HSV-1 vs HSV-2

Genital herpes is the second most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus – the same virus that can cause facial cold sores.

The herpes simplex virus is just one of several herpes viruses, including the chickenpox virus. All the different types are stored in the body for life.

There are two types of herpes simplex that can cause genital herpes:

Type 1 (HSV-1) is carried by around 80% of the population and in the past has mostly caused cold sores;
Type 2 (HSV-2) affects 12.5% (1 in 8) of the population and is generally associated with genital herpes.

Now, partly because oral sex is more common, the traditional distinctions between the two strains are breaking down and both types appear orally and genitally.

The good news is that, when it comes to treatment, both strains respond well to antiviral therapy.


HSV-1	Orofacial herpes (cold sores) Neonatal HSV (infection of newborns) Herpetic dermatitis (rashes or inflamed skin) Herpetic whitlow (finger infection usually at the base of a fingernail) Herpetic keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) Herpetic encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue)

HSV-2	Orofacial herpes (cold sores) Neonatal HSV (infection of newborns) Herpetic dermatitis (rashes or inflamed skin) Herpetic whitlow (finger infection usually at the base of a fingernail)

The most serious of these other conditions are neonatal herpes and herpetic encephalitis, both of which are relatively rare but can be deadly. The causes of herpetic encephalitis are not fully understood, but having genital herpes doesn’t seem to make you more or less likely to develop it.