Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Mouth Infection
What is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) mouth infection?
Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister. But this annoying and often
painful chronic condition is caused by a virus: herpes simplex. About 1 in 2 ro 4
in 5 U.S. adults have oral herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), by age 50, about 9 in 10 adults have been exposed to the virus.
The herpes sores (lesions) typically last a week to 10 days. They most often occur
around the lips, tongue, or the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth (oral
mucosa). The sores occur first as fluid-filled blisters that burst (rupture) after
a day or two. The sores will ooze fluid that has the virus. After a few days, the
sores will form crusts or scabs. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread
by skin-to-skin contact such as kissing.
What causes an HSV mouth infection?
The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus. Most
people with oral herpes were infected during childhood or as young adults from non-sexual
contact with infected saliva. It can be passed by kissing, touching the infected person's
skin, or sharing infected objects such as lip balm, silverware, or razors.
The 2 most common forms of the virus are:
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Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is most often linked to infections of the mouth. Up to 90% of people in the
U.S. have been exposed to this virus.
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Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This is most often linked to genital herpes infections. Up to 30% of people in the
U.S. have been exposed to this virus.
Both types of HSV can infect both the mouth and the genitals.
Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or
her life. When the virus is not active, it is dormant in a group of nerve cells. Some
people never have any symptoms from the virus. Others have periodic outbreaks of infections.
It is not clear what triggers the virus to return. But the factors below may play
a role:
Recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode. After
that the outbreaks then as the body builds antibodies to the virus.
What are the symptoms of an HSV mouth infection?
The initial (primary) infection of the oral herpes simplex virus is often the worst.
It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. But some
people have no symptoms at all. In the initial infection, sores can occur on and around
the lips and all over the mouth.
Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores often erupt in the edges
of the lips. Some people never have any more outbreaks beyond the initial infection.
These are the most common symptoms of a recurring oral herpes simplex virus infection:
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Initial redness, swelling, heat, and pain, or itching in the area where the infection
will erupt.
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Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. These blisters,
and the fluid they contain, are highly contagious.
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The blisters leak fluids and become sores.
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After about 4 to 6 days, the sores start to crust over and heal.
The symptoms of an oral HSV outbreak may look like other conditions or health problems.
Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is an HSV mouth infection diagnosed?
Herpes simplex virus is hard to diagnose. It is often confused with many other infections,
such as allergic reactions. And HSV can only be confirmed with a virus culture, blood
test, or biopsy. But a healthcare provider can often diagnose it based on where the
blisters are and how they look.
How is an HSV mouth infection treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend
on how severe the condition is.
Treatment may include:
What can I do to prevent an HSV mouth infection?
These tips can help you prevent an oral HSV infection:
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Don’t have direct contact with someone with herpes sores. Note: According to the CDC,
genital herpes (HSV-2) can be contagious without any symptoms.
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Don’t share silverware, glasses, straws, or other items with someone who has oral
herpes.
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Wash bedding and towels in boiling hot water after each use.
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Don’t have oral sex if you or your partner have oral herpes (HSV-1). HSV-1 can be
spread to the genitals, especially if you have oral blisters.
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To prevent a possible recurrence, use a sunblock that contains zinc oxide on your
lips.
Key points about an HSV mouth infection
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A cold sore or fever blister is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
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The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact such as kissing.
-
Herpes sores most often occur around the lips, tongue, or the mucous membrane lining
the inside of the mouth.
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Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or
her life.
-
Herpes sores typically last a week to 10 days. They most often occur around the lips,
tongue, or the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
visit.
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Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.