Herpes can be transmitted through kissing and oral contact with an infected person's genitals. IAN HOOTON/ Getty Images Oral and genital herpes can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, ... Most people are exposed to HSV-1 by age 5.

Understanding the Context

People can carry the viruses that cause oral and genital herpes and experience no symptoms. Share on Pinterest The herpes simplex virus is incredibly common ... Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a type of herpes virus. HSV-2 transmission through oral sex alone is rare, though it is possible to acquire the virus through sexual contact.

Key Insights

HSV-2 causes ... HSV-1 causes oral herpes, leading to cold sores or blisters around the mouth. Genital herpes is caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2 and produces blisters on the genitals. Not all people show symptoms. Two viruses, herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), can cause a genital herpes infection.

Final Thoughts

The two viruses are closely related but not identical. HSV-1 is also the most common cause of ... New York Post: Cure for oral herpes is around the corner, new study shows Health on MSN: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 vs. Herpes Simplex Virus 2—Understanding the Difference HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 primarily affects the genitals. You may not know you have herpes because it often has no symptoms. Medications can reduce the frequency of your outbreaks ...