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Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus. There are two viral types:

  • HSV-1
  • HSV-2.

The majority of orolabial infections are caused by HSV-1. These infections are usually acquired during childhood through direct physical contact.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection and is most commonly caused by HSV-2. However, there is an increasing prevalence of genital HSV-1 infections in many countries, including the UK, USA and Scandinavia.

Image showing a 10-month-old infant presented with herpes simplex skin lesions.
A 10-month-old infant presented with herpes simplex skin lesions. C.D. Miller/Public Health Image Library.
A 10-month-old infant presented with herpes simplex skin lesions.
C.D. Miller/Public Health Image Library.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Genital Herpes in Pregnancy. Information for you. London: RCOG Press, 2014.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Management of Genital Herpes in Pregnancy. London: RCOG; 2014.