The herpes virus is transmitted by direct contact with the mouth or saliva (herpes labialis) or during sexual relations (herpes genitalis), the mechanism of infection being the same. At the moment of infection, there are no signs. It's during "outbreaks" that symptoms appear, with the appearance of fever blisters on the mouth or genital eruptions on the sexual organs. In both cases, "flare-ups" with small blisters are painful and itchy. Treatment is available to combat the pain and reduce the intensity of the attack.

For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- Santé Publique France's "Question Sexualité" website
- The Santé Publique France website, with its thematic dossier on all STDs/STIs
- Sexuality between men and prevention" information website
- Regional COREVIH websites
- The Ministry of Solidarity and Health website, and the article "Informing people about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)".
- The STD / STI section on the Assurance Maladie Ameli website

And more specifically for AIDS, you can consult Sida Info Service website.