genital herpes also commonly called "herpes " is a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (hsv) that is transmitted through intimate contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth or the vagina or the genital skin. the virus of this std enters the linings or skin through microscopic tears. once inside the virus travels to the nerve roots near the spinal cord and settles there permanently. when an infected person has a herpes outbreak the virus travels down the nerve fibers to the site of the original infection. when it reaches the skin the typical redness and blisters occur. after the initial outbreak subsequent outbreaks tend to be sporadic. they may occur weekly or even years apart.
what is genital herpes?