Stat: About one in five people in the United States over age 12 -- approximately 45 million individuals -- are infected with HSV-II, the virus that causes genital herpes. Around 50 - 80% of the adult population has oral herpes, which most people contracted through casual contact in childhood.

What is it exactly? There are two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus: Simplex I and Simplex II. Simplex I or oral herpes usually infects the mouth (cold sores are Herpes Simplex I), and Simplex II, or genital herpes, usually infects the genitals. However, both types can be transmitted sexually (through kissing and oral sex as well as through skin and genital contact), and HSV-I is not limited to the mouth area. It can also sometimes cause genital-area or anal-area lesions. Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States.

About how many people have it? About one in five people are infected with genital herpes.

How is it spread? Herpes viruses are spread by contact between an infected area of the body and an uninfected, susceptible area of an uninfected person's body. This means that herpes can be spread from ANY affected part of the body: penis, vulva, anus, mouth, lips/face, etc. If virus from an active sore is on a hand or an object, it can also be transmitted that way -- for instance, a person with cold sores could wipe their mouth with their fingers, then perform manual sex on an uninfected person and infect them that way. It can even be transmitted from hand to eye. Ouch.

Sexually, it can be spread by vaginal anal or oral intercourse, manual sex, general touch or kissing. Herpes is most contagious when one person with the disease has an active sore, however it may also be spread when no sores are visible or percieved to be present.

What are its symptoms? A rash or blisters that recur in small clusters that may be seen on the vulva, vagina or cervix, on the penis, buttocks or anus, or on the mouth and other areas of the body. It is generally itchy, sore or painful.

The first occurrence of herpes may also cause itching or burning while urinating, swollen glands, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and general lethargy or tiredness. These first symptoms usually occur within one month of the initial transmission, but a rash may not be visible or occur for years afterward.

How is it diagnosed? It can only be accurately diagnosed by a doctor or clinicians sampling of an active sore, but there are other means of testing available, though they are less accurate.

Is it treatable? Herpes symtpoms and outbreaks can be reduced with medication, but the disease still remains in the body and is contagious even when treated.

Is it curable? There is currently no cure for any form of the Herpes virus.

Can it effect fertility? Herpes generally does not affect fertility for either men or women. However, herpes can cause severe problems for newborns, especially if birth occurs during an outbreak of active sores or lesions. Herpes infection can potentially cause miscarriage or stillbirth, or chronic health problems and developmental disabilities in a live birth.

Can it cause death? No.

How can we protect against it? People with Herpes should NOT have physical sexual contact (vaginal or anal intercourse, oral intercourse, manual intercourse, kissing, etc.) with others when sores are present or when they can feel the sensations that signal an approaching outbreak. Because people can have herpes infections without having a visible rash or outbreak, and because condoms only offer limited protection from herpes (since herpes can infect areas of skin not covered by condoms), both sexual partners should be tested for Herpes BEFORE any sexual intimacy of any sort, and safer sex should always be practiced.

Related Books

Dr. Ruth's Guide to Talking About Herpes author: Ruth K. Westheimer,Pierre A. Lehu asin: 080214120X