Cold Sores and Herpes?

Question

What is the difference between the two? If I have a cold sore, does this mean I have herpes? Should I feel dirty? =(

Answer 1

There really is no difference besides the fact that one occurs on the lips and mouth area and the other occurs in the genital area.

The herpes simplex virus is responsible for BOTH cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), while genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2). However, BOTH cold sores and genital herpes can be cause by either HSV1 or HSV2.

If you have cold sores, then yes, you have herpes. Cold sores are NOT considered a STD though because the most common way of contracting them is by kissing someone who has them. Cold sores can also be passed by sharing drinks with someone who has cold sores, lip stick, chap stick, cigarettes, etc.

Genital herpes IS a STD because the most common way on contracting it is through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).

A LOT of people have herpes. It's estimated about 75 - 80% of the world has cold sores, while about 25% of the world has genital herpes. Also, have you ever had the chickenpox? Guess what, that's herpes. Chickenpox is herpes simplex virus 3 (HSV3).

Take care!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

It does mean you have oral herpes which is normally caused by the virus hsv-1. But 60-95% of the population has this virus orally and it is not associated with stigma in the same way genital herpes is.

However, they are not distinct viruses - there are two types, type 1 and type 2, type 1 usually causes oral herpes like you have if you have a cold sore and type 2 is usually found on the genitals, but type 1 can be caught on the genitals as well. Among female college students diagnosed with genital herpes I believe up to 75% of new cases are caused by type 1. This is becasue people who don't already have oral herpes and have a partner that does who gives them oral sex are at risk of catching genital hsv'1 through their partner's oral infection being transferred to their genitals. So if you ever give oral sex just be careful because you could give your partner genital herpes. This is what happened to me. No, you shouldn't feel dirty. I'd much rather have it on my face than downstairs. People don't judge you for having cold sores.

Answer 5

I got diagnosed with herpes (type 2) about five years back, whilst I was still attending college and had a stupid one-night stand. I realize a lot of people say this, but I swear I had never done that sort of thing before. I just made a massive mistake that one time and suddenly it seemed like I was going to have to live with the consequences for the rest of my life. The worst part was feeling I could never date men again. After all, who wants to go out with a girl who has sores around her private parts? But since a friend shared this video https://tr.im/A0zXA everything improved.

Not only was I able to clear away all remnants of the herpes virus from my body in less than 21 days, but I was also able to begin dating again. I even met the guy of my dreams and I'm so lucky to write that just a week ago, in front of everybody in a crowded restaurant, he got down on one knee and proposed to me!!! This system provided me the opportunity to be happy and experience real love again. Now I want to help others by sharing this story.

Answer 6

Yes, if you have a cold sore you DO have herpes....however, the cold sore herpes and the genital herpes are not the same.....just cousins. For a cold sore, use plenty of camphor or Blistex. Pops

Answer 7

Herpes labialis / oral known as cold sore is one of herpes type caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.

I think you refer herpes as herpes genitalis. Herpes genitalis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. But nowadays, it's not always like that.

So, yes, if you have cold sore, you have herpes.
Should you feel dirty ? I don't know. Should you ?

Think this way : you can get cold sore, simply by kissing someone had it. So is it dirty to kiss someone ? Of course not. You can get it by giving unprotected oral sex to someone, is it dirty to giving pleasure to someone you (maybe) in love with ? I don't think so.

I never think std as "dirty", maybe "unlucky" (and cold sore not always std, right ?!).

Instead of thinking like that, you better get your self good medicine to reduce it's outbreak frequency.
And avoid kissing someone else while you still had cold sore. Other than that - nothing to worry about.

Cheer up girl. Bless you.

Answer 8

There are several different genetic strains of herpes, cold sores being a lesser of the STD.