An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus – 1 leads to oral herpes. According to statistics, this is one of the most common STDs in the United States, affecting about 50 percent of the adult population. Herpes is known to be an asymptomatic condition that barely shows any symptoms. This is exactly why people tend to spread herpes unknowingly.

Incubation Period

The time between contact of the virus and the appearance of the initial symptoms in case of the HSV – 1 virus usually ranges between 2 and 12 days. However, HSV is a kind of virus that may not show any symptoms for several months.

Duration of illness

The herpes simplex virus usually shows its presence in the body in the form of outbreaks that last two or three weeks, and differ from one individual to another. The symptoms are accompanied with fever, tiredness, muscle ache and irritability.

Infected individuals may also experience a burning sensation, tingling, or itching prior to the appearance of sores and blisters. These clusters of painful blisters ooze with a yellow fluid that later develops into a yellowish crust.

Another symptom associated with the HSV – 1 are oral sores. These occur at the onset of the virus and can make drinking or eating very difficult. The sores may occur on lips, gums, and throat or on sides of the cheeks. You may experience swollen gums that may bleed too.

Getting diagnosed with HSV – 1

Based on the information provided, the healthcare provider would suggest a physical examination. HSV – 1 is associated with a characteristic appearance that leaves little doubt about the diagnosis. It is this appearance that helps in distinguishing oral herpes from oral thrush, gonorrhea and syphilis, among others. The doctor may conduct any one of the below mentioned testes:

·A tissue or liquid sample from the sores to identify the variant of herpes.
·A viral culture analysis.
·Antigen and antibody studies. A PCR test that can be employed to differentiate between HSV – 1 and HSV – 2.

Risk Factors

Everyone is at the risk of contracting herpes. Unfortunately, a lot of children aged 6 months to 3 years are at the risk of coming in contact with the herpes simplex virus simply by coming in contact with humans. As a result, 60 percent of individuals in the age bracket of 14 – 49 end up carrying the herpes virus.

Treatment

It is worth mentioning that there is no cure for herpes. A topical anesthetic such as Dilocaine and Nervocaine can be effective in reliving the pain caused as a result of symptoms of the virus. People with a weakened immune system are advised to take oral or IV medication.