Mechanism
Incubation period 2-26d
Infection of lips, cheeks, nose, oropharynx
Following primary infection, HSV migrates to local sensory ganglion (usually CN V) and remains latent
Can reactivate to cause asymptomatic viral shedding
or symptomatic disease (recurrent infection)
Reactivation triggers e.g. stress, menses, temp change, trauma to area, dental/surgery, immunosuppression, UV light
