However, both of these infections remain asymptomatic most of the time, or present with symptoms so mild they go unnoticed. Infections caused by HSV-1 are often categorized as oral herpes, or cold sores that forms on your lips, while infections caused by HSV-2 are often categorized as genital herpes. There are two main types: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes, or the herpes simplex virus, is fairly common. If you’re among that 50–80% of adults, you might be wondering, can a cold sore on the lip cause genital herpes? Let’s explore the difference between cold sores and genital herpes and how to protect yourself from herpes transmission. Regardless, both kinds are still stigmatized. There’s a big difference between oral herpes on the lips and genital herpes. The mere mention of the word herpes might make you panic, but this common condition isn’t as scary as you might think. But did you know a cold sore is actually a form of oral herpes? have a cold sore, and about 90% will have had one by age 50. Right now, 50 to 80% of adults in the U.S.