What is genital herpes and oral herpes?

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common disease caused by infection with the herpesviruses. These blisters break open and turn into sores.

There are 2 types of herpesvirus that cause genital herpes: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Infection with HSV causes painful sores on the thighs or genitals. Infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact. Infection can occur even when open herpes sores are not present. Frequent condom use appears to protect against infection with HSV-2.

Genital herpes affects approximately 22% of the US population, with roughly 38% of symptomatic individuals experiencing 6 or more recurrences per year. Genital herpes can result from infection with either HSV type 2 or type 1, mainly HSV type 2 in this country, which typically causes more recurrent and severe manifestations of disease.

Oral herpes

The virus can cause fever blisters or cold sores around the mouth. When blisters and sores form, it is called an outbreak. You can get outbreaks often or only once in a while. Some people never have another outbreak after the first outbreak heals.

Most people with herpes will have some outbreaks. Later ones tend to be milder than the first outbreak, and sores may heal faster.