What are the symptoms of an oral herpes simplex virus infection?
Initial infection of the oral herpes simplex virus may cause no symptoms or may cause severe flu-like symptoms with mouth ulcers. In recurring infections, sores tend to erupt in the same area (some patients never have any more symptoms beyond the initial infection). The following are the most common symptoms of an oral herpes simplex virus infection. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The progression of symptoms may include: • Symptoms may begin with redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the area where the infection will erupt. • Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. These blisters are highly contagious. • The blisters leak fluids and become sores. • After approximately four days, the sores start to crust over and heal. The symptoms of an oral herpes simplex virus may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
