Can a herpes virus migrate to other areas of the body?

Yes herpes can migrate to other areas in the body.

Oral Herpes (HSV-1) usually establishes itself in the ganglion (nerve cells) situated near the ear and Genital Herpes (HSV-2) establishes itself in the ganglion situated at the base of your spine.

When having an outbreak orally, the virus travels from the ganglion situated near the ear to your mouth area, around your mouth and facial regions.

When having a genital outbreak, the virus travels from the ganglion situated at the base of your spine to your genital regions.

A ganglion can be thought of as the base of a tree with outward nerves like the branches of this tree. The herpes virus can travel up any of the branches and migrate, infecting different areas of the body.

How does one contract Herpes (HSV-1- HSV-2)?

When is the Herpes simplex virus contagious?

Does Herpes cause cancer of the cervix?

Can you get Herpes from Oral Sex?

Is there any connection between herpes and HIV?

Can you get herpes from using a hot tub or swimming pool with someone who has herpes?