Herpes is a viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2. The ways herpes infections spread themselves vary. Although the HSV-1 virus is traditionally associated with the mouth and face infection, with the growing popularity of oral sex more cases of genital infection with HSV-1 are now being seen. The following are general descriptions of the courses outbreaks may take in the oral and genital regions. Herpes is contracted through direct skin contact (not necessarily in the genital area) with an infected person, and less frequently by indirect contact (for instance, by sharing lip balm or a virus infested shared towel). The virus travels through tiny breaks in the skin (or mucous membranes in the mouth and genital areas), so, healthy skin and mucous membranes is normally an effective barrier to infection. This is why most herpes transmission happens in mucous membranes or in areas of the body where mucous membranes and normal skin merge (e.g., the corners of the mouth).It is estimated that between 49% and 79% of new HSV-2 cases are from asymptomatic viral shedding. Oral herpes (cold sores): Sores around the mouth and nostrils. They may itch or be painful. Antiviral used for treatment are acyclovir, valtrex, and fmvir and over the counter drugs are abreva cream and lysine, carmex.