Oral herpes
Oral Herpes
Oral herpes (pronunciation: /ˈɔːrəl ˈhɜːrpiːz/) is a common infection of the mouth area. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus, either type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). However, most oral herpes is caused by HSV-1.
Etymology
The term "herpes" comes from the Greek word "herpein," which means "to creep," referring to the nature of the virus that creeps along nerve pathways. "Oral" is derived from Latin "os, oris" meaning mouth.
Symptoms
Oral herpes is also commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters due to the small, fluid-filled lesions it produces on the skin and mucous membranes. These sores may appear on the lips, gums, or inside the cheeks.
Transmission
Oral herpes is primarily transmitted by oral-to-oral contact with a person who has been infected with the virus through saliva. It can also be spread to the genitals through oral-genital contact, causing genital herpes.
Treatment
While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Some common antiviral medications include Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir.
Prevention
Prevention methods include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, especially when they're experiencing an outbreak, and not sharing items that come into contact with the mouth such as lip balm and eating utensils.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral herpes
- Wikipedia's article - Oral herpes
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