Herpesviral infections

Herpesviral infections in this category are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, which can produce oral or genital herpes disease ^[1].

Many infected persons have no symptoms, and when present, mild lesions may be mistaken for pimples or ingrown hairs ^[1]. Symptomatic disease classically presents as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth—so-called "outbreaks"—that rupture and leave painful sores taking a week or more to heal ^[1]. Oral herpes can manifest as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, although most people with oral herpes remain asymptomatic ^[1].

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with CDC estimating approximately 572,000 new genital herpes infections in 2018 among people aged 14 to 49 ^[1]. Most oral herpes infections are acquired during childhood or young adulthood through non-sexual contact with saliva, and many infected individuals are unaware of their status because symptoms are absent or minimal ^[1].

Transmission occurs through contact with infectious sores, saliva, genital fluids, or oral or genital skin, including from partners who have no visible sores ^[1]. Oral herpes is typically spread via non-sexual contact with saliva, while genital herpes is transmitted sexually ^[1]. A pregnant person with genital herpes can pass the virus to the baby before birth or, more commonly, during delivery, potentially causing neonatal herpes ^[1].

Risk reduction strategies include avoiding sexual exposure, consistent and correct condom use, and abstaining from sex during symptomatic periods ^[1]. Clinician-directed suppressive antiviral treatment can further reduce transmission risk ^[1]. Pregnant individuals with known or possible genital herpes should inform their healthcare provider, as prenatal care and possibly anti-herpes medication near delivery can help prevent neonatal infection ^[1].

1. 1US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Genital Herpes | Genital Herpes | CDC [Internet]. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/index.html