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.
Starting off by analyzing transmission of the two viruses, HSV-2 may be transmitted through sexual activity while HSV-1 is transmitted through less-intimate daily activities, but the manner in which the viruses enter the body is the same. In fact, the only difference between the two infections is the activity responsible for the physical contact between the infected person and the new host.
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.
The stages of an outbreak caused by either virus are identical as well. In both genital and oral herpes outbreaks, sores and clusters of blisters will appear within two to 12 days of the onset, with ulcers, crusts, and eventually scabs forming several days later. The total healing time following an outbreak of either infection is typically 10-14 days.
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?
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