The herpes 1 virus, which is often abbreviated HSV-1, is the most common cause of oral herpes. Those who have contracted the affliction become susceptible to recurring cold sores that are often seen on people’s lips or around their mouths. Some studies have reported that up to 80% of the American population has this form of the herpes virus present in their system.

The condition is often contracted as a child, and active outbreaks are most common in children. The herpes type 1 virus can be easily transmitted between children. The viral elements are strongest in the actual sores that develop, and direct contact with these sores can result in a transfer of the virus, but transmission in also possible when contaminated saliva is passed on. In childhood, the sharing of toys, and the fact that it is not uncommon for children to come in contact with each other while playing, makes it difficult to develop a foolproof prevention method.

From the start of the first outbreak, the human body begins to form antibodies against the virus. The herpes virus can become dormant in a person after a significant amount of antibodies have been formed. This dormancy can continue for lengthy amounts of time, often resulting in monthly and yearly periods where there are no indications of an outbreak. By the time a child with herpes simplex one has reached adulthood, the antibodies have usually built up enough to prevent outbreaks from developing at all. It is possible to contract herpes 1 as an adult, though it is uncommon.

Genital herpes can develop as a result of contracting herpes type 1, although it occurs far less frequently than the oral manifestation of the virus. The most common method of transmitting the genital variation to another person is through oral sex. When the virus produces an active outbreak in a person’s mouth or on their lips, contact between the infected area and the genitals has the potential to produce genital herpes in the sexual partner of the person with herpes 1. Once a person has contracted genital herpes as a result of HSV-1, they can then spread the virus to the genitals of later sexual partners. It is more common, however, for most incidences of genital herpes to be caused as a result of the herpes 2 virus. In order to prevent the transmission to the genitals, condoms or dental dams should be used when an infected person engages in any kind of sexual contact.

It is not known exactly what triggers the onset of the Herpes simplex one outbreaks. Most doctors and researchers have agreed that various forms of stress, such as facial injury, sunburns, trauma, and surgery, are the most common contributing factors to outbreaks. The presences of additional temporary viral infections, particularly those that dwell in the respiratory system, have also resulted in the formation of outbreaks. It has been confirmed, however, that people with weak immune systems often suffer from herpes 1 outbreaks more often than those with stronger immune systems.

Once a person contracts herpes type 1, they have the virus within their bodies for the remainder of their lives. There are no known cures for the condition, but it can be easily treated. Both prescription and natural remedies are available to aid in the treatment of the symptoms.