Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It typically manifests as painful sores, blisters, or ulcers on or around the mouth (oral herpes, caused by HSV-1) or in the genital and anal areas (genital herpes, primarily caused by HSV-2). Herpes is a chronic condition, and once infected, the virus can remain in the body for life, occasionally causing outbreaks of symptoms. It is a contagious infection that spreads through direct contact with an infected person's skin or b