What is commonly referred to as oral herpes?

Oral herpes is commonly associated with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus typically manifests as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and can be transmitted through oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils. While Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is mainly linked to genital herpes, both types can cause infections in either area under certain circumstances.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 3 is known as the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox and shingles, while Herpes Simplex Virus types 4 is associated with Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis. These types do not relate to oral herpes. Thus, recognizing HSV-1 as the primary cause of oral herpes is crucial for understanding its transmission and treatment options.