What are the symptoms of HSV-1 infection?
The first infection or “primary” infection with HSV-1 usually occurs with NO symptoms. Most people who carry the virus do not know when or how they became infected. Occassionally the primary infection may cause a large area of painful blisters on the skin or inside the mouth and eyes. Recurrent infections typically present with blister-like sore that occurs near or inside the mouth. The site typically begins with a itchy or tingling feeling, with a small grouping of blisters occurring within 1 day. The blisters pop within about 2 days and form an painful sore that heals completely within about 10 days. Recurrent infections typically occur in the same area as previous lesions because the virus hides in the nerves that supply that skin area. Neonatal infections typically occur when an infant is exposed to the virus during or shortly after birth. The virus may cause a blistering lesion on the skin anywhere on the body. Infants with fever and a known exposure to the virus should be checked
