Herpes refers to a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores around the mouth or sores around the genital area. The herpes virus lies inactive in the nerve cells in the skin, and it may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. The herpes virus spreads easily through direct contact.
Kissing
According to the Mayo Clinic, herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV 1, usually causes cold sores on and around the mouth and lips. The herpes virus can spread from kissing another person who has an active lesion. The lesion appears as a small blister or as a cluster of blisters on the lips and mouth. The blisters enlarge and eventually break open. A crust or scab covers the lesion until it heals completely.
Eating Utensils
Using the same eating utensils that someone with herpes simplex virus type 1 had used, may spread HSV 1, according to the Mayo Clinic. An infected person can shed, or transmit, the virus in her saliva even though she is not experiencing any symptoms, says Family Doctor. The saliva stays on the eating utensil, and an unsuspecting person eats off the utensil and brings the virus into her body. Washing the utensils in hot, soapy water before using them kills the herpes virus and prevents it from spreading.
Sex
Genital herpes spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. The herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV 2, enters into the body through a break in the skin or through the skin of the penis, vagina, urinary tract opening, cervix or anus. Herpes spreads most often when it’s an active infection, meaning the infected person has visible blisters or sores. The virus can spread at any time, even when the infected person isn’t experiencing any symptoms. It can shed, or transmit, into the infected person’s semen or vaginal fluids, according to Family Doctor.
Oral-genital Contact
Oral-genital contact may cause a genital form of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person who has an active herpes lesion on the mouth may spread the virus during oral contact with the genital area.
Touching the Body
Family Doctor says that the herpes virus can spread from one place on the body to another. It usually involves someone touching a lesion on or around his genitals or mouth, and then touching the eyes or other parts of his body. Proper hand-washing after touching a lesion can help prevent the virus from spreading.
