what is herpes virus infection
Introduction. Infection with the herpes simplex virus, commonly known as herpes, can be due to either herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause painful genital ulcer disease. The herpes simplex virus, or herpes, is categorized into two types: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). 2  HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact, and causes orolabial herpes / herpes labialis or âcold soresâ, and can also cause genital herpes.