Does the same virus that causes genital herpes cause cold sores?

Yes: Herpes viruses come in two flavors- HSV i and HSV ii. Either virus can occur on the lips or in the genitalia.

No: No, not typically. The virus that causes genital herpes is usually herpes simplex virus type II while the virus that causes cold sores is usually herpes simplex virus type i. I say usually because it is possible that the virus goes from the mouth to the genital area and vice versa with contact with an active lesion.

No: In general, the virus that causes cold sores is hsv-1. The virus that cause genital herpes is hsv-2. Both viruses are part of the same herpes family but are classified as different "sub-types", meaning we can distinguish between them in a lab. Either subtype can cause cold sores or genital herpes, but in general, hsv-1 causes cold sores and hsv-2 causes genital herpes.

Yes: Oral herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes are both caused by herpes simplex virus. Oral infections are usually caused by the type 1 virus strain, and genital infections by the type 2 strain. However, these are equal opportunity viruses so the usually oral type 1 strain can cause herpes in the genital location, and the usually type 2 genital strain can cause oral herpes.

Yes and no: They are closely related but you can't get genital herpes from an oral sore under normal circumstances.

Herpes Transmission: Herpes simplex virus (hsv) has two types: type i generally infects the mouth and produces "fever blisters". Type ii more commonly is genital. However, performing oral sex on someone infected with hsv i or ii can result in oral herpes. There are blood tests that can quickly determine if you've been infected with either strain. Antivirals help to reduce shedding and infection.