HSV – The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2
Do you know what the difference is between the two types of HSV viruses? Are Herpes 1 and Herpes 2 the same virus? That is an interesting question! So I went in search of an answer.
It seems that the two, although treated differently by attitude, are essentially the same virus. Under a microscope, they both appear the same.
They are virtually identical, sharing approximately 50% of their DNA. If they are so much alike, then is it possible to spread them both to different areas of the body or are they restricted to the part of the body where we have them? Why is there a definite stigma that’s applied to genital herpes but not to oral herpes? To answer those questions its valuable to know some basic information about oral and genital herpes. HSV-1, or Type 1 Herpes, is known as oral herpes. HSV-2, or Type 2 Herpes, is known as genital herpes. Herpes Virus - The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2Both types infect the body's mucosal surfaces, usually orally or genitally, and then establish latency in the nervous system. For both types, at least 2/3 of infected people have no symptoms, or their symptoms are too mild to notice. Both types can reoccur and spread even when no symptoms are present. Type 1 Herpes usually establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells found near the ear. From there, it tends to recur on the lower lip or on the face. Type 2 Herpes usually establishes itself in the sacral ganglion located at the base of the spine. From there, it recurs in the genitalia. This difference is not absolute as either type can reside in either or both parts of the body and infect oral and/or genital areas. They only differ by the part of the body that they usually infect. Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of this, which contributes both to the spread of Type 1 and to the misconception that the two types are fundamentally different. Most ordinary people don't understand that although you can have type 1 genitally or orally, that these two types are essentially the same virus. One type is associated with a ‘stigma’, the other simply considered 'a cold sore’. Cold sores are society's euphemism for oral herpes so we don't even have to acknowledge that it's really 'herpes'. If you have Type 1, you can infect someone with it genitally. Likewise, if you have Type 2, you can give it to someone orally. Type 1 prefers to live in the oral area, just as Type 2 prefers to live in the genital area.
Its striking to note however, that Type 1 actually causes up to 1/3 of neonatal infections. Another difference in the viruses is that Type 1 usually attacks the body by an early age. Type 2 does not usually occur until later. In the case of oral HSV-1, most of the approximately 100 million Americans who are infected acquired the virus when they were children. By the time they're adults, only some 5% of people aren’t even bothered enough to consider oral Herpes 1 a medical problem. On the other hand, almost all of the approximately 40 million Americans infected with Type 2 acquired the virus as teenagers or adults. In the first year, those who have recurring outbreaks experience an average of 4-6 episodes. Over time, as with oral infections, the number of outbreaks usually diminishes. Just how much of a physical problem HSV poses for a person depends largely on how well the person's immune response is able to control the infection. Differences in immunity may be the main reason that some people are bothered by frequent cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks while others are not. Since infants have very little immunity from any kind of virus, it makes herpes very dangerous for them. Which HSV is More Contagious?Is one type is more contagious than the other? The answer is no really. People with recurrent oral HSV-1 shed virus in their saliva about 5% of the time even when they show no symptoms. In the first year of infection, people with genital HSV-2 shed the virus from the genital area about 6-10% of days when they show no symptoms, and less often over time. The more frequently the Herpes infection occurs, the more resistance a person will have to it later. There is only a stigma applied to genital herpes because of it's association with 'having sex' with multiple partners. In all actuality however, there are more complications associated with HSV-1, not HSV-2. Its all a matter of attitude! So, is there an easy answer? Yes and no. No, because once you have the virus, it lives in your nerve cells all your life. Unfortunately the frequency that Herpes outbreaks occur depends a lot on a lot of different circumstances. Yes, there is a way to get protection against either virus. Zovirax and Valtrex and two prescription drugs, that when taken with frequency, can help block the virus. But so can Lysine If you take Lysine You might also try Olive Leaf Exract
Didn't find what you were looking for? Use your keywords and this handy tool to find it fast! To go to the next Healthy Money Saving Tips page, here's the link:
Preventative Shingles Treatment
Back to Top of Page
Healthy Money Saving Tips
Go from HSV Back to Homepage
|
supplements. Your doctor probably hasn't told you about it, cause they only get paid for the prescriptions they fill. Why would they tell you about a simple supplement? Truth is, they wouldn't! But this is stuff you should know, so you can save a ton of money! and be healthy!
, which is good for most all viruses. Unlike many prescription drugs, both remedies are completely safe to take and have very few side effects, if any at all. 
