HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV) This virus is often mistaken for the HPV, but they’re entirely different viruses. There’re 2 types of HSV: - HSV 1 that commonly cause cold sores - HSV 2 that cause genital herpes. Herpes is very contagious, even when there’re no physical sores and it stays in the body for life. Symptoms include: - Painful blisters or sores around the mouth or genitals - Itching, tingling before sores appear - Flu like symptoms during first outbreak.