Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What type of herpes simplex virus is primarily associated with cold sores?

1. Type 1

2. Type 2

3. Type 3

4. Type 4

The correct answer is: Type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is primarily known for causing oral infections, which manifest as cold sores or fever blisters. This form of the virus typically resides in the trigeminal ganglia, a cluster of nerve cells near the ear, and can become active due to factors such as stress, illness, or sun exposure. In contrast, herpes simplex virus type 2 is mainly associated with genital herpes. Types 3 and 4 refer to other viral infections; type 3 is commonly known as the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, while type 4 is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, responsible for infectious mononucleosis. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the characteristics and transmission of the different herpes viruses.