Just How Much Alike Are Oral Herpes And Genital Herpes Symptoms In Men?

Just How Much Alike Are Oral Herpes And Genital Herpes Symptoms In Men

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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.

Starting off by analyzing transmission of the two viruses, HSV-2 may be transmitted through sexual activity while HSV-1 is transmitted through less-intimate daily activities, but the manner in which the viruses enter the body is the same. In fact, the only difference between the two infections is the activity responsible for the physical contact between the infected person and the new host.

In order for transmission of either the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus to take place, the infected individual must be going through the contagious stage of the infection. This stage is commonly called a "breakout", and comes about when the virus begins replicating itself, or "shedding" as the process is sometimes referred to. Physical contact with small cuts, scrapes, or other openings on a persons skin is then required to pass the virus on to a new host - although, in the case of HSV-1, the virus can be passed on through contact with saliva on another surface.

When comparing primary herpes symptoms in men caused by the two viruses, the similarities between the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are nearly indistinguishable. Outbreaks caused by either virus often begin with fever and other flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, and fatigue. The tingling, itching, and burning sensations generally experienced on the lips and around the mouth in oral herpes infections will also occur in cases of genital herpes infections - with the same exact symptoms appearing on the genitals and groin area.

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.

Of all the similarities between oral and genital herpes in men, perhaps the greatest one is one which sufferers would least like to acknowledge - the fact that both forms of the virus are incurable. Nonetheless, it is this apparent negative that could one day lead to a positive result for sufferers of both viruses. Due to the near-identical nature of HSV-1 and HSV-2, any medical breakthrough that benefits those afflicted with one virus would likely also benefit those infected with the other.

Want to find out more about Herpes Symptoms in Men?, then visit Devin Brindinshire's site to find the answer to, What Does Herpes Look Like ?

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