Your Essential Guide to HSV-2: Herpes Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.

HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2) is a viral infection most commonly spread through sexual activity. It causes genital herpes, which manifests as outbreaks of sores and ulcers in the genital area that can recur. Unlike HSV-1, which usually causes oral cold sores, HSV-2 usually strikes the genital and rectal areas. This virus lies dormant in your body between outbreaks but is activated periodically to cause a recurrence of herpes symptoms.