herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 are not the same thing. This is one of the most basic explanations I've found to date:
[size=-1][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...T[/font][/size][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1]here are two types of herpes simplex viruses: two different strains of the virus. You can think of them as a submarine division and an air division of the same army. Their missions are the same, to conquer the white warriors in all of our immune systems. [/size][/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1] Let???s call herpes simplex 1 the ???air division???. Herpes simplex 1 is the virus commonly responsible for cold sores and ???sun blisters??? (facial herpes). This air division of rogues prefers the upper body environment; it is where it thrives, and is able to carry out its mission most effectively. [/size][/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1] So then let???s call herpes simplex 2 the submarine division. Herpes simplex 2 is the virus commonly responsible for genital herpes. This submarine division of rogues prefers the lower body environment; it is where they thrive, and are able to carry out their mission most effectively. [/size][/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1] It is important to understand that either type of virus, air or submarine division, (herpes simplex 1 or 2) can survive in either environment, but are stronger and better equipped to exist in their natural environment, which results in more frequent outbreaks in that area. [/size][/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1] For the record, the submarine division, herpes simplex 2, is a stronger unit, is more tenacious, virulent, and strikes back more often, so to speak. Luckily, modern medicine has provided our white warriors with reinforcements, in the form of antiviral medication, which can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.[/size][/font]
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from: http://www.herpesresourcecenter.com/safersex.html
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