Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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HSV-1 - Oral Herpes
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Oral herpes is a common condition that shows up as blisters in the mouth or the area around it. They usually develop on the gums, roof of the mouth, outside of the lips, or the nostrils. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, or HSV-1.
What is going on in the body?
Oral herpes occurs in two stages: primary infection and recurrence of infection. At some time during childhood, most people come down with the primary infection. The individual may or may not have symptoms. This primary infection takes about two weeks to clear up. After that, the virus remains in the body but is inactive.
After this primary infection, a recurrence can happen at any time. Many outbreaks occur without any obvious reason. However, the following factors may trigger a recurrence:
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Oral herpes is caused by the HSV-1 virus. People in the following categories may be more at risk for oral herpes: