Definition of masked. 1  1 : marked by the use of masks a masked ball. 2  2 : failing to present or produce the usual symptoms : latent a masked infection a masked virus.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with an enveloped, icosahedral capsid. It is a common cause of infections of the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting itself as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters usually around the mouth or genitals.
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It has two known types: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes outbreaks are normally caused by the type 2 virus while the type 1 virus typically manifests itself as cold sores around the mouth and lips.However, HSV-1 can also manifest in the form of genital herpes if there are oral to genital contact.he average amount of recurrent outbreaks is approximately 2 to 3 times annually with each recurring outbreak lasting 3 to 14 days. A herpes infection may be considered chronic if outbreaks occur more than 5 times a year.