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Is genital HSV-1 rare?
Overall, 17.1\% (95\% confidence interval [CI], 14.9\%–19.3\%) of 1145 genital HSV isolates obtained during 1993–1997 were HSV-1. The proportion of HSV-1 among initial genital herpes infections was higher among men who had sex with men (46.9\%) than among women (21.4\%) and was lowest among heterosexual men (14.6\%).
Can HSV-1 appear on your genital area?
HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes — each strain prefers to live on its favorite area. But it’s totally possible for both types of herpes simplex to infect either area. For example, you can get HSV-1 on your genitals if someone with a cold sore on their lips gives you oral sex.
Is HSV-1 more contagious orally or genitally?
There’s evidence that HSV-1 may be more infectious than HSV-2. This means that penile or vaginal oral sex given by a partner who has a cold sore may be riskier than genital-to-genital contact or penetrative sex with a partner who has HSV-2 genital herpes.
How quickly does HSV-1 appear?
Once you’ve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears. The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days. For most people, the symptoms begin to show up in about 3 to 6 days.
Would I know if I had HSV-1?
The only way to find out for sure if you have genital herpes is to get checked out by a doctor or nurse. If you have symptoms, they can tell you if it’s herpes by looking at or testing the sores. If you don’t have symptoms, they can do a blood test.
Is it hard to date with HSV-1?
If you’ve recently found out that you have herpes, or recently found out you might be considering dating someone with HSV-1 or HSV-2, it’s vital that you stay positive. With the right combination of medication, conversation and understanding, it’s still very possible to form and maintain normal romantic relationships.
Is HSV-1 really that bad?
Herpes isn’t deadly and it usually doesn’t cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.