What causes Cold Sores, Fever Blisters or Oral Herpes?
Oral Herpes unlike canker sores are caused by a virus belonging to the Herpes groups of Viruses. Oral herpes in almost all cases is caused by the Herpes Simplex Type I virus (HSV-1) while Herpes Simplex Type 2 virus(HSV-2) is associated with genital herpes. Due to changing social practices, such as an increase in oral sex, there is now overlap with HSV-1 being found in a substantial number of first episodes of genital herpes cases diagnosed by a doctor(20-30% of genital herpes cases) HSV-2 however, is rarely associated with cold sores, as HSV-2 infection on the face does not tend to recur Although Oral (cold sores) and Genital Herpes are typically area-specific, herpes infections can occur anywhere on the body. Inadvertent touching of an HSV sore during the first episode of infection, followed by touching another part of the body can spread the infection to less traditional locations. Once infection has been established in an area, it can recur in the same place. Accidental infection o
