What is the difference between labial herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes?
Labial Herpes and genital herpes are mostly caused by two different variations of the Herpes simplex virus: • Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). • Genital herpes is usually caused by a different strand of the virus called Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). However, it is possible to transfer the different viruses to other areas of the body. HSV-1, which is responsible for cold sores, can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. HSV-2, which is responsible for genital herpes, can be transferred to the mouth or to the face.
