How Do You Get a Herpes Virus

Herpes is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. You can get it when your genitals and/or mouth touch their genitals and/or mouth — usually during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Herpes can be passed even if the penis or tongue doesn’t go all the way in the vagina, anus, or mouth.

What is the main cause of herpes?

Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. These viruses are contagious and transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. Kissing or touching is the main cause of HSV-1 transmission, and sexual contact is the main cause of HSV-2 transmission.

Is Herpes Simplex an STD?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).