About Oral Herpes – Fever Blisters / Cold Sores

The most common form of herpes is oral herpes. Most people refer to oral herpes as fever blisters or cold sores. More than 80% of adults have oral herpes, and most people contract it before the age of ten. A recent study suggests that up to 98% of adults may have oral herpes.

You can get oral herpes through contact with the saliva, mucous membranes, or skin of an infected individual. Transmission is more likely during an active outbreak, but symptoms of herpes do not have to be apparent in order for transmission to occur. In other words, even if you don't have active blisters, you can still pass herpes on to another person.

Most cases of oral herpes are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Traditionally, HSV-1 has been associated with oral herpes, while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has been associated with genital herpes. However, doctors now know that both types of the herpes simplex virus can cause either oral herpes or genital herpes; the site of infection depends on where the virus invades the nervous system.

If you have oral herpes, it is possible to pass genital herpes along to your sexual partner; therefore, you should avoid performing oral sex during active outbreaks. But remember, you can transmit the virus even during its latent phase, so it's important to talk to your partner about your condition.

Oral herpes outbreaks may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and irritability, especially during the initial infection. Tingling or burning sensations usually occur at the infection site before sores appear. Sores normally appear as clusters of small blisters which later become crusted and scabbed. During outbreaks, you should avoid touching the blisters, sharing eating utensils, and kissing others.