HSV 1 vs 2: Differentiating Between the Herpes Types
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is recognized as the causative agent of a common STD, Herpes.
There are two types of HSV, i.e., HSV-1 and HSV-2. They can be understood depending on their distinct affected areas, symptoms, and complications.
HSV-1 is commonly called Oral Herpes, which generally infects the mouth and throat, whereas HSV-2 is recognized as Genital Herpes, as it infects the genital region.
However, in some cases, these HSV types can infect either the oral or genital region, resulting in difficulty in the diagnosis of Herpes.
Therefore, understanding the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is necessary for reducing its transmission and proper diagnosis.
This comprehensive article will elaborate on a clear overview of HSV 1 vs 2 with their risk factors and treatment options.
Overview
The table below differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2 depending on their distinct characteristics.
| Characteristics | HSV-1 | HSV-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | Oral Herpes | Genital Herpes |
| Location | Mouth and throat, and sometimes genital area | Skin and mucous membrane of the genital region (vagina, penis, vulva, anus, cervix), and sometimes oral region |
| Appearance | Cold sores form blisters on the lips, outside and inside the mouth. Blisters turn into sores filled with fluid | Sores in the genital region |
| Common signs and symptoms | Swelling and redness of gums, swollen neck glands, burning, tingling, and fever | Itching, tingling and burning sensation in the genitals, swollen glands, fever, difficulty and pain in urination |
| Transmission | Kissing or oral sex | Often from sores or blisters, sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) |
| Complications | Herpes Simplex Encephalitis, Herpetic Gingivostomatitis, Herpes Simplex Keratitis, etc. | Meningitis, other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and Internal Inflammatory Diseases |
| Risk of occurrence and severity | Less frequent and severe than Genital Herpes | Outbreaks can frequently re-occur |
About HSV 1 vs 2
HSV-1 is a double-stranded DNA virus that is responsible for primary and recurrent infections in the oral region, i.e., mouth and throat.
As per the World Health Organization, approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 worldwide, i.e., 67% of the world population, have HSV-1.
On the other hand, HSV-2, also a double-stranded DNA virus known to affect the genital region, can manifest as a primary or recurrent Herpes infection.
Almost 491.5 million people between ages 15 and 49, i.e., 13.2% of the world’s population, have HSV-2 infection.
While HSV-1 is more involved in affecting the oral region, HSV-2 is recognized to affect the genital area.
However, HSV-1 is less severe than HSV-2 in terms of risk of reoccurrence and shedding.
The virus-shedding phase is when the body produces infectious virus particles that can be transmitted to other people.
Did you know?
The prevalence of Genital Herpes is much higher in females than males.
Appearance
HSV-1 and HSV-2 may appear as sores in the mouth and genitals.
The sores usually appear as one or more blisters and are called outbreaks.
The blisters may break and cause painful sores that may take one or more weeks to heal.
Transmission
Generally, HSV-1 is recognized to be transmitted through kissing or oral sex, whereas HSV-2 through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
However, in some cases, a person can acquire HSV-2 in the mouth by giving oral sex to another person infected with Genital Herpes.
Similarly, individuals can get HSV-1 in their genital area if a person with a cold sore gives oral sex to them.
HSV 1 vs 2 symptoms
Generally, HSV-1 and HSV-2 do not cause any prominent symptoms after infections.
However, some common signs and symptoms of HSV-1 are:
- Cold sores form blisters on the lips outside and inside the mouth
- Blisters turn into sores filled with fluid
- Swelling and redness of gums
- Burning, itching, and tingling sensations
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever
- Swollen neck glands
Further, common signs and symptoms of HSV-2 are the following:
- Macular skin and mucous membrane lesions that progress to vesicles, pustules, and ulcers
- Itching, tingling, and burning sensation in the genitals
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Difficulty and pain in urination
As per a report, the frequency of recurrent Genital Herpes has been seen among 80% of individuals infected with primary HSV-2 Genital Herpes. However, this statistic is less than 50% in the case of primary HSV-1 Genital Herpes. |
Risk factors
The HSV-1 virus has a wide variety of clinical presentations and risk factors associated with it, as in the following cases:
- Orolabial Herpes: The major risk factor includes any activity that exposes one person to the infected saliva of another person, such as mouth-to-mouth contact
- Herpetic Sycosis: It is also called HSV Folliculitis. It is a rare Herpes virus infection of the skin and hair follicles. The major risk factor of this condition is shaving closely with a razor blade in the presence of Orolabial infection
- Herpes Gladiatorum: This is a skin infection, also called Mat Herpes, as it is especially found in high-contact sports players, such as wrestlers
- Herpetic Whitlow: This condition is a kind of finger infection. Its main risk factor is common in children with the habits of finger-sucking and nail-biting
- Herpes Encephalitis: It is a rare neurological disorder characterized by brain inflammation. The major risk for this condition involves mutations in certain genes and receptors
- Kaposi Vricelliform eruption: It is a life-threatening skin barrier dysfunction. The major risk factors are mutations in genes and the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors
The risk factors for acquiring HSV-2 revolve around direct exposure to infected fluid during sexual intercourse.
Treatment options
There is no cure for Herpes.
However, some antiviral medications treat symptoms of Herpes, such as sores and bristles.
The prescribed antiviral medications for this STD may include the following drugs:
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
These medications effectively heal the sores during primary outbreaks and lower the risk of recurrent outbreaks.
Further, they can lessen the severity of symptoms and reduce its transmission to a sexual partner.
Conclusion
There are two types of Herpes virus, i.e., HSV-1 and HSV-2.
HSV-1 is a double-stranded DNA virus that is recognized to affect the perioral region, whereas HSV-2 is known to infect the genital region.
HSV-1 can be transmitted through oral contact, while HSV-2 by genital contact. However, a person can acquire HSV-2 in the mouth by giving oral sex to an infected individual.
The common symptoms of HSV-1 include cold sores on the lips or inside the mouth, swollen gums, and lymph nodes, accompanied by a burning, tingling sensation.
On the other hand, HSV-2 can cause macular or papular skin that progresses into blisters and ulcers, fever, and painful urination.
Currently, there is no cure for Herpes. However, certain antiviral drugs, such as Famciclovir and Acyclovir, can be used to treat the symptoms of Herpes.
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