Herpes is the broad common name for infections that occur as a result of the herpes simplex virus. There are actually two strains of this virus: herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2, more commonly written as HSV1 and HSV2. The primary difference is that HSV1 infections typically manifest as cold sores or fever blisters on various parts of the mouth, throat, and face, as well as the central nervous system. HSV2 more commonly creates these same blisters, but in the anogenital area.