What's the difference between HSV 1 (cold sores) and HSV 2 (genital herpes)?

Hi. I have a question about the herpes virus. I know that HSV 1(also known as cold sores) is generally located on the face, oral muscosa and sometimes nose, while HSV 2 is located in the genital region and is sexually transmitted. If a person with HSV 1 gives oral sex to someone, could they pass the virus to their partner? And if they can pass the virus to their partner, would it still be the HSV 1 virus or the HSV 2 virus they are passing since it is in the genital region? Also, does anyone know what the difference is between the actual virus between HSV 1 and 2? Thanks so much for your time!!

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A female reader, DrPsych  +, writes (27 October 2006):

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