A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that at least 45 million Americans are currently hosting one of the viruses responsible for genital herpes: herpes simplex virus 1 or 2 (HSV1 or HSV2).

At least one in four Americans are known to be infected with the viruses that cause genital herpes. Outbreaks of genital herpes lesions can be painful and embarrassing.

There are eight herpes viruses which cause 7 different illnesses. Cold sores result from two of them: Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1 or oral herpes) and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2 or genital herpes).

Cold sores always seem to pop up at the worst moments: the night before a big meeting or the day you meet your new in-laws. This is not a random event; cold sores are much more likely to occur when we’re under stress or when we’re ill.

Cold sores are always serious. They are symptoms of the highly contagious herpes simplex virus 1 and can be contracted very easily. It’s important to know the distinction between cold sores and other common types of mouth sores.

Cold sores seem like minor inconveniences at best. Most people don’t know just how highly contagious they are, and that they can cause serious problems. Cold sores are symptoms of the all too common herpes simplex virus 1, or oral herpes.

After you are infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), you won’t immediately know this has occurred. It usually takes between two to 20 days before any outbreaks develop and sometimes they don’t occur until you are infected again.

Stress is definitely a factor for herpes outbreaks. Many people experience the most recurring outbreaks during stressful times and instances when they are ill.

Not everyone carries the herpes simplex type one virus. Many people are carrying it without knowledge of the fact, because there are no visible or obvious symptoms. This is the main cause of the herpes virus spreading.

Saliva is one of the highest causes of herpes spreading, so you can definitely catch the herpes virus from kissing someone who has it. This is especially so if the person has the blisters around their mouth or on their lips.