M’sian Influencer’s Oral Herpes Reveal Goes Viral, Here’s Everything You Should Know About the Virus

Recently, a Malaysian entrepreneur and influencer captured widespread attention after posting a video in which she revealed her oral herpes diagnosis.

In the video, she shared that she initially mistook the small bumps on her lips for Charlie ant bites. However, a visit to the doctor confirmed that she had contracted the oral herpes virus.

During the consultation, she made several lighthearted remarks jokingly blaming her husband for the infection which drew mixed reactions online. While some viewers appreciated her candidness, others felt that such personal matters were best kept private.

So, what exactly is oral herpes and how contagious is it? Here’s what you need to know:

There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common infection that can cause painful ulcers. Oral herpes is caused by HSV-1 (Type 1) and is primarily spread through oral contact. It typically causes infections in or around the mouth.

Image Credit: Telehealth

Meanwhile, HSV-2 (Type 2) is usually transmitted through sexual contact and causes ulcers around the genital area. Unlike HSV-2, oral herpes is not exclusively transmitted through sexual activity. It can be contracted through:

• Kissing someone who carries the virus—even if no visible sores are present
• Sharing personal items like utensils, makeup, or straws
• Touching an infected area and then touching your own mouth

Symptoms of oral herpes

The most common symptoms include:

• Painful, recurring blisters or ulcers around the mouth
• Tingling, itching, or burning sensations before the sores appear
• Fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in some cases
• While treatments are available to manage symptoms, it’s important to note that oral herpes is a lifelong infection. The virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate during periods of stress, illness, or a weakened immune system.

What to do if you notice symptoms

Image Credit: Moya Foundation

It’s important to note that oral herpes is highly contagious. If an individual notices small bumps or ulcers around the mouth, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, it's crucial to be mindful of hygiene and avoid sharing personal items even with family members. Oral herpes can also be contracted through tester products like lipsticks. To reduce the risk, it's safer to test such products on your hand rather than applying them directly to your lips.

For a better understanding of this virus, check out this informative post by Dr Samhan:

Or watch the educational video by Dr Aen:

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Featured Image Credit: eMedicineHealth, X