Generalities:

Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth or gums due to Herpes simplex virus. This infection causes small and painful blisters (aphthae, mouth sores, fever or fires) or febrile herpes. Oral herpes is also known as lip herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (VHS-1).

Symptoms:

Warning symptoms include: Itching on the lips or on the skin around the mouth. Burning near the lips or the area of the mouth. Tingling near the lips or the area of the mouth.

Before the blisters appear, the following may occur: Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing.

Transmission:

By direct contact with an infected person (saliva), Less contagious if latent, more contagious when active.