The virus affects anywhere between 5 and 20 million people, or up to 20 percent of all sexually active adults in the United States. Most people get Type 2 infections following sexual contact with an infected person. Patients may barely notice any symptoms or need medical attention for relief of pain. The sores most commonly affect the lips, mouth, nose, chin or cheeks and occur shortly after exposure. It can be transmitted by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or by sharing towels. They usually catch it from close contact with family members or friends who carry the virus. Most people get Type I infections during infancy or childhood. There are two types of HSV – Type 1 and Type 2

For chronically ill people and newborn babies, the viral infection can be serious, but rarely fatal. HSV infections can be very annoying because they can periodically reappear. These sores usually occur either around the mouth and nose, or on the genitals and buttocks. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause blisters and sores almost anywhere on the skin.