The perception that oral herpes symptoms and genital herpes symptoms in men are somehow different is due, at least to some extent, to the fact that genital herpes carries a strong social stigma while oral herpes is generally viewed in a less negative light. Nonetheless, because the HSV-1 (responsible for oral herpes) and HSV-2 (the cause of genital herpes) viruses responsible for the two infections are 98% identical at a molecular level, they elicit nearly the identical responses from the body's immune system. Indeed, it may surprise you to learn just how much sufferers of the two diseases have in common.
First off, with regards to transmission, the HSV-1 virus is usually passed on through saliva (although the virus is usually picked up by the hands and then transmitted to the mouth and face) whereas HSV-2, as we all know, is generally transmitted via sexual intercourse. Despite these apparent differences, the manner in which the virus infects its new host is identical.
In either case, the herpes carrier must be in the process of replicating, or "shedding", the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus (this occurs during outbreaks) in order to be contagious. Additionally, the infected individual must make some type of physical contact (this can occur by leaving saliva or body fluids on a surface that is later touched by another person) in order to pass on the virus. In order to complete the transmission, the non-infected person must have scrapes, cuts or other openings in the skin through which the virus can enter the body.
During primary outbreaks, the initial herpes symptoms in men experienced by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 patients are identical. The first warning signs of an outbreak caused by either virus is sudden fatigue, flu-like symptoms and fever, as well as mysterious muscle aches. Additionally, the tingling, burning, and itching sensations that usually appear on the genitals and groin at the onset of a genital herpes outbreak, are often experienced on the lips and around the mouth by men infected with the HSV-1 virus.
Outbreaks caused by both viruses also go through the same stages. The eruption of sores and clusters of blisters occurs at roughly the same point in both infections (two to 12 days after the outbreak begins), and is followed several days later by the formation of ulcers as the blisters drain. The healing time is even similar between the two infections - usually lasting anywhere between 10-14 days.
The last common thread between oral herpes and genital herpes symptoms in men, is that the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses responsible for them are incurable. However, it is this similarity that may eventually prove beneficial to researchers in their attempts to find a vaccine for the virus. With research teams dedicated to both strains of the virus working on a cure, the likelihood is high that a breakthrough in one would open the door to find a cure for the other.
First off, with regards to transmission, the HSV-1 virus is usually passed on through saliva (although the virus is usually picked up by the hands and then transmitted to the mouth and face) whereas HSV-2, as we all know, is generally transmitted via sexual intercourse. Despite these apparent differences, the manner in which the virus infects its new host is identical.
In either case, the herpes carrier must be in the process of replicating, or "shedding", the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus (this occurs during outbreaks) in order to be contagious. Additionally, the infected individual must make some type of physical contact (this can occur by leaving saliva or body fluids on a surface that is later touched by another person) in order to pass on the virus. In order to complete the transmission, the non-infected person must have scrapes, cuts or other openings in the skin through which the virus can enter the body.
During primary outbreaks, the initial herpes symptoms in men experienced by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 patients are identical. The first warning signs of an outbreak caused by either virus is sudden fatigue, flu-like symptoms and fever, as well as mysterious muscle aches. Additionally, the tingling, burning, and itching sensations that usually appear on the genitals and groin at the onset of a genital herpes outbreak, are often experienced on the lips and around the mouth by men infected with the HSV-1 virus.
Outbreaks caused by both viruses also go through the same stages. The eruption of sores and clusters of blisters occurs at roughly the same point in both infections (two to 12 days after the outbreak begins), and is followed several days later by the formation of ulcers as the blisters drain. The healing time is even similar between the two infections - usually lasting anywhere between 10-14 days.
The last common thread between oral herpes and genital herpes symptoms in men, is that the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses responsible for them are incurable. However, it is this similarity that may eventually prove beneficial to researchers in their attempts to find a vaccine for the virus. With research teams dedicated to both strains of the virus working on a cure, the likelihood is high that a breakthrough in one would open the door to find a cure for the other.
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Looking for more information on Herpes Symptoms in Men?, then visit www.herpessymptoms-inmen.com to find advice on Cold Sore Remedies and other herpes-related issues.
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