Just about everyone is aware that a male or a female can contact genital herpes from someone who has this sexually transmitted disease. This type of herpes virus is very well known as HSV-2. Recent studies have proven that this herpes virus can also be passed on orally.

Both sets of symptoms are very similar to one another. Blisters and sores can appear on different parts of the body. Although as the name suggests, those who have contacted oral herpes will have signs of the virus on the mouth. While those who have contacted genital herpes will show signs of the disease on the penis of the male, and vagina or cervix of the female. In some cases, the virus may also be inside the urinary tract of both males or females.

Oral herpes will first begin as lesions. Doctors refer to the initial outbreak as the primary episode. These lesions will appear between two to tens days after the start of the infection. These are small red lesions that will mature into blisters, and then turn into full-blown sores.

The infected individual’s gums will become swollen and red. There have been incidents with some patients where their tongues develop a white coating. This condition will last for two to three weeks. After that time, they will dry up, and heal without scaling.

In addition to the obvious physical signs of oral herpes, other symptoms may be finding it difficult to eat, running a fever, feelings of irritability, and muscle pain. The varying symptoms make it very difficult for the doctor to conclusively tell if the patient has oral herpes. It is not until the sores or blisters begin to appear on the face that a final diagnosis of oral herpes can be made.

Oral herpes, just like genital herpes, is passed on while touching, kissing, and during intercourse.

Unfortunately, an infected adult can also unintentionally transmit this to a child with a simple good night kiss. The good news regarding this infection, is that oral herpes can be controlled with the proper medication.

Proper hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent the spread of oral herpes. People should wash their face regularly, especially the affected area, with soap and water. For someone infected with this disease, it is important to remember not to hold, or even touch an infant, since the immune system of a baby will be unable to fight off this disease.

Oral herpes may last longer than another type of herpes virus. The reason is stress. Those who are not highly stressed individuals can recover in two weeks, while those who have to face the daily pressures of work, or home life, and find doing so to be difficult, will suffer a little while longer.

Anti-viral tablets are the best-known medication to help control oral herpes. Studies have shown that these medications can also help to prevent the disease from recurring.

Some patients are forced to be confined in the hospital, and to undergo IV medication until they recover. This happens only to those patients who are suffering from severe cases of oral herpes, or to infants and young children.