What causes herpes diseases?

Herpes diseases are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

* HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes virus. It causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, but this is less common.

* HSV-2 is the type of herpes virus that most commonly causes genital herpes. It can also cause oral herpes, but this is less common.

Herpes viruses are spread through contact with infected fluids, such as saliva or semen. This can happen through kissing, oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex. Herpes can also be spread from an infected mother to her newborn baby during childbirth.

Once a person is infected with HSV, the virus stays in their body for life. There is no cure for herpes, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms.