HSV-1 is the main trigger of orolabial herpes, which is commonly referred to as "cold sores". Gingivostomatitis is the clinical hallmark of the disease, and it consists in recurring ulcerative blisters on the mucosal surfaces of the lips and oral cavity. Vesicles are typically grouped and impose on an inflammatory, erythematous base [1]. Episodes are of acute onset, and a general trend towards a lessening severity of symptoms can be observed in the majority of patients. Indeed, first episodes may be associated with constitutional symptoms like fever, headache, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, and myalgia [2], while recurrences may be limited to some hours of prodromal symptoms like tenderness, pain, burning or itching sensations at the site of reactivation. In the immunocompetent host, bouts of orolabial herpes are generally self-limiting, and symptoms tend to subside after 10-14 days, if they do progress beyond the prodromal stage. Months or even years may pass until the next episode [1]. More severe and persistent lesions are observed in the immunocompromised and neonates [3].

Affected neonates may have acquired HSV-1 in utero, during delivery, or postnatally. The earlier the infection is established, the more detrimental consequences are to be expected. Congenital herpes simplex may cause abortion, stillbirth or perinatal death. In case of survival, growth retardation and developmental delays become apparent soon after birth. Microcephaly, encephalomalacia and intracranial calcifications are characteristic features of congenital herpes simplex and may be detected during the first days of life. The patients may suffer from fever, lethargy, and seizures, and present eye and skin lesions. Microphthalmia, cataract, chorioretinitis, and optic atrophy are common findings, and neonates often have a vesicular rash [2]. Pathogen dissemination is possible and may entail multiple organ failure and death [4].

Beyond that, immunodeficiency augments the risk of disseminated herpes simplex. HSV-1 may reach the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and other organ systems, thereby inducing life-threatening HSV-1 encephalitis, pneumonia, or hepatitis, among others. These complications may result in the following clinical pictures:

• Encephalitis caused by HSV-1 may be associated with fever, an altered mental state, and a broad spectrum of neurological deficiencies [5].
• Dyspnea and cough are the most common symptoms of HSV-1 pneumonia. Fever, tachypnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis are less frequently reported [6].
• Herpes simplex hepatitis tends to follow a fulminant course. Affected individuals suffer from fever and hepatic encephalopathy, while upper abdominal pain and jaundice are usually absent. Analyses of blood samples reveal leukopenia as well as severely increased levels of hepatic transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase [7].
• Herpes lymphadenitis is typically associated with hematological malignancies and manifests in the painful enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. Neither mucous membranes and nor the skin is involved.

Further manifestations of HSV-1 infections comprise herpetic whitlow and ocular infections. The latter may result in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, epithelial or stromal keratitis, iridocyclitis or retinitis [8]. Herpetic whitlow is also referred to as herpetic paronychia and is characterized by an acute, often painful vesicular eruption on the fingers [1].

• Cervical Lymphadenopathy

  Indeed, first episodes may be associated with constitutional symptoms like fever, headache, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, and myalgia, while recurrences may be limited to some hours of prodromal symptoms like tenderness, pain, burning or itching [symptoma.com]

  There may be associated fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, halitosis, lethargy, irritability and loss of appetite. [patient.info]

  Initial infection Nonspecific symptoms: fever, headache, malaise myalgia, painful lymphadenopathy in the groin area Lesions in the anogenital area (see above) Urinary tract: dysuria, urethritis, cervicitis, urinary retention (rarely) White, thick, and [amboss.com]

  Vesicles may also develop on the lips and skin around the mouth (herpetic dermatitis), and cervical lymphadenopathy can occur. Recurrent disease is characterized by a cluster of vesicles most commonly localized at the border of the lip. [microbenotes.com]

• Fever

  Affected individuals suffer from fever and hepatic encephalopathy, while upper abdominal pain and jaundice are usually absent. [symptoma.com]

  Cold sores (or fever blisters) are very common. They usually go away on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Cold Sores? Cold sores first form blisters on the lips, around the mouth, and sometimes inside the mouth. [kidshealth.org]

  Fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and irritability may occur. Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt. [webmd.com]

  Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Picture of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Herpes simplex type 1: A herpes virus that causes cold sores and fever blisters in and around the mouth. [medicinenet.com]

  Furthermore, painful urination, swollen lymph nodes, fever and increasing localised aches can appear. Infection of the new-born during birth is dangerous but is happily rare in Switzerland. [bag.admin.ch]

• Asymptomatic

  When breakthrough reactivations do occur, they tend to be short and asymptomatic. [hivinsite.ucsf.edu]

  Symptoms: Oral herpes infection is asymptomatic for most infected individuals. As a result, the majority of people with HSV-1 infection are unaware of the infection. [quiplabs.com]

  Cervical specimens were obtained for culture from 299 asymptomatic patients of population A and 313 of B. HSV was isolated from one specimen in each group, indicating a 0.3% incidence of asymptomatic viral excretion in both populations. [scielo.br]

  Primary HSV-1 infections in children are either asymptomatic or following an incubation period of about 1 week gives rise to mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Most reactivations are asymptomatic but can result in transmission of the virus. For details of management of ophthalmic HSV infection, please refer to the Uveitis and Keratitis topics. [bestpractice.bmj.com]

• Lymphadenopathy

  While herpetic gingivostomatitis is characterized by painful lesions of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, herpetic whitlow causes blisters on the fingers with pronounced regional lymphadenopathy. [amboss.com]

  Committee Genital Herpes can be caused by either herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 or 2 Following direct inoculation to the genital area individuals can experience a prodromal viral illness, genital itch, vesicles, painful ulceration with painful regional lymphadenopathy [hse.ie]

  Less commonly, orolabial infection can be accompanied by tender lymphadenopathy, irritability and refusal to drink or eat, a situation which often requires hospitalization for hydration and treatment. [cancertherapyadvisor.com]

  Primary infections can range from subclinical to severe, with fever, headache, malaise, anorexia, pain, lymphadenopathy and edema. Secondary infections are usually milder. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Malaise

  Initial infection Nonspecific symptoms: fever, headache, malaise myalgia, painful lymphadenopathy in the groin area Lesions in the anogenital area (see above) Urinary tract: dysuria, urethritis, cervicitis, urinary retention (rarely) White, thick, and [amboss.com]

  Persistent infections may cause a years-long, hard-to-classify illness with recurrent symptoms like fever and malaise. The virus is strongly linked to two cancers, Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [nytimes.com]

  Primary infections can range from subclinical to severe, with fever, headache, malaise, anorexia, pain, lymphadenopathy and edema. Secondary infections are usually milder. [clinicaladvisor.com]

  About 10 per cent of primary infections cause a more severe form of disease manifested by fever and malaise. [www2.health.vic.gov.au]

• Constitutional Symptom

  Simple oral analgesia and local anaesthetic cream (eg EMLA cream) Advise micturition into bath water to relieve dysuria Hospitalisation may be required for urinary retention, meningism or severe constitutional symptoms. [hse.ie]

  Indeed, first episodes may be associated with constitutional symptoms like fever, headache, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, and myalgia, while recurrences may be limited to some hours of prodromal symptoms like tenderness, pain, burning or itching [symptoma.com]

  Primary infection may be associated with constitutional symptoms, often with urinary retention (in women), with or without aseptic meningitis (30% women; 10% men) and takes longer to resolve than recurrent disease. [hopkinsguides.com]

• Pneumonia

  HSV-1 may reach the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and other organ systems, thereby inducing life-threatening HSV-1 encephalitis, pneumonia, or hepatitis, among others. [symptoma.com]

  For example, HSV-1 can cause life-threatening pneumonia in patients in intensive care units. And in healthy people, it can cause encephalitis, which often leads to permanent brain damage. [scitechdaily.com]

  Differential diagnosis Differential diagnosis includes: other viral causes of encephalitis, (varicella zoster virus, enteroviruses etc); bacterial infections, including ricketsial disease, mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydophila infections; autoimmune diseases [orpha.net]

  […] care-associated primary herpes simplex infections of the oral cavity as ORAL; recurrent herpes infections are not healthcare-associated lv Identifikācijas numurs: ... en Uncommon:Oral candidiasis, nasopharyngitis, cellulitis, herpes simplex, viral infection, pneumonia [lv.glosbe.com]

• Cough

  If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. [who.int]

  “When your child is home from school with a runny nose or cough, a lot of times the grandparents or other family members will come over to watch them,” says Dr. Esper. [health.clevelandclinic.org]

  What airports are doing At several US airports, passengers are being screened for symptoms such as fever, cough and trouble breathing, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Those airports include John F. [edition.cnn.com]

  Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you can’t get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats. [plannedparenthood.org]

  Cold sores may occur during feverish illnesses such as colds, coughs and flu. Menstruation. Cold sores are common around the time of monthly periods. Stress or just being 'run down' for one of many reasons. Sunshine. [patient.info]

• Tachypnea

  Fever, tachypnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis are less frequently reported. Herpes simplex hepatitis tends to follow a fulminant course. [symptoma.com]

• Hemoptysis

  Fever, tachypnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis are less frequently reported. Herpes simplex hepatitis tends to follow a fulminant course. [symptoma.com]

• Upper Abdominal Pain

  Affected individuals suffer from fever and hepatic encephalopathy, while upper abdominal pain and jaundice are usually absent. [symptoma.com]

• Chest Pain

  Fever, tachypnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis are less frequently reported. Herpes simplex hepatitis tends to follow a fulminant course. [symptoma.com]

  Clinical features: odynophagia, dysphagia, and retrosternal chest pain Diagnostics Endoscopy shows superficial ulcers in the mid and distal esophagus in the absence of plaques [4] See “Diagnostics” and "Treatment" below. [amboss.com]

• Jaundice

  Symptoms Some signs that your baby may have herpes are: irritability blisters anywhere on her body trouble breathing grunting blue appearance (cyanosis) rapid breathing short periods of no breathing jaundice bleeding easily Herpes simplex infections can [childrenshospital.org]

  Affected individuals suffer from fever and hepatic encephalopathy, while upper abdominal pain and jaundice are usually absent. [symptoma.com]

• Blepharitis

  Blepharitis 0 No 2 None IEK IEK 0 No 3 RecISK IEK IEK 0 No 4 RecISK IEK IEK 0 No 5 BilISK IEK IEK IEK 0 No 6 recISK and uveitis IEK NSK NSK 3 No 7 recISK IEK and ISK IEK and ISK 0 No 8 NSK in PKP IEK and ISK IEK and ISK 3 No 9 recISK IEK and ISK IEK [iovs.arvojournals.org]

  HSV infection may cause other ocular diseases, including blepharitis/dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and dendritic epithelial keratitis. Post-exposure The healthcare provider will determine the course of treatment. [viceprovost.tufts.edu]

  The latter may result in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, epithelial or stromal keratitis, iridocyclitis or retinitis. [symptoma.com]

  HSV infection may cause other ocular diseases, including blepharitis/dermatitis, conjunctivitis, dendritic epithelial keratitis, and corneal ulcerationFootnote 6. [canada.ca]

• Anterior Uveitis

  They may be detected as anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, acute retinal necrosis (ARN), progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) and neuroretinitis (see Figure 1).1,2 Anterior uveitis (AU) in most patients is either idiopathic or associated with [touchophthalmology.com]

• Myalgia

  After the infection, the patient might develop unspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, myalgia, adenopathy, along with the characteristic sores. Sores are small blisters which can sting or burn. [policylab.us]

  Initial infection Nonspecific symptoms: fever, headache, malaise myalgia, painful lymphadenopathy in the groin area Lesions in the anogenital area (see above) Urinary tract: dysuria, urethritis, cervicitis, urinary retention (rarely) White, thick, and [amboss.com]

  Indeed, first episodes may be associated with constitutional symptoms like fever, headache, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, and myalgia, while recurrences may be limited to some hours of prodromal symptoms like tenderness, pain, burning or itching [symptoma.com]

  Patients also present with tender enlarged lymph nodes, fever, malaise, and myalgia. Rarely, the disease may also cause aseptic meningitis with neck rigidity and severe headache. [canada.ca]

• Oral Blisters

  Synonyms and Keywords herpes labialis, herpes gingivostomatitis, herpes pharyngitis, cold sores, fever blisters, herpes simplex virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes-1, herpes simplex virus, type 2 or herpes-2, herpes blister, oral blister, oral [webmd.com]

  HSV-1 can be spread to the genitals, especially if you have oral blisters. To prevent a possible recurrence, use a sunblock that contains zinc oxide on your lips. [urmc.rochester.edu]

  There’s also a slight difference in where oral blisters appear, depending on whether they’re primary or recurrent. [healthline.com]

  Oral Herpes (HSV-1, Herpes Simplex Virus-1) Pictures A herpes Tzanck smear shows enlarged nuclei that occupy most of the cell. Photo: NIH Oral herpes: Clusters of blisters erupt on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth. [emedicinehealth.com]

• Vesicular Rash

  Microphthalmia, cataract, chorioretinitis, and optic atrophy are common findings, and neonates often have a vesicular rash. Pathogen dissemination is possible and may entail multiple organ failure and death. [symptoma.com]

  Dermatomic vesicular rash involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve in patients with VZV, and the peri-ocular area in patients with HSV may also help to distinguish herpetic AU.3 However, in patients with isolated anterior chamber involvement [touchophthalmology.com]

• Lethargy

  The manifestations of HSVE include low-grade pyrexia accompanied by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy, followed by neurological features, which may include cognitive dysfunction (confusion, acute memory disturbances and disorientation), [orpha.net]

  The patients may suffer from fever, lethargy, and seizures, and present eye and skin lesions. Microphthalmia, cataract, chorioretinitis, and optic atrophy are common findings, and neonates often have a vesicular rash. [symptoma.com]

  However, adverse effects can include phlebitis, renal dysfunction, and, rarely, neurotoxicity (lethargy, confusion, seizures, coma). [msdmanuals.com]

  There may be associated fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, halitosis, lethargy, irritability and loss of appetite. [patient.info]

• Encephalopathy

  […] mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydophila infections; autoimmune diseases, such as paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, Rasmussen subacute encephalitis; and other causes including space occupying lesion and non-infectious encephalopathy [orpha.net]

  Affected individuals suffer from fever and hepatic encephalopathy, while upper abdominal pain and jaundice are usually absent. [symptoma.com]

  His liver function continue to worsen, with AST 15 045 U/L, ALT 4660 U/L, INR 2.5, total bilirubin 2.3 mg/dL, and ammonia 291 µg/dL on hospital day 6, with associated confusion attributed to hepatic encephalopathy. [academic.oup.com]

• Altered Mental Status

  Central nervous system (CNS) disease: encephalitis caused by HSV-1 is a rapidly progressive illness characterized by altered mental status, fever, and focal neurologic findings. Treatment should be started upon suspicion of this illness. [cancertherapyadvisor.com]

  Most commonly involves the temporal lobe Manifests with altered mental status and focal neurologic deficits (e.g., seizures, aphasia) Viral keratitis Herpes esophagitis Epidemiology: typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised. [amboss.com]

  His acyclovir dose was decreased to 10 mg/kg every 8 hours on hospital day 12, and his altered mental status improved over the next 3 days. Figure 1. A case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis in an immunocompetent adult. [academic.oup.com]

  Patients may have a fever and altered mental status as well. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

In the majority of cases, a tentative diagnosis of Herpes simplex infection may be made based on the patient's medical history and clinical findings. A more extensive workup may be required to determine the involvement of HSV-1 in atypical disease or infections of the immunocompromised.

In general, the intermittent course of the disease and the development of mucosal blisters are highly suspicious of a latent infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 but don't allow for the differentiation of Herpes simplex virus types. Serological tests assessing the presence of specific IgG antibodies may shed light on this issue. Alternatively, molecular biological assays may be carried out to confirm the suspicion [9] [10]. Polymerase chain reaction for HSV-1 is considered a highly sensitive method and does not depend on the presence of viable HSV-1 or appropriately infected cells - while the conventional isolation of HSV-1 in tissue cultures does. In those cultures, characteristic cytopathic effects are typically observed after 24-48 hours. Cytological changes may also be seen during the histological examination of specimens obtained with cotton swabs or blunt scalpel blades. Syncytial giant cells, ballooning cytoplasm, and Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions may be detected [1].

• Leukopenia

  Analyses of blood samples reveal leukopenia as well as severely increased levels of hepatic transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. [symptoma.com]

  He had acute kidney injury (creatinine 1.4 mg/dL), thrombocytopenia (platelets 86 000/µL), leukopenia (white blood cell count 1000/µL), and acute liver failure (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 4969 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 2111 U/L, international [academic.oup.com]

• Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies

  Demonstration of typical giant cells or cow dry type A intranuclear inclusion bodies in the stained smear is diagnostic of HSV infection. [microbenotes.com]

Virostatics employed in the management of HSV-1 infections inhibit peripheral virus replication and lytic cycles. They are not generally administered with curative intent, but to alleviate complaints and to shorten symptomatic episodes, and thus, they are hardly used in asymptomatic individuals. Acyclovir is the best-known representative of this type of drugs, which may be applied topically or systemically. Besides acyclovir, there is a broad spectrum of nucleoside analogues (e.g., valaciclovir, famciclovir, and penciclovir) available for the management of HSV-1 infections. Foscarnet constitutes another alternative, and additional active substances are currently on trial. The decision in favor of or against the use of determined pharmaceuticals should consider the site and severity of infection, the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug, and possible antiviral drug resistance [11].

As implied above, dormant HSV-1 in the trigeminal ganglia and other sensory neurons are not affected by acyclovir and related compounds. They don't prevent recurrence and neither resolve the latent infection. To date, there is no cure for HSV-1 infections [12].

Large parts of the global population are infected with HSV-1. Yet, up to 90% of primary HSV-1 infections - which are usually more severe than recurrences - are either asymptomatic or so mild that the patients do not notice the illness [1]. Therefore, the average reduction in the life quality of affected individuals is low. But the general lack of awareness also contributes to the spread of HSV-1 infections, for which we do not yet have a cure. Eventually, immunocompromised or otherwise more vulnerable patients may be infected: In the absence of therapy, mortality due to congenital herpes simplex exceeds 80% [2]. Similarly, HSV-1 encephalitis, pneumonia, and hepatitis are associated with high morbidity and mortality, while herpetic lymphadenitis may be self-limiting [1]. Even in immunocompetent individuals, HSV-1 keratitis may result in blindness [13].

HSV-1 is a human pathogen that belongs to the family of herpesviridae and the subfamily of alphaherpesvirinae. HSV-1 particles measure about 150 nm in diameter and consist of an episomal double-stranded DNA genome, capsid, tegument, and envelope [1].

HSV-1 is most commonly acquired through oral secretions as a mucosal infection during early childhood. Because characteristic herpes blisters form near the primary site of infection, the oral acquisition of HSV-1 usually results in orolabial herpes [13]. It shall be noted, though, that case numbers of genital herpes due to HSV-1 have been increasing worldwide [14]. In this context, HSV-1 may be acquired via the oro-genital or genital-genital routes. Then again, the presence of HSV-1 in vaginal secretions is a major risk factor for congenital herpes simplex in children born to infected mothers. The risk of transmission is highest in case of first infections during the third trimester of pregnancy, which may cause neonates to acquire the virus during delivery. The intrauterine transmission of HSV-1 is feasible but accounts for <5% of congenital cases [2].

Manifestations other than orolabial or genital herpes are relatively rare, but HSV-1 may initiate infections at other mucosal or cutaneous surfaces. In this context, direct droplet spread of the virus may result in HSV-1 keratitis and related disorders [8], while herpetic whitlow usually affects the distal phalanx of one or more fingers [1].

Finally, the possibility of autoinoculation shall be mentioned. Indeed, herpes keratitis is most frequently diagnosed in those suffering from orolabial herpes: Infectious droplets may originate from the patient's own oral secretions [1].

HSV-1 is highly prevalent all over the world. According to estimates, a total of 3.7 billion people are infected with this virus, which results in a global prevalence of 67%. Interestingly, prevalence rates of <50% have only been observed in children aged <5 years, thereby confirming the assumption of primary infections mainly occurring in infancy or early childhood [14].

HSV-1 is able to replicate within epithelial cells and neurons. Primary infections are usually established within the stratified squamous epithelium of the oral or anogenital mucosa, where first lytic cycles are completed [3]. The virus subsequently invades the local sensory nerve endings and is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuronal cell body. Accordingly, HSV-1 is typically found in the trigeminal ganglia [2]. While the axonal ascent of HSV-1 is critical for establishing life-long infections, the virus remains latent in neurons and barely replicates. Further lytic cycles are induced upon reactivation, when the pathogen undergoes anterograde transport towards peripheral nerve endings and surrounding epithelial cells [3]. Even though HSV-1 tends to return to the primary site of infection, the virus may take alternative routes. Transport towards other parts of the trigeminal dermatome, for instance, is assumed to be a major cause of ocular infections with HSV-1 [8].

The reactivation of latent HSV-1 infections has been related to emotional stress, infectious diseases, fever, fatigue, and trauma, to immunosuppression, menstruation, and pregnancy. In most cases, though, the precise cause of the current episode cannot be identified [1].

To date, there are no vaccines against HSV-1 infections. Due to the extremely high prevalence of the pathogen, the general risk of infection is high. Nevertheless, seronegative people may adopt certain rules of conduct to reduce their individual risk of acquiring HSV-1, and such rules should be followed during periods of increased susceptibility. Pregnant women, for instance, should avoid primary infections to protect their unborn child. They should be encouraged to avoid the direct or indirect contact with people suffering from symptomatic orolabial herpes, to abstain from oral sex, and to use condoms. On the other hand, the prophylactic administration of antiviral drugs is recommended in seropositive patients undergoing immunosuppressive or chemotherapy [6].

Herpes simplex viruses belong to the family of herpesviridae. There are two types of Herpes simplex viruses, which are referred to as HSV-1 and HSV-2. Infections with either type of virus may trigger a variety of diseases. The majority of patients presents with characteristic lesions in the mouth and throat or external genitals, but systemic disease has been reported. In any case, mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections are most commonly attributed to HSV-1, while genital herpes is frequently caused by HSV-2 [13]. Clinical findings hardly allow for the differentiation between HSV-1 and HSV-2, which requires serological or molecular biological studies. In order to avoid duplications of content, though, this article focuses on mucocutaneous herpes and summarizes less common manifestations of infections with HSV-1. For detailed information on genital herpes, the interested reader is referred to the respective entry on Herpes simplex virus 2 infection, available on this platform.

Herpes simplex virus 1 infection is most commonly associated with orolabial herpes, i.e., the recurrent appearance of ulcerative blisters on the mucosal surfaces of the lips and oral cavity. However, there is a variety of other manifestations of infections with HSV-1, as the causative agent is commonly called:

• Blisters may form at other mucosal or cutaneous surfaces, giving rise to genital herpes or herpetic whitlow.
• Ocular infections with HSV-1, which may lead to blindness.
• Congenital herpes simplex may cause abortion, stillbirth or perinatal death. In case of survival, the child may experience growth retardation and developmental delays.
• Disseminated infections with HSV-1 are mainly seen in neonates or immunocompromised individuals. Here, the virus may cause encephalitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and other, potentially life-threatening complications.

Due to the high prevalence of the virus, the life-long prevention of an HSV-1 infection is a major challenge. Nevertheless, measures may be taken to prevent a primary infection and to avoid recurrences during periods of increased susceptibility. The individual risk of contracting HSV-1 may be reduced by avoiding the direct or indirect contact with people suffering from symptomatic orolabial herpes, abstaining from oral sex, and using condoms. Antiviral drugs may be administered to prevent symptomatic episodes, to alleviate complaints and to accelerate the healing of lesions.

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