Herpes Infections - Causes



Both HSV1 and HSV2 are transmitted directly between people. Cold sores are spread, for example, when an uninfected person touches an infected person. A common means of transmission is by kissing. The greatest risk for spreading the virus occurs when blisters are present on the lips. But it can also be spread when there are no blisters.

Genital herpes is spread only through sexual contact. When an uninfected person comes into contact with the blisters on another person's body, the virus may be transmitted. Genital herpes is spread between genital areas in most cases, but it can also be spread to the mouth during oral sex.

Pregnant women with genital herpes can pass the infection to their newborn babies. The babies are infected as they pass through the birth canal. The infection that occurs in babies is known as neonatal herpes. About 1 in 3,000 to 5,000 babies born each year in the United States will develop neonatal herpes. The infection can be avoided by having the baby delivered by cesarean section. A cesarean section is a procedure in which an incision (cut) is made in the stomach wall. The baby is then removed through the incision. Babies born with herpes can become very ill and die from the disease.

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