Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.

How does herpes happen?

You can get it from close contact with someone who has the infection. For example, a family member with a cold sore may kiss a child. HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes of the mouth or eyes. Although its possible for HSV-2 to infect the mouth or eyes, its usually found in the genital area.

What causes herpes in the first place?

What causes herpes? The virus that causes genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The virus can enter your body through a break in your skin.

What causes the herpes virus to become active?

A number of stimuli that trigger reactivation in humans are known for a long time – we term them as “classical” triggers of herpesvirus reactivation (Figure ​1): (i) Alphaherpesviruses, e.g., latent HSV-1 in neurons of various ganglia, are for example reactivated by local injury to tissues innervated by latently