What Is Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), though HSV-2 can also cause it.
It commonly leads to cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth or lips.
The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through kissing, oral sex, or sharing utensils.

Oral Herpes Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of oral herpes?

  • Tingling, itching, or burning around the lips before blisters appear
  • Clusters of painful blisters that crust over
  • Sore throat or fever during initial infection

Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder and triggered by stress, sun exposure, or illness.

Did you know? Over 70% of women and about 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.

How is oral herpes spread?

Oral herpes spreads through direct contact with infected skin or saliva.
Common ways include kissing, sharing lip balm, or performing oral sex.
Transmission can occur even when no sores are visible.

Oral Herpes Statistics

Who is most at risk for oral herpes?

  • People exposed to HSV-1 in childhood
  • Individuals who engage in oral sex
  • Those with weakened immune systems

Oral Herpes Incidence by Age and Sex (U.S., 2023)

  • Around 50–80% of U.S. adults have HSV-1
  • Most infections occur during childhood
  • Increasing rates of HSV-1 genital infections among young adults

Oral Herpes Treatment

There is no cure, but antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir reduce symptoms and outbreaks.
Topical creams can relieve pain and speed healing.
Avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy immune system helps minimize recurrences.

Oral Herpes FAQs

What is the cause of oral herpes?

Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is highly contagious and usually spread through close personal contact like kissing. Most people get infected in childhood or young adulthood, and while there’s no cure, antiviral treatments can help manage outbreaks effectively.

When is oral herpes contagious?

Oral herpes is most contagious during an outbreak when sores or blisters are present, but it can also spread even without visible symptoms through viral shedding. Using protection and avoiding direct contact with the infected area can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Does oral herpes go away?

Oral herpes is a lifelong condition caused by the herpes simplex virus, meaning it doesn’t completely go away. However, outbreaks usually become less frequent and less severe over time, and antiviral treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce transmission.

How do I prevent oral herpes?

Avoid direct contact with sores or saliva from someone who has oral herpes, especially during an outbreak. Using barriers like dental dams or condoms during oral sex can also reduce the risk.

Can I still kiss if I have oral herpes?

It’s best to avoid kissing when you have an active oral herpes outbreak, as the virus can easily spread through direct contact with sores. When there are no visible symptoms, the risk of transmission is lower but not zero, so using caution is still important.

Can you tell when someone has oral herpes?

Oral herpes often causes small, painful blisters or sores around the mouth, but some people may have no visible symptoms. It’s best diagnosed through a medical exam or a swab test of any sores.

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