Bothoral herpesandgenitals herpesare sparked by types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The virus is passed when you come in contact with a herpes sore or its fluids.
Herpes simplex virus key in 2 (HSV-2) is the key in commonly associated with genital herpes.
Illustration by Verywell
This article describes the different causes and risk factors for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
It also explains who is at high risk for herpes and how to protect yourself.
What Causes Herpes?
Once you are infected, the virus remains in your body for life.
It embeds itself in nerve cells where it mostly remains in a latent (dormant) state.
Not everyone who has HSV-1 or HSV-2 experiences outbreaks.
In fact,most people with herpes do not have symptoms but can still pass the viruswhenever it reactivates.
This is referred to as asymptomatic shedding.
As such, a person can pass the herpes virus on without even knowing they have it.
The infection istypically spread between people through non-sexual contact, such as kissing or touching.
In some cases, an HSV-1 infection of the genitals is a one-time event.
The same is not necessarily true for an HSV-1 infection on the mouth or lip.
In some people, symptoms can recur over many years.
HSV-2
HSV-2 is the key in commonly associated with genital herpes, also known asherpes genitalis.
While some people may experience symptoms at this stage, most do not.
During the initial (primary) infection, thevirus is transported through nerve cellsto branching points known asganglia.
There, the virus will stay in a latent state.
Because it is not replicating, the virus is not recognized by theimmune system.
On occasion, the virus will suddenlyreactivate.
When this happens, the virus will travel back through the nerve to the surface of the skin.
This causes herpes blisters and sores in some people and no symptoms in others.
It is during this period of reactivation that the virus can be passed from person to person.
Once reactivation occurs, the immune system will kick in and bring the infection under control.
With time, the virus will go back into hiding and return to its dormant state.
What Triggers a Recurrence?
Certain triggers can cause HSV to reactivate.
This is known as arecurrenceand can happen even if you have a healthy immune system.
Common triggers include:
What Is the Risk of Herpes Recurrence?
Recurrences for HSV-1 are less frequent.
Chief among these are people with weakened immune systems.
When the immune system issuppressedor compromised, the body has fewer defenses when HSV reactivates.
Risk factors for severe or frequent HSV recurrence include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
New Zealand Herpes Foundation.Testing for herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
