Difference Between HSV 1 and HSV 2

HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes (which can include symptoms known as “cold sores”), but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are lifelong.

1. Is hsv1 worse than hsv2?
2. Is HSV-1 an STD?
3. How do I know if I have hsv1 or 2?
4. Is having HSV-2 a big deal?
5. Can you have hsv2 and never have an outbreak?
6. Should I date someone with hsv1?
7. Is HSV-1 genitally contagious?
8. What does it mean to be HSV-1 positive?
9. How can I prevent spreading hsv1?
10. Can someone with hsv1 give HSV-2?
11. Can you get both HSV-1 and 2?
12. Can a blood test tell the difference between hsv1 and hsv2?

Is hsv1 worse than hsv2?

Many people consider HSV-1 more benign, but it turns out there's not much difference between the two types of virus. While it's true that HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and can cause genital sores or blisters, type 1 can do the same thing.

Is HSV-1 an STD?

Although HSV-1 isn't technically an STD, you can potentially catch the virus through sex. If you receive oral sex from a person with HSV-1, there's a risk that the virus could make its way into your body through their saliva. When you acquire HSV-1 through oral sex, it leads to genital herpes rather than cold sores.

How do I know if I have hsv1 or 2?

HSV-2 Symptoms

The symptoms are similar to an initial HSV-1 outbreak, albeit localized to the genitals rather than the mouth and lips. The most obvious symptom of HSV-2 is the development genital herpes sores, which can form on the genitals, in the groin and upper thigh area and around the anus.

Is having HSV-2 a big deal?

Millions of people have herpes, and plenty of them are in relationships. For most couples, herpes isn't a huge deal. Try to go into the conversation with a calm, positive attitude. Having herpes is simply a health issue — it doesn't say anything about you as a person.

Can you have hsv2 and never have an outbreak?

However, either type of HSV can occur in the genital or oral region. An infection with both HSV types at the same time is also possible. Although some people carry the virus and never experience any symptoms, others may have frequent outbreaks.

Should I date someone with hsv1?

If you've recently found out that you have herpes, or recently found out you might be considering dating someone with HSV-1 or HSV-2, it's vital that you stay positive. With the right combination of medication, conversation and understanding, it's still very possible to form and maintain normal romantic relationships.

Is HSV-1 genitally contagious?

Prevention. HSV-1 is most contagious during an outbreak of symptomatic oral herpes, but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. People with active symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others and sharing objects that have contact with saliva.

What does it mean to be HSV-1 positive?

A positive HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgG antibody test means antibodies are present in your blood, which means you have had an infection in the past even if you haven't noticed any symptoms. The type of antibody detected indicates the type of HSV infection.

How can I prevent spreading hsv1?

How can I make sure I don't give anyone herpes?

1. Always use condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
2. Talk with your doctor about taking herpes medication every day, which can lower your chances of spreading herpes.
3. Don't have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom.

Can someone with hsv1 give HSV-2?

In the case of HSV-1, kissing or oral sex can spread the infection to another person, while HSV-2 can be contracted through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. A mother infected with a herpes virus can transmit the virus to her baby during birth if the virus is active at that time.

Can you get both HSV-1 and 2?

Infection with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 is remarkably common. In fact, the majority of people in the world are infected with one of the two herpes viruses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 6 people living in the United States has genital herpes.

Can a blood test tell the difference between hsv1 and hsv2?

A type-specific IgG test can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, which are present in the blood in people with herpes. A positive antibody test to HSV-2 would suggest genital herpes infection (since oral HSV-2 infection is rare).