Can “cold sores”, i.e Herpes Simplex 1 spread to the genital area?
This can happen, yes. It is very common though but it has gotten more common in later years. Most genital herpes have traditionally been of the HSV-2 virus type. Getting affected by HSV-1 in the genital area is obviously more probable if you enjoy oral sex with a partner who has cold sores. Once the infection has taken place in the genitals, HSV-1 will spread like any herpes virus via sexual contact.
