Herpes infections

 Is there a difference between primary and recurrent herpes infections?

Herpes simplex infections of the mouth are generally classified into two categories- primary or recurrent. This is only academic and does not alter the treatment.

The first (primary) infection from the herpes virus is usually acquired sometime in childhood. Many children do acquire the virus but only about 1/00 children develop full-blown herpes. Once the herpes virus is acquired, it remains in the body forever. The virus has a great affinity for nerves and resides there until something causes it to awaken. Some individuals only develop one herpes infection in their lifetime, but for some unlucky individuals, the virus keeps on coming back. When the virus comes back, it has essentially been reactivated from a dormant state in the nerves.