Herpes simplex is a disease caused by two types of viruses called the HSV-1 and the HSV-2. They can affect a person orally or the genitalias. Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 while genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.
What are the other things you should know about herpes?
The most important thing you should know about herpes is that it can be contracted sexually. Thus, it is very important that if you have a new sexual partner, you should both be screened for STD’s before having any sexual contact. Contrary to what many of us believe, over the counter medications will do no good for someone who has herpes.
Things you should know about herpes that infects the lips or herpes labialis:
These infections are, actually, what is more commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Other signs that you have contracted herpes labialis include headaches, dizziness, nausea and painful ulcers that often look like canker sores. Infected people may also experience fever and a sore throat. They do not always show up at first so it can be hard to tell if you are infected or not but generally, if the symptoms do appear, they can disappear in two weeks. However, even if the sores and blisters did disappear from the mouth, it does not mean that the virus HSV-1 has also been removed.