Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What virus is HSV 1 commonly known as?

1. Genital herpes

2. Canker sores

3. Fever blisters or Cold sores

4. Aphthous ulcers

The correct answer is: Fever blisters or Cold sores

HSV-1, or Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, is commonly known for causing fever blisters or cold sores. These are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, and they can be triggered by various factors such as stress, illness, or sun exposure. This virus primarily spreads through oral contact, which is why it's often associated with oral lesions. In contrast, genital herpes is typically caused by HSV-2, which is a different type of the herpes virus primarily affecting the genital area. Canker sores and aphthous ulcers are different conditions entirely; they are not caused by the herpes virus but rather by various factors, including stress, dietary issues, or other health concerns. Thus, the association of HSV-1 with fever blisters or cold sores is well-established in medical literature and aligns with common understanding of the virus's effects and transmission.