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Conditions and Diseases > Herpes and Genital Warts Forum > HSV-1 manifestations versus HSV-2
20% of the population has or carries herpes simplex virus. But do you know what herpes is? Learn about causes and risk factors for herpes. ...
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Q: HSV-1 manifestations versus HSV-2
asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 14th, 2009
Can a person be infected with HSV 1 & 2 at the same time?

I thought i had genital herpes only but i also realised that my
face has it and around my mouth!!!

Is that the reason why my adominal is so pain!


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Dr. Andrijana Shterjovska , MD
replied on July 20th, 2009
Herpes and Genital Warts Answer A6970


Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two different species of the herpes virus family and the immune system of the body recognizes them as different. Having HSV 1 infection does not necessarily protect against HSV 2 infection. The location of the infection also cannot clearly indicate the exact species of Herpes Simplex Virus.


Although HSV-1 infection is much more common as herpes labialis (affecting the oral mucosa) and HSV-2 infection is much more expressed as herpes genitalis (affecting the genitals), there are reported cases with increasing frequency of HSV-1 caused herpes genitalis and HSV-2 caused herpes labialis.


However, the immune system recognizes them once it gets in contact with the species. So, it is rather rare that a person that already has HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection on one location (labialis or genitalis) acquires infection with the same species on the other location.


You might want to consult with a dermatologist for additional information about possible simultaneous infection and manifestation of both HSV-1 and HSV-2.




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