Are cold sores really Herpes?

Yes. cold sores are caused by a type of the herpes virus, but, it is rarely the same virus strand that causes genital Herpes. Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1).

Genital herpes on the other hand is usually caused by a different strand of the virus called Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2).

However, it is possible to transfer the different viruses to other areas of the body. HSV1 (or cold sores) can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. In the same way, HSV2 (or genital herpes) can be transferred to the mouth.