ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Exam 2026 – Complete All-In-One Guide to Succeed

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is primarily associated with oral herpes, which is characterized by cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. This strain is commonly transmitted through oral contact, particularly during childhood, either via kissing or sharing utensils. While HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, it is predominantly linked to oral infections.

In contrast, the other types of herpes simplex virus have different associations. Type 2 (HSV-2) is primarily responsible for genital herpes, type 3 refers to the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox and shingles, and types 4 and others are less commonly discussed in the context of oral herpes. Therefore, recognizing that HSV-1 is the primary cause of oral herpes helps clarify the prevalence of this virus in common oral manifestations.