The herpes simplex virus occurs in two forms; both can cause genital herpes:

• HSV-1: This form of herpes typically causes cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, but it can also be passed to the genital area through oral sex.

• HSV-2: This form of the herpes virus causes genital herpes. It is passed through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is common and very contagious regardless of whether you have an open sore or not. In many instances there are no accompanying signs or symptoms and it can still be passed to a sexual partner. It's rare to contract genital herpes through toilets, towels or other objects used by a person with the virus because the virus dies quickly when exposed to open air.

This site provides information pertaining to:

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• HSV-1 (commonly called cold sores)

and

• HSV-2 (commonly called genital herpes)

^*DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is provided as a public service. It is not provided for the purpose of diagnosis or medical treatment and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. The creators of this site are not liable for personal decisions made to treat or prevent contraction of herpes. Be advised: sexual abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing herpes transmission.