The herpes virus is transmitted primarily via the highly contagious fluid contained in the typical herpes blisters. There are two types of herpes: HSV-1, which most often causes cold sores around the lips (herpes labialis), and HSV-2, which causes blisters on the genitals and/or around the anus (herpes genitalis). Whatever the virus, during oral-genital or oral-anal intercourse (fellatio, cuni or anulingus), an oral infection can be transmitted to the ano-genital area, and vice versa. The virus can also be transmitted by kissing, coughing or sneezing in close proximity, or by sharing objects with an infected person, such as a glass or sex toy. It can also be transmitted through small wounds on the mucous membranes of the genitals, intestines, mouth or eyes, or via small lesions on the skin.