which type of herpes known as genital herpes are spread through sexual contact
1 HSV-2. 2  This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. 3  The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. 4  HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious, whether or not you have an open sore. Recurrences are much less frequent than they are with HSV-2 infection. 2  HSV-2. 3  This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. 4  The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. 5  HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious, whether or not you have an open sore.
Two types of herpes simplex virus infections can cause genital herpes: 1  HSV-1. 2  This is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, though it can be spread to your genital area during oral sex. 3  Recurrences are much less frequent than they are with HSV-2 infection. Recurrences are much less frequent than they are with HSV-2 infection. 2  HSV-2. 3  This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. 4  The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. 5  HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious, whether or not you have an open sore.