According to ASHA (American Social Health Association), the viruses that cause oral and genital herpes are virtually identical under a microscope. Both types of herpes infect mucuosal areas of the body, areas such as the genitals and the mouth. Oftentimes, people with either oral herpes (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2) have no idea that they have herpes.

Herpes simplex virus HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is the usual cause of genital herpes and is always acquired by genital (or anal) contact with another person. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is the cause of herpes sores on the lips and in the mouth (often called fever blisters or cold sores). It also causes up to 50% of initial genital herpes infections, usually acquired during oral sex. See similar questions...

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two primary types of genital herpes called HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although the herpes simplex virus can stay in the a personas body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a long period of time. See similar questions...

Since herpes is localized to the mucous lining of the oral or genital area, and is not associated with virus in the blood, these persons are eligible to donate blood, provided they meet all other criteria. See similar questions...

Most studies have reported that having antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) does not offer protection against genital herpes caused by HSV-2 infection. A person who has oral HSV infection should continue to protect themselves during sexual contact with a partner who has genital herpes. Since both you and your boyfriend now have genital herpes, you can no longer infect each other. See similar questions...

According to Terri Warren, RN, ANP, and online advisor with WebMD, the incidence of oral herpes, HSV-1 is DECREASING. It is currently estimated that 60% of the US population has oral herpes. See similar questions...

Signs and symptoms an outbreak of cold sores include prodomes, pain or tingling that often precede cold sores by one to two days. The cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. After a few days, the blisters dry and form a scab, healing in about 5-7 days, and not usually leaving any sort of scarring. For more information on coldsores, you can go to MayoClinic.com. See similar questions...

Genital herpes is very common. Since the late 1970s, the number of people suffering from genital herpes in the United States has increased by nearly 30 percent, particularly among teens and young adults. It is estimated that nearly one in five adults has genital herpes, but only one third of those with the virus know that they are carriers. See similar questions...

During the first outbreak symptoms are usually severe. Sores and blisters will appear around the genital area and last for up to four weeks. The initial outbreak may be coupled with symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, muscle aches, urination pain and swollen glands. Subsequent outbreaks may result in symptoms such as sores/blisters in the genital area and, in women, discomfort or unusual vaginal discharge may occur See similar questions...

Abstinence, monogamy with a non-infected individual and safe sex are the best ways to avoid infection. See similar questions...

What is Genital Herpes | Herpes Simplex Virus | Herpes Medications | Genital Herpes Symptoms | Herpes Transmission See similar questions...

Oral herpes is more generally referred to as cold sores. Cold sores are most commonly caused by infection of the area around the mouth or nose with herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1). There is a small chance that you could get herpes in other parts of your body. When you have a cold sore avoid touching the affected area. If you do touch the affected area it is recommended that you immediately wash your hands to decrease the chances of infecting another area of your face with herpes. See similar questions...