Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads from person to person through close contact
. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 mostly spreads by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes
. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some people may experience painful blisters or ulcers around the genitals, anus, or mouth
. The virus can be spread even when there are no visible symptoms, and it can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
