Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. Symptoms of herpes can include blisters, sores, itching, and pain. Herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus.
There is no cure for herpes, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. It is important to get tested for herpes if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. There are two main types of herpes tests: blood tests and swab tests. Blood tests can detect antibodies to the herpes virus, while swab tests can detect the virus itself.
