How is herpes simplex caught and passed on?
The virus is passed directly from the affected area of skin, by skin to skin contact, with friction. It enters easily through mucous membranes, i.e. the moist skin which lines the mouth and genital-anal area. It can also enter through a cut or break in the ordinary skin on other parts of the body: fingers/hands, knees, etc. if these come into direct contact with the affected area of another person. We call it a whitlow when it’s on the fingers.
