Final answer:
Herpes simplex technically refers to fever blisters or cold sores, which are most often caused by the HSV-1 virus. The virus can remain dormant and be reactivated, leading to recurrent symptoms that are highly contagious. While there is no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and reduce transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technical term Herpes simplex refers to fever blisters or cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Specifically, HSV-1 is commonly responsible for these blisters that appear typically on or around the lips. On the other hand, HSV-2 is primarily associated with genital herpes but both types can infect any mucous membrane on the body.
Herpes simplex virus is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus that remains latent in the body's nerve cells, such as the trigeminal nerve ganglia for HSV-1. The virus may be reactivated by factors like stress, leading to the recurrence of symptoms. These lesions can form blisters, break open, and crust over during flare-ups. The condition is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact even if the infected individual is asymptomatic.
While cold sores are the most visible sign of an HSV-1 infection, the virus can also lead to other complications including eye infections, meningitis, or encephalitis in some cases. There is currently no cure for herpes simplex virus; once infected, the virus remains in the body for life, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing transmission.