Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
is a common virus that can cause sores on your skin or genital area.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus:
HSV-1
and
HSV-2
.
Both types can be transmitted by oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
HSV-1 usually appears as cold sores around the mouth.
Whereas, HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes.
If you have HSV-1, you can get genital herpes if you come into contact with an infected person's fluids.
It's possible for someone who doesn't have any symptoms of herpes to still spread it.
The most common symptoms of HSV are fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
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However, some people experience more severe symptoms such as genital sores, pain during urination, and flu-like symptoms.
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