Viral Infections in the Mouth (Symptoms with Pictures)

Your mouth is not just a gateway to your words and tastes; it can also serve as a battleground for various viruses.

Many human viruses have the ability to manifest symptoms right within your mouth. These infections can present in diverse ways, depending on the virus involved.

For instance, herpes viruses are known to eat away at the delicate inner skin of your mouth, leaving painful ulcerations. On the other hand, papillomaviruses can provoke the emergence of unsightly growths known as warts.

In this article, we will delve into the different types of viral infections that can occur in your mouth and their symptoms.

1. Herpes virus infection: Cold sores

Herpes virus infection, also known as cold sores, is very common worldwide.

Approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 (67% of the world's population) have HSV type 1, the most involved in oral herpes.

In most cases, it is dormant and causes no symptoms. You may not even realize that you're carrying the virus.

However, it can occasionally wake up due to triggers such as injury, stress, illness, hormonal changes, or sun exposure, and cause cold sores. Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips.

Cold sores are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters or with the affected area.

2. Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections:

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections are also common. Over 95% of individuals carry the dormant form of VZV.

The infection encompasses two different conditions caused by the same virus: varicella (first phase) and herpes zoster (when the virus reactivates later).

Varicella or chickenpox is the initial infection that occurs when a person contracts the VZV for the first time, typically during childhood. It leads to itchy, fluid-filled blisters that cover the entire body. It is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person or direct contact with the fluid from their blisters.

After this phase, the virus enters a dormant state in the body's nerves.

On the other hand, herpes zoster or shingles is a painful rash that typically occurs later in life due to the reactivation of dormant VZV. This can be due to factors like stress, trauma, malnutrition, etc. The first telling signs are often headaches, fever, and malaise. In the United States, around 1 in 3 people will develop herpes zoster in their lifetime.

The distinctive feature of shingles is that the rash appears on one side of the face/mouth, while the other half remains intact.

3. Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV):

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus. HPV is a common virus that can infect both men and women. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

There are numerous types of HPV. Usually, they trigger reactions in specific body areas, such as the skin and inside the mouth, resulting in growths or warts.

Some types of HPV are more serious and can induce cancer, particularly of the mouth, throat, and genital tract.

4. Coxsackie viral infection (Hand, foot, and mouth disease):

Coxsackie viral infection, commonly known as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), is a contagious viral illness caused by the Coxsackie virus. It predominantly affects infants and children but can also occur in adults.

HFMD is primarily transmitted through close personal contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with blister fluid or saliva, or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

HFMD is named after its characteristic symptoms of rash or sores on the hands, feet, and mouth.

5. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus):

HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks your body's immune system. Specifically, it targets a type of immune cells known as CD4 cells or T-helper cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases. When HIV weakens your immune system, it makes you more vulnerable to various illnesses and infections.

If left untreated, HIV can progress to a more advanced stage known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Among the body parts to show the first signs are the face and mouth. In fact, 50% of HIV-infected patients and up to 80% of patients in the AIDS stage have oral manifestations of the virus.

HIV Transmission:

HIV is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual relations.

However, the virus does not spread through skin contact. To contract the virus, the body fluids (such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) you come into contact with must contain a high viral load. Plus, they have to enter your bloodstream through a wound or mucus membranes (such as the inner lining of your mouth).

Casual contact or skin exposure alone does not put you at risk of HIV transmission.

How long before HIV shows symptoms?

When you first contract the virus, the signs don't appear immediately. Initial symptoms may take several weeks to appear, resembling those of the flu. After this phase, HIV may not cause any symptoms for years, multiplying silently within the body.