What is the Herpes Virus and How is it Spread? page all

KOMPAS.com – Herpes simplex virus or herpes is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes.

Herpes simplex virus is categorized into two types, namely herpes type 1 (HSV-1 or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2 or genital herpes).

Reported from WebMD, Generally, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2.

In herpes type 2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.

Also read: Getting to Know Herpes Labialis That Australian Toddler Has After Kissing an Adult

Although HSV-2 sores can appear in other locations, they are usually found below the waist.

Experts haven’t found a cure for herpes, but antivirals and home remedies can help ease the severity of symptoms.

Herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be transmitted by direct contact with wounds.

However, the herpes virus may be contagious even when symptoms are not present.

In fact, many people get herpes from people who don’t know they have the virus.

Reported from Healthline, here is an explanation causes of herpes type 1 and herpes type 2.

Also read: The Viral Story of a Toddler Getting Herpes After Kissing an Adult, Can This Really Happen?

Causes of herpes type 1

A person can transmit or contract herpes type 1 or oral herpes through direct contact with herpes sores, saliva, or other body secretions.

If you spread the virus, a person can get it through direct contact with the site of infection.

Kissing and oral sex can also transmit the herpes virus. In other words, if your partner’s cold sores are touched and then touch their own face or genitals shortly thereafter, they could catch the virus.

The virus, in theory, could be transmitted through lip balm, razors, or shared drinking and eating utensils, but this is very rare.

It is thought that the virus can only live outside the human body for a few hours to a few days.

Also read: Scientists Start Trial Vaccine for Herpes Disease That Often Affects Elephants

Causes of herpes type 2

Like HSV-1, a person can transmit or contract herpes type 2 or genital herpes through direct contact with herpes sores, saliva, or other body secretions.

Direct contact that may transmit herpes type 2 includes kissing, oral sex, penetrative sex, and other skin-to-skin contact at the site of infection.

Get updates news of choice and breaking news every day from Kompas.com. Let’s join the Telegram group “Kompas.com News Update”, how to click the link https://t.me/kompascomupdate, then join. You must first install the Telegram application on your cellphone.–