 [ Symptoms ] what are the types of herpes simplex viruses [ Disease ] herpes simplex viruses    more commonly known as herpes    are categorized into two types herpes type 1 hsv 1 or oral herpes and herpes type 2 hsv 2 or genital herpes most commonly herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores hsv 1 can cause genital herpes but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2 in hsv 2 the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum although hsv 2 sores may occur in other locations these sores usually are found below the waist