Two types of herpes simplex virus infections can cause genital herpes [1]:
HSV-1
This is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around a person's mouth. HSV-1 is often spread through skin-to-skin contact, though it can be spread to the genital area during oral sex [2]. Recurrences are much less frequent than they are with HSV-2 infection [3].
HSV-2
This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious, whether or not you have an open sore [2].
Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person [4].
References:
1. Genital herpes: Overview. Nih.gov. Published June 27, 2018. Accessed December 20, 2019.
2. Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments. Healthhub.sg. Published 2019. Accessed December 20, 2019.
3. STD Facts - Genital Herpes (Detailed version). Published 2019. Accessed December 20, 2019.
4. Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Mayo Clinic. Published 2017. Accessed December 20, 2019.
