What is herpes? where can you get it and how ?

Herpes: Herpes is two viruses. They cause a permanent, non-curable infection of the skin and the associated nerves for that patch of skin. The simplex or "type one" is formally known as oral herpes. It is found in 75% of americans and is usually caught from family members when a child. The other, type two is known as genital herpes and can lead to significant trouble with pregnancy, delivery and hiv.

Depends on type!: Note that there are many herpesviruses; eight (8) are known to cause illness in people . Hsv1, hsv2 , and VZV are more commonly known as cold sores, genital herpes, and chicken pox/shingles, respectively. All 3 can cause pain and/or itching. Other types of herpes viruses can cause mono-like sx (fever, malaise) with each infection causing significant complications.