIt’s not always feasible to be in a monogamous sexual relationship, but that doesn’t mean you will automatically get an STI. To prevent herpes while engaging in sexual activities with more than one partner, you can wear a condom or dental dam during all sexual contact (vaginal, penile, anal, oral) and discuss your sexual histories andtesting before having sexwith a new partner.
Preventing Herpes With an Active Sex Life
It’s not always feasible to be in a monogamous sexual relationship, but that doesn’t mean you will automatically get an STI. To prevent herpes while engaging in sexual activities with more than one partner, you can wear a condom or dental dam during all sexual contact (vaginal, penile, anal, oral) and discuss your sexual histories andtesting before having sexwith a new partner.
What Triggers Recurring Outbreaks?
Several things can trigger herpes outbreaks, depending on whether a person hasHSV-1 or HSV-2.
Some common triggers for oral herpes include:
How Often Do Outbreaks Occur?While everyone is different, outbreaks are typically more frequent in the first year following infection. Sometimes, a person may only have one symptom outbreak, while others experience it every month.As the years progress, with proper management, herpes outbreaks can dwindle significantly.
How Often Do Outbreaks Occur?
While everyone is different, outbreaks are typically more frequent in the first year following infection. Sometimes, a person may only have one symptom outbreak, while others experience it every month.As the years progress, with proper management, herpes outbreaks can dwindle significantly.
Genital Herpes Stages: Timing and What the Sores Look Like
Complications of Herpes
Viral herpes infections can lead to health complications, some of which can be serious. Some possible complications associated with HSV-1 and HSV-2 include:
If you contract the virus before becoming pregnant, your risk of transmission is low. Roughly less than one 1 out of 100 infants will contract herpes from their mother if the infection is contracted before getting pregnant or during the first trimester.
The risk increases significantly in people who get the herpesvirus during the last trimester, and roughly 30 to 50 out of 100 infants will have the virus passed on to them in this case.
Herpes in InfantsIf an unborn child contracts the virus, it can be severe and life-threatening, so it’s essential to watch for any signs of infection and contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice them. Signs can include:FeverListlessnessLoss of appetiteRash
Herpes in Infants
If an unborn child contracts the virus, it can be severe and life-threatening, so it’s essential to watch for any signs of infection and contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice them. Signs can include:FeverListlessnessLoss of appetiteRash
If an unborn child contracts the virus, it can be severe and life-threatening, so it’s essential to watch for any signs of infection and contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice them. Signs can include:
Oral and Genital Herpes
There is a stigma surrounding herpes. Because of that, people with the viral infection may develop feelings of shame ordepression after getting diagnosed. They also may struggle with sexual intimacy because of the risk of passing the virus on.
When approaching sex with new partners, tell them about your condition well before engaging in sex. That will give them time to process the information and make a good decision for both of you. Being honest with your partner can help strengthen your connection and build respect.
Herpes Isn’t Who You AreIt’s important to remember that herpes is incredibly common, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Having the infection does not say anything about your character, who you are, or your worth.
Herpes Isn’t Who You Are
It’s important to remember that herpes is incredibly common, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Having the infection does not say anything about your character, who you are, or your worth.
Living With STIs
Outlook for Herpes
If you contract herpes, you will have it for the rest of your life. While that may be difficult to hear, being aware of this can help you protect others. It can also put you on a path toward getting a treatment plan that limits your outbreaks and ensures that you care for yourself properly.
Modern medicine has created many viable options for people with herpes, making it easier than ever to manage the disease and limit the time you spend in an active infection.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Whitley R, Baines J.Clinical management of herpes simplex virus infections: Past, present, and future.F1000Res. 2018 Oct 31;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1726. doi:10.12688/f1000research.16157.1James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, Turner KM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Gottlieb SL, Looker KJ.Herpes simplex virus: Global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016.Bull World Health Organ.2020 May 1;98(5):315-329. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.237149Groves MJ.Genital herpes: A review.Am Fam Physician.2016 Jun 1;93(11):928-34.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex virus.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Herpes simplex: Diagnosis and treatment.LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014 May 12;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A.Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus: Laboratory and point-of-care techniques.Infect Dis Rep.2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. doi:10.3390/idr13020049Human Herpesviruses: Biology, Therapy, and Immunoprophylaxis.Chapter 75 Immunotherapy of HSV Infections - antibody delivery.Medline Plus.Genital herpes - self-care.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Mount Sinai.Genital herpes - self-care.Informed Health.Genital herpes in pregnancy.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Whitley R, Baines J.Clinical management of herpes simplex virus infections: Past, present, and future.F1000Res. 2018 Oct 31;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1726. doi:10.12688/f1000research.16157.1James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, Turner KM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Gottlieb SL, Looker KJ.Herpes simplex virus: Global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016.Bull World Health Organ.2020 May 1;98(5):315-329. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.237149Groves MJ.Genital herpes: A review.Am Fam Physician.2016 Jun 1;93(11):928-34.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex virus.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Herpes simplex: Diagnosis and treatment.LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014 May 12;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A.Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus: Laboratory and point-of-care techniques.Infect Dis Rep.2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. doi:10.3390/idr13020049Human Herpesviruses: Biology, Therapy, and Immunoprophylaxis.Chapter 75 Immunotherapy of HSV Infections - antibody delivery.Medline Plus.Genital herpes - self-care.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Mount Sinai.Genital herpes - self-care.Informed Health.Genital herpes in pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Whitley R, Baines J.Clinical management of herpes simplex virus infections: Past, present, and future.F1000Res. 2018 Oct 31;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1726. doi:10.12688/f1000research.16157.1James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, Turner KM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Gottlieb SL, Looker KJ.Herpes simplex virus: Global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016.Bull World Health Organ.2020 May 1;98(5):315-329. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.237149Groves MJ.Genital herpes: A review.Am Fam Physician.2016 Jun 1;93(11):928-34.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral herpes.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex virus.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Herpes simplex: Diagnosis and treatment.LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014 May 12;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A.Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus: Laboratory and point-of-care techniques.Infect Dis Rep.2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. doi:10.3390/idr13020049Human Herpesviruses: Biology, Therapy, and Immunoprophylaxis.Chapter 75 Immunotherapy of HSV Infections - antibody delivery.Medline Plus.Genital herpes - self-care.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Mount Sinai.Genital herpes - self-care.Informed Health.Genital herpes in pregnancy.
Whitley R, Baines J.Clinical management of herpes simplex virus infections: Past, present, and future.F1000Res. 2018 Oct 31;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1726. doi:10.12688/f1000research.16157.1
James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, Turner KM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Gottlieb SL, Looker KJ.Herpes simplex virus: Global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016.Bull World Health Organ.2020 May 1;98(5):315-329. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.237149
Groves MJ.Genital herpes: A review.Am Fam Physician.2016 Jun 1;93(11):928-34.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral herpes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex virus.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Herpes simplex: Diagnosis and treatment.
LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014 May 12;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83
Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A.Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus: Laboratory and point-of-care techniques.Infect Dis Rep.2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. doi:10.3390/idr13020049
Human Herpesviruses: Biology, Therapy, and Immunoprophylaxis.Chapter 75 Immunotherapy of HSV Infections - antibody delivery.
Medline Plus.Genital herpes - self-care.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.
Mount Sinai.Genital herpes - self-care.
Informed Health.Genital herpes in pregnancy.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
