Hey, HSV type 1 most commonly causes cold sores. It can also cause genital herpes. HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth. Oral herpes (herpes simplex type 1) Do not kiss anyone. Do not have oral sex. Do not share items such as silverware, cups, towels, and lip balms. If you have tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness where you had a herpes sore, keep that area of your body away from others. You can prevent spreading the sores to other parts of your body by: Washing your hands after touching a cold sore. Using a cotton-tip swab to apply herpes medicine to a cold sore also helps. Genital herpes (herpes simplex type 2) When you have sores or symptoms do not have sex with uninfected partners. You take medicines daily which can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks. They also can help prevent infected people from spreading the virus.