What is herpes?
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes a common viral infection that spreads from one person to another by smear infection, droplet infection or close, direct contact, called Herpes labialis, also known as cold sores or fever blister. Another form of this virus, HSV-2, leads to the sexually transmitted disease genital herpes.
Oral herpes symptoms
The herpes simplex virus typically leads to one or multiple blisters on or around affected area. In the case of HSV-1, these symptoms of oral herpes are noticeable bumps around the lips.
Triggering the oral herpes infection
Once infected, the herpes simplex virus never leaves your body. It usually enters through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth.
After the first infection, the herpes simplex virus moves from your skin cells to your nerve cells and remains there permanently. HSV-1 hides in nerve cells located at about the level of your temple.
HSV-1 stays inactive but can become reactivated when triggered and infect the skin cells. These triggers can include: stress, illness, fever, surgery, sun exposure and menstrual periods.
Find out how herpes spreads
