Oral herpes is a common infection caused when the herpes simplex virus mostly HSV-1 but sometimes HSV-2 affects areas around the mouth, lips, gums, tongue, or face. The virus causes small, painful sores, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. But not everyone shows signs—some people never develop symptoms of the virus. Once you have herpes, you carry it for life.

What causes an HSV mouth infection?
What is Oral Herpes?
Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Oral herpes is also called herpes labialis. Oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV Most people in the United States are infected with this virus by age After the first infection, the virus goes to sleep becomes dormant in the nerve tissues in the face. Sometimes, the virus later wakes up reactivates , causing cold sores. Herpes virus type 2 HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes.
Symptoms in Men & Women
Fifty percent to 80 percent of U. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus by age Once infected, a person will have herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life. When inactive, the virus lies dormant in a group of nerve cells. While some people never develop any symptoms from the virus, others will have periodic outbreaks of infections. Oral herpesis spread most commonly from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch oral herpes by engaging in intimate or personal contact e. The initial primary infection of oral herpes is usually the worst. During the initial infection, sores can occur on and around the lips and throughout the mouth. Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores usually erupt on the edges of the lips.
Approximately 50 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes, typically caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV Most people contract oral herpes when they are children by receiving a kiss from a friend or relative. For some, symptoms may appear between the upper lip, on or inside the nose, or on the chin or cheek.