It's a common question asked by newly diagnosed cold sore sufferers, as well as those living with or dating someone with cold sores. Are these sores a form of herpes?
Herpes: the basics
Cold sores are a form of the Herpes Simplex virus. Even though it is two different strains that cause genital and oral sores, the strains can infect either site with blisters and sores. It is possible for the Herpes virus to infect your nose, mouth, hands, genitals, and even your brain. The general rule of thumb for the medical community is that the HSV1 virus affects areas above the waist, and the HSV2 virus affects areas below the waist.
No matter where in the world you live, there's no denying the social stigma attached to herpes. It's as if people hear the word and are morbidly repulsed. In truth, cold sores and Herpes can affect anyone. It's as likely that a prostitute to have the virus, as it is for a nun to have it! From wealthy executives to young children, it's a virus that doesn't play favorites. Of course, it doesn't help matters that it's just so easy to contract either! Some statistics estimate as many as 80% of the population has come into contact with the herpes virus. In one frightening study done in 1997, less than ten percent of the people who tested positive for the herpes virus knew they were infected!
About the term "herpes"
The word "herpes" came from the original Latin word meaning, "to creep" or "crawling". The use of the word dates back to ancient Greece and originally referred to a wide range of skin disorders, none of them pretty. Through the many hundreds of years in between, the word herpes has come to refer to the genital strain of the STD, which is not always the case. In fact, the herpes virus also causes Shingles and chickenpox. Some sources say that most HSV1 infections occur before the age of 10, and there are some shocking statistics about possible future infection rates. When it comes to herpes, the stigma runs deep and the fear is very real.
The terms "cold sores" and "fever blisters" are euphemisms for the herpes simplex virus. There is more than one kind of herpes. Just because you suffer from one, does not mean you will suffer from genital herpes, and vice versa. Although it's generally accepted that cold sore caused by the herpes virus, "are they a form of herpes?" must rank highly as one of the most frequently asked questions by newly diagnosed sufferers. The good news is that they are caused by a different strain of this virus; the bad news is that this virus is also known as herpes. The harsh reality is that once you tell someone you suffer from Herpes, his or her immediate assumption will be that you are talking about the genital variety
Slowly but fortunately, society is becoming more aware every day. Not only can you prevent it, but you can successfully treat any sores that may appear. Anyone can now make it a manageable part of their lives.
There's no need to panic if you suffer from cold sores and are afraid that your cold sores are a form of the genital herpes. Are cold sores a form of herpes? Yes. Does this mean the end of the world? No! Take preventative measures and be careful in the days leading up to an outbreak and the chances are slim that you will ever have to suffer through this STD.
How would you like to never have to worry about cold sore outbreaks again?, Find out how you can truly be cold sore free fore-ever.
Go visit the Cure-Cold-Sores.com website.
