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

By Bill Maher

Thanks in part to the social stigma attached to genital herpes, the misconception exists that genital herpes symptoms in men and women are dramatically different from the symptoms experienced by those infected with oral herpes. This commonly-held view couldn't be farther from the truth.

As a matter of fact, with the HSV-1 (resposible for oral herpes) and HSV-2 (the cause of genital herpes) viruses sharing 98% of the same traits at a genetic level, the symptoms they cause are nearly indistinguishable from one another - apart from the obvious exception of where they appear on the body.

First off, with regards to transmission, the HSV-1 virus is usually passed on through saliva (although the virus is usually picked up by the hands and then transmitted to the mouth and face) whereas HSV-2, as we all know, is generally transmitted via sexual intercourse. Despite these apparent differences, the manner in which the virus infects its new host is identical.

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.

During primary outbreaks, the initial herpes symptoms experienced by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 patients are identical. The first warning signs of an outbreak caused by either virus is sudden fatigue, flu-like symptoms and fever, as well as mysterious muscle aches.

Additionally, the tingling, burning, and itching sensations that usually appear on the genitals and groin at the onset of a genital herpes outbreak, are often experienced on the lips and around the mouth by men infected with the HSV-1 virus.

Whether experiencing an HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak, the infected person will experience the same symptoms. Anywhere between 2 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.

A good cold sore treatment plan will not only get rid of your outbreaks quickly, but stop future recurrences.