Herpes is a viral infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact, but it is not exclusively an STD (sexually transmitted disease). Herpes can also be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as kissing or sharing personal items like towels or razors, as the virus can be present in saliva or on the skin.
There are two types of herpes viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores) and can be transmitted through non-sexual contact, while HSV-2 is commonly associated with genital herpes and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
So while herpes can be transmitted sexually and is often considered an STD, it is important to recognize that it can also be transmitted through other means and is not exclusively a sexually transmitted disease.
