Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 causes orofacial and genital infections. HSV-2 mainly causes genital infections. In the USA UU. HSV-1 is more frequent than HSV-2, and HSV-2 is predominant among African-Americans and women. The initial HSV infection is often subclinical. Viral replication occurs in ganglia, the virus spreads to other mucous surfaces through peripheral sensory nerves. The clinical manifestation includes infection of the skin and mucosa, orofacial herpes, genital herpes, herpetic whitlow, herpetic encephalitis, neonatal herpes acquired at the time of delivery, although it is rare but serious and herpetic keratitis. Diagnostic tests include culture, antibody detection, skin biopsy and C-reactive protein (PCR) test to detect the presence of viral DNA. Topical anesthetic treatment is recommended to relieve itching and pain and antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valaciclivir and famiciclovir.The antiviral is also recommended for herpes suppressive therapy during the last months of pregnancy. Recurrent outbreaks are common and vary among individuals; However, genetics play an important role in the frequency of outbreaks of cold sores. The development of a drug to block the microRNA whose job is to suppress HSV-1 in latency, can prevent outbreaks.