Just How Much Alike Are Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men?

The commonly-held myth that genital herpes and oral herpes symptoms in men are drastically different owes its genesis, at least in part, to the distinctly different way in which the HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) infections are viewed by society. Given the stigma associated with genital herpes vs. the relative acceptance of oral herpes, it may come as a surprise to learn that researchers have found the two viruses to be 98% identical. It may also come as a surprise to learn just how similar the experience of an outbreak is for men infected with the two different forms of the Herpes Simplex Virus.

Despite the fact that the HSV-1 virus is generally transmitted through saliva (sometimes without the infected person actually making physical contact with the new host), and the HSV-2 virus is transmitted via intimate, sexual activity, the process of infection is identical. Only the vehicles of transmission differ.

In either case, the herpes carrier must be in the process of replicating, or “shedding”, the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus (this occurs during outbreaks) in order to be contagious. Additionally, the infected individual must make some type of physical contact (this can occur by leaving saliva or body fluids on a surface that is later touched by another person) in order to pass on the virus. In order to complete the transmission, the non-infected person must have scrapes, cuts or other openings in the skin through which the virus can enter the body.

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.

Whether experiencing an HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak, the infected person will experience the same symptoms. Anywhere between two and 12 days from the start of the outbreak, sores and clusters of blisters will start to form at the site of infection. As the sores burst, drain and leave behind ulcers in the days that follow, a healing period lasting between 10-14 days will typically begin.

Unfortunately, both versions of the Herpes Simplex Virus also share a commonality in that they are incurable. Given the numerous similarities between the two, however, this may actually improve the chances that researchers will one day discover a vaccine that makes HSV-1 and HSV-2 a thing of the past. After all, given the stunning similarities between the two viruses, doesn’t it stand to reason that a medical breakthrough made in the treatment of one, should benefit the other as well?

Looking for more information on Herpes Symptoms in Men?, then visit www.herpessymptoms-inmen.com to find advice on Cold Sore Remedies and other herpes-related issues.