Herpesonline.org states that approximately 80 percent of Americans will have herpes simplex 1 virus at some point in their lives. Herpes simplex 1 is the virus that causes cold sores, also known as fever blisters. The two terms are actually definitions of the sores that result from this virus.
Types
There are two types of the herpes virus that cause sores on the body. Herpes simplex 1 virus causes cold sores. Herpes simplex 2 virus causes genital herpes. There have been cases where Herpes simplex 1 can cause sores on the genitals; however, that is usually not the case.
Geography
Most cold sores and fever blisters appear on or around the mouth area. Very rarely these types of sores can appear inside the mouth. However, those are usually the result of canker sores, which are not the result of the herpes virus.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that cold sores have a cure. In fact, because herpes is a virus, there is no cure. There are treatments available, both by prescription and over the counter to help relieve any discomfort the sores cause.
Prevention/Solution
There are ways to prevent acquiring cold sores. Avoiding kissing someone with active sores and sharing anything that touches the lips, like lip glosses, are two ways that potential spread of the virus can be stopped.
Warning
Cold sores/fever blisters are very contagious. It is important to be aware of this fact to avoid spreading this virus to others.
Tags: cold sores, Herpes simplex, simplex virus, fever blisters, herpes virus