A member asked:
Does the same virus that causes genital herpes cause cold sores?
6 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kevin Windischanswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
Yes: Herpes viruses come in two flavors- HSV i and HSV ii. Either virus can occur on the lips or in the genitalia.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Minanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: No, not typically. The virus that causes genital herpes is usually herpes simplex virus type II while the virus that causes cold sores is usually herpes simplex virus type i. I say usually because it is possible that the virus goes from the mouth to the genital area and vice versa with contact with an active lesion.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bert Mandelbaumanswered
Pediatrics 25 years experience
No: In general, the virus that causes cold sores is hsv-1. The virus that cause genital herpes is hsv-2. Both viruses are part of the same herpes family but are classified as different "sub-types", meaning we can distinguish between them in a lab. Either subtype can cause cold sores or genital herpes, but in general, hsv-1 causes cold sores and hsv-2 causes genital herpes.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 34 years experience
Yes: Oral herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes are both caused by herpes simplex virus. Oral infections are usually caused by the type 1 virus strain, and genital infections by the type 2 strain. However, these are equal opportunity viruses so the usually oral type 1 strain can cause herpes in the genital location, and the usually type 2 genital strain can cause oral herpes.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jesse Millsanswered
Urology 21 years experience
Yes and no: They are closely related but you can't get genital herpes from an oral sore under normal circumstances.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Donatoanswered
Urology 26 years experience
Herpes Transmission: Herpes simplex virus (hsv) has two types: type i generally infects the mouth and produces "fever blisters". Type ii more commonly is genital. However, performing oral sex on someone infected with hsv i or ii can result in oral herpes. There are blood tests that can quickly determine if you've been infected with either strain. Antivirals help to reduce shedding and infection.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 22-year-old member asked:
I learned cold sores are caused by herpes. Is it the same forms as genital herpes?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 34 years experience
Can be type 1 or 2: Cold sores on or near the lips are due to recurrence of herpes type 1 or 2. Herpes viruses, after the initial infection, live in a person's nerves and travel down the nerves to the surface to form blisters that break open, spreading more virus. Type 1 is more common on the lips, and type 2 more common on the genitals. With people engaging in oral sex, either type can be in one or both locations.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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