Skincare Treated

What Is HSV-1 Primary Infection?

An HSV-1 primary infection is the name given to the first time a person is infected by the herpes simplex virus Type 1.

Two Types of HSV

There are two types of herpes simplex viruses – Type 1 and Type 2. The first type causes diseases such as cold sores and the second type usually causes genital herpes.

While Type-1 usually affects the upper half of the body, Type-2 strikes the lower half.

Primary infection takes place when a patient is infected with either of the two HSV viruses for the first time. The manifestation can vary, though.

In some cases there is absolutely no visible sign. The individual is then a carrier of the HSV-1 without knowing it.

Viral Shedding

He or she can also spread the disease without knowing it as precautions would not have been taken. This happens when the virus replicates itself in the nervous system and sheds or drops off the body. This is called viral shedding.

On the other hand, the HSV-1 primary infection could be full-blown and accompanied by blisters, ulcers or red inflamed areas called lesions. These may first erupt at various sites on the body, not sparing the eyes, mouth or even the genitals.

In the majority of cases, the HSV-1 primary infection exhibits no overt symptoms. But when a child contracts the virus, it can be very painful.

It usually results in blisters in the mouth, gums and on the soft palate and is accompanied by a sore throat. The insides of the cheeks are also not spared.

HSV in Children

On some occasions, the child may stop eating and need to be hospitalized for dehydration along with a fever and swollen nymph nodes.

If you’re an adolescent and you have sore tonsils, you might want to get tested for HSV-1 primary infection. If this is accompanied by blisters, chances are you are infected.

There are other full-blown diseases like erythema multiforme that are connected but not caused by HSV-1 primary infection.

Recurring Bouts

Except in patients who exhibit no symptoms throughout their lives, others who contract the Type 1 virus suffer from painful and ugly recurring bouts of cold sores.

The HSV Type-1 virus can never be eliminated form the body and treatment can only relieve symptoms. But the HSV-1 primary infection remains the most painful and severe bout.