Aside from the virus that causes the common cold, the herpes virus is likely the most common virus within the human population. It's believed that some form or other of the herpes virus infects up to ninety percent of adults. The most typical form of the herpes virus by far is Herpes Simplex Virus 1, also known as oral herpes. Herpes Simplex Virus 1, or HSV 1, is not always symptomatic but when it is the symptoms are often blister outbreaks typically referred to as cold sores. The second most common form of the herpes virus is likely Herpes Simplex Virus 2, or HSV 2. HSV 2 is typically referred to as genital herpes, as its symptoms most often appear in the genital area of infected persons. Genital herpes is spread through sexual contact. A herpes virus infection is believed to remain in the body for life, though there are some treatments that claim to eliminate the herpes virus entirely.