What is herpes? Herpes is a common virus that causes sores on your genitals and/or mouth. Herpes can be annoying and painful, but it usually doesn’t lead to serious health problems. This page answers basic questions about genital herpes, including how to prevent and treat it. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) leads to blisters around the mouth or genitals. It transmits through contact, but treatment can decrease outbreak severity. Genital herpes can often be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Some people infected with the virus may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Herpes infections are categorized by the area of the body that is infected. The two major types of herpes are oral herpes and genital herpes, though other forms also exist. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. The herpes simplex virus comes in two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2, causing oral herpes and genital herpes. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these viruses. Herpes appears as sores on the mouth or genitals. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause these symptoms, with oral sores healing in weeks and genital sores often needing medical attention. What Is. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can infect many different parts of your body, most commonly your mouth area (oral herpes) and genitals (genital herpes). HSV causes fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over wherever the infection is. This is known as a herpes outbreak. The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes. Get the details on key signs, diagnosis, and treatment.