Herpes Simplex

A lifelong infection that hides in nerve cells and 'reactivates' occasionally. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, while HSV-2 is typically genital.

Discovered in Ancient (vaccine in development) by N/A

Skin-to-skin contact, saliva, sexual contact

Acyclovir, Valacyclovir (antivirals to manage outbreaks)

Avoiding contact during outbreaks, protective barriers

Once you have Herpes, the virus stays in your nerve cells forever, 'sleeping' until it decides to wake up!