HSV-2
Similar to HSV-1, HSV-2 can also be transmitted through direct contact with a herpes sore, saliva, or other bodily secretions during an episode. HSV-2 can be transmitted during viral shedding.
Forms of direct contact include:
- Kissing
- Oral sex
- Penetrative sex
- Sharing sex toys
- Other skin-to-skin contact at the infection site.
Note that, though many people think of HSV-1 as oral herpes and HSV-2 as genitals herpes, both types of the virus can cause oral or genital episodes.
Symptoms of Herpes Simplex
HSV does not always show symptoms. Symptoms will depend on whether you are experiencing a primary or recurrent infection.