Final answer:
HSV-1 primarily causes oral infections like cold sores, while HSV-2 mainly causes genital infections, although both viruses can infect other areas through oral-genital contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
HSV-1 is associated primarily with oral infections such as cold sores or fever blisters, which are highly contagious and often visible on or around the lips. In contrast, HSV-2 causes mainly genital infections and is most often transmitted sexually. Despite this general association, it is important to note that both types can infect any mucous membrane, and the incidence of genital HSV-1 and oral HSV-2 infections has been increasing. Oral-genital contact can spread either virus from the mouth to the genital region or vice versa. Infected individuals can be asymptomatic, and the virus can be latent, lurking in nerve ganglia between outbreaks.