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Both oral herpes and genitals herpes are cause by types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is passed when you come in contact with a herpes sore or its fluids. The virus can also be passed through skin-to-skin contact when the virus is active in someone without symptoms (referred to as asymptomatic shedding).

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the type commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the type commonly associated with genital herpes. Even so, HSV-1 can be passed to the genitals and HSV-2 can be passed to the mouth via oral sex.

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Genital herpes can increase a person’s risk of contracting and passing on other common STIs. Visible sores can cause small breaks in the skin, which makes it easier for certain viruses to affect the body. It's important to note that the virus doesn't need to be visible to spread - even when no sores are present, the virus is still active in the body. In rare circumstances, herpes can cause viral meningitis. This complication can occur when the virus causes inflammation in the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround both the brain and the spinal cord. Other viruses such as HIV infection and mumps can also be a cause.

In rare circumstances, herpes can cause viral meningitis. This complication can occur when the virus causes inflammation in the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround both the brain and the spinal cord. Other viruses such as HIV infection and mumps can also be a cause

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Symptoms start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.

They may include:

Pain or itching around the genitals

Small bumps or blisters around the genitals, anus or mouth

Painful ulcers that form when blisters rupture and ooze or bleed

Scabs that form as the ulcers heal Painful urination

Discharge from the urethra, the tube that releases urine from the body

Discharge from the vagina

During the first outbreak, you may commonly have flu-like symptoms such as:

Fever

Headache

Body aches

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Sores appear where the infection enters the body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body. That includes your fingers or eyes.

Sores can develop on or in the:

Buttocks

Thighs

Rectum

Anus

Mouth

Urethra

Vulva

Vagina

Cervix

Penis

Scrotum

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To confirm a diagnosis, your provider will likely take a sample from an active sore. One or more tests of these samples are used to see if you have herpes simplex virus (HSV), infection and show whether the infection is HSV-1 or HSV-2.

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A person with HSV-1 in tissues of the mouth can pass the virus to the genitals of a sexual partner during oral sex. The newly caught infection is a genital herpes infection.

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Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This is the same group that includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. As a result, shingles is also known as herpes zoster. But the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles isn't the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection.

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The extent of the herpes simplex infection can range from a rash on the skin, to impact on the eyes and mouth, to infection of the brain, or infection throughout the body. The herpes simplex type determines the risk to the infant. A primary or recurrent HSV-1 infection during labor is more easily transmitted to the infant but the disease is generally limited to the mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Primary infection with HSV-2 is more likely to affect the central nervous system, causing seizures, meningitis, developmental delay, and death.
In much less common cases, the virus may be transferred to the fetus in utero. This can cause infections of the brain, liver, eyes, lungs, and other vital organs, or even death.

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Help sores heal during a first outbreak
Lower the frequency of recurrent outbreaks
Lessen the severity and duration of symptoms in recurrent outbreaks
Reduce the chance of passing the herpes virus to a partner

Treatment depends on the severity of disease, the type of HSV, your sexual activity and other medical factors.