Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are 2 types of Herpes Simplex Virus: Type 1 and Type 2. HSV type 1 causes Oral Herpes infection and HSV type 2 causes genital herpes. It must be noted that there is considerable overlap in this- HSV type 1 can also cause genital herpes in some cases and vice-versa; this usually occurs due to transmission via oro-genital contact.

Some of the patients exhibit the symptoms due to the virus while in many patients the virus (HSV 1 or 2) resides in a latent (resting) state in the nerves (that supply sensation to the skin) without showing any indications of its presence.

Most of the sufferers have recurring infections, as the virus has a tendency to show up its disease activity periodically, especially during phases of stress, lowered immunity or sometimes without any known reason. There are over four million new cases of herpes reported every year in the US. Due to carefree sex and careless contact, as I put it, this infection is bound to touch an epidemic status one day.

HSV infection is mostly spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Transmission may occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared articles. Sexual contact (including oro-genital contact) is the most common way to transmit genital HSV infection. The virus can be shed in saliva and genital secretions of patients, even if they have no symptoms.

1) Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: The most common method of transmission is through direct contact

with an infected person's skin, especially during periods when the virus is actively shedding (such as during outbreaks of sores or blisters). This contact can occur through kissing, oral-genital contact, or sexual intercourse.