Herpes

Herpes (also called Herpes simplex) is a viral disease causing eruptions of the skin, lip and genital sores.

Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a wound or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding.

There is currently no cure for herpes; no vaccine is currently available to prevent or eliminate herpes. However, treatments are available to reduce viral reproduction and shedding, prevent the virus from entering the skin.