Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are members of the herpesviridae family. HSV-1 is generally associated with oral herpes (cold sores), whereas HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. However, either type can cause infections in both locations. After the initial infection, herpes simplex viruses establish latency in the nerve cells and may reactivate periodically to cause recurrent lesions.
