What Are the Symptoms of Herpes 2 (HSV-2)?
Overview Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is part of the same viral subfamily as viruses that cause cold sores and chicken pox, according to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. HSV-2 infection in most cases leads to genital herpes. Causes Although HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes, this condition can also be caused by HSV-1, the cold sore virus, according to MedlinePlus. Similarly, HSV-2 can lead to oral infection, which causes cold sores.