Herpes simplex type 1, or HSV-1, affects nearly 80% of the American population. It is a viral infection that most often shows itself in the form of a cold sore on or near the mouth of the infected individual. It is easily treatable, but there is currently no known cure for the virus.

The vast majority of people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 become infected as young children. The HSV-1 virus can be transmitted via direct contact with the virus, or through contaminated saliva. Once the virus is contracted, it stays within the human body for the duration of the infected persons life. The herpes type 1 symptoms are usually characterized by the periodic manifestation of a blister or a series of blisters on or inside a persons mouth. It can develop on the lips, gums, inner cheeks, and in the throat. The blisters are filled with fluid that tends to ooze from the sore. Eventually, the blisters will ulcerate and scab over. When the scabs fall off, the herpes episode is complete.

The frequency of the outbreaks vary from person to person, but generally speaking, the longer that the virus has been in the body, the less often the outbreaks occur. The first outbreak of the herpes simplex virus type 1 is often the most severe for the individual. As the virus settles, the body is able to form immunities to it, causing the lesions to develop less often. For these reasons, the herpes cold sores are seen most often in children, and less commonly in adults.

In some extreme cases, the HSV-1 virus can extend from the mouth down the face and onto the neck. There are several serious dangers, though uncommon, that can occur as a result of the herpes simplex type 1 virus. The virus can spontaneously develop in the eye, causing ocular herpes. This form of infection can lead to blindness. Herpes encephalitis can develop when the virus begins to affect the brain, which can lead to death.

The HSV-1 virus can form genital herpes, although it is uncommon. Most forms of genital herpes develop as a result of the HSV-2 virus, but when a person with HSV-1 performs oral sex on their partner when their virus is active, it can be transmitted to their partners genitals. Many of the cases of HSV-1 that are transmitted in adulthood are done so in this way.

The herpes simplex type 1 virus does not have a known cure, but a variety of treatments are easily accessible. Many people choose to manage the condition with prescription drugs. Prescription medications suppress the virus rate of recurrence, and help to minimize the discomfort caused be the lesions.

Many prescriptions are accompanied by unpleasant side effects, which have caused an increasing amount of people to turn to natural treatments for the condition. Olive Leaf, andrographis and echinacea can be taken to help boost the immune system of the sufferer, and lysine supplements aid in the healing process of areas affected by outbreaks. Additional dietary supplements and natural treatments are being researched, and positive results are being found more and more often.

Sheldon Miller is a health researcher who has been studying natural remedies for herpes and other STDs for many years. He is a regular contributor to Herpes Treatment Guide. Learn about the herpes simplex virus type 1 as well as various treatment options on the site.

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