From the Guidelines
Oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2) are distinct infections caused by related herpes simplex viruses, with the primary difference being their typical site of infection, and while either type can infect both locations, HSV-1 primarily affects the mouth and HSV-2 typically affects the genitals. The main difference between oral and genital herpes is their typical site of infection: HSV-1 primarily affects the mouth, causing cold sores on the lips, gums, or tongue, while HSV-2 typically affects the genitals, causing painful blisters in the genital area.
- HSV-1 is extremely common, with about 67% of people under 50 having the infection globally, and is usually transmitted through oral contact like kissing 1.
- HSV-2 affects about 11% of people aged 15-49 worldwide and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact 1. Both infections remain dormant in nerve cells between outbreaks, which can be triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure. Treatment for both types is similar, using antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir to reduce symptoms and outbreak duration, and there is no expected difference in efficacy for treatment between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection 1. For frequent outbreaks, daily suppressive therapy with these medications can reduce recurrences and lower transmission risk. While neither infection can be cured, proper management can significantly reduce their impact on quality of life, and accurate diagnosis of genital herpes can be realized using type-specific molecular or virologic tests when genital ulcers are present, and type-specific serologic test to detect antibody when lesions are not present 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Difference between Oral and Genital Herpes
- Oral herpes, also known as herpes labialis, is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) that affects the mouth and lips, resulting in cold sores or fever blisters 2.
- Genital herpes, on the other hand, is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) that affects the genital area, resulting in painful blisters or sores 3, 4.
- While both types of herpes are caused by the same virus, they affect different parts of the body and have different symptoms.
Symptoms and Treatment
- The symptoms of oral herpes include cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth and lips, while the symptoms of genital herpes include painful blisters or sores on the genital area 2.
- Both types of herpes can be treated with antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Suppressive therapy with oral antiviral medications can also be used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in individuals with frequent recurrences 3, 4, 6.
Key Differences
- The main difference between oral and genital herpes is the location of the infection, with oral herpes affecting the mouth and lips, and genital herpes affecting the genital area 2.
- Another key difference is the type of virus that causes the infection, with oral herpes typically caused by HSV-1, and genital herpes typically caused by HSV-2 3, 4.
- The symptoms and treatment of oral and genital herpes also differ, with oral herpes typically causing cold sores or fever blisters, and genital herpes causing painful blisters or sores 2.