Herpes 1 and 2
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. There are two types of HSV- HSV 1 and HSV 2.
HSV 1 typically causes oral herpes, which can result in sores on/around your mouth. These are sometimes called cold sores or fever blisters. Many people with oral herpes get it early in life through non-sexual contact with saliva.
HSV 2 is usually the cause of genital herpes, which is an STI (sexually transmitted infection). This can result in sores on the genitals. Some cases of genital herpes can also be caused by HSV 1.
Many people with herpes show little to no symptoms, so the best way to know if you have it is by testing for it. This test can tell you if you have HSV 1 or HSV 2. There is no cure for herpes, but outbreaks can be managed with medications.