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.
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 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.
As far as initial herpes symptoms in men go, a man infected with HSV-1 will experience exactly the same symptoms as a man infected with HSV-2 (genital herpes). In both cases, outbreaks are accompanied by the onset of fatigue, unexplained muscle aches, and fever. Furthermore, while common genital herpes symptoms in men include tingling sensations, itching and burning in the groin region or on the genitals, these identical symptoms occur on or around the lips and mouth of men who are experiencing an oral herpes outbreak.
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.
The last common thread between oral herpes and genital herpes symptoms in men, is that the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses responsible for them are incurable. However, it is this similarity that may eventually prove beneficial to researchers in their attempts to find a vaccine for the virus. With research teams dedicated to both strains of the virus working on a cure, the likelihood is high that a breakthrough in one would open the door to find a cure for the other.
Learn more about Herpes Symptoms in Men. Stop by Devin Brindinshire’s site where you can find out all about Cold Sore Remedies and other herpes-related issues.
