A patient who has never had an outbreak of oral lesions reports a burning sensation on the oral mucosa and then develops multiple painful round vesicles at the site. A Tzanck culture confirms HSV-1 infection. What will the provider tell the patient about this condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial episode of herpes is usually the most severe, and subsequent outbreaks tend to be milder. Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, but there is no cure for herpes. Triggers such as stress, illness, and sun exposure can activate the virus and cause outbreaks. It is possible to transmit the virus even when lesions are not present, as the virus can shed asymptomatically.

A Patient Who Has Never Had an Outbreak of Oral