Final answer:
The belief that HSV type 1 only causes genital infections and is only transmitted sexually is false. HSV-1 commonly causes oral lesions but can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can infect various body sites, and genital herpes can be transmitted even without symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 causes genital infections only and is transmitted only through sexual contact is false. While HSV-2 is commonly associated with genital herpes, HSV-1, which is commonly associated with oral lesions or cold sores, can also cause genital infections. These infections can be transmitted through oral-genital contact as well as non-sexual means, and they represent an increasing percentage of genital herpes cases.
HSV-1 is highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct oral contact, which is why it is commonly acquired during childhood. Once infected, the virus becomes latent and can reside in nerve ganglia for long periods, with the potential to reactivate due to triggers like stress or environmental conditions. While it's traditional to associate HSV-2 with genital infections, it's important to recognize that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can infect various mucous membranes and can thus be responsible for infections in different parts of the body.
Moreover, Genital herpes can be asymptomatic or show mild to severe symptoms, and the virus can be transmitted even when symptoms are not present. There is no cure, but antiviral medications can reduce symptoms and the chance of transmission. During outbreaks, the likelihood of transmission is higher, and precautions should be taken to avoid spreading the virus.