HSV1 Facts

Millions of people all over the world are affected by the herpes simplex 1 virus. While in most of the cases, the affected parts of the body are the face and the mouth, in at least 10% of the cases, the genitalia are also affected.

According to the latest research on the subject, a vast majority of people will suffer from the herpes virus at least once in their lifetime as a result of the herpes simplex virus.

And in many (those who have a poor immune system), the disease often reoccurs. Interestingly, in as many as 25% of all herpes cases, there are no symptoms at all – and in such cases it becomes really difficult to diagnose properly. And in another 50% of all cases, there are symptoms, but they are very mild, and these cases are difficult to diagnose as well.

So when we consider all these hidden cases of herpes, we are looking at a huge number of herpes infections worldwide.

If you find yourself in a newly diagnosed position, rest assured, you are NOT alone.

Herpes Simplex 2

The Herpes Simplex 2 virus or the HSV 2 most commonly causes the genital herpes illness. It is a sexually transmitted disease (virus) that affects a huge number of sexually active people in the US and in other parts of the world. In fact, it is estimated that one in every four adults over the age of 12 carries the HSV virus.

It is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases to affect mankind. The disease is spread from one affected individual to another through oral, anal and regular sex. But Herpes Simplex 2 is not spread by kissing, masturbation and even through lip-to-lip kissing.

Though Herpes Simplex 2 primarily causes the genital herpes illness, in some cases even HSV 1 (which causes the cold sore disease) can be the culprit. The symptoms of cold sore as seen in and around the lip, inside of the mouth, on the face and on the eyes. When an individual performs oral sex, they may pass on the HSV 1 virus to another, and the other person will then get the type 1 virus genitally.

Cross infection is growing in numbers, mostly because people are under the false belief that oral sex is safe sex, when it isn’t.

Genital Herpes Transmission

Unfortunately, genital herpes has become a very common sexually transmitted disease in both the US and worldwide.  Between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, the number of Americans with a genital herpes infection increased by some thirty per cent. The largest increase has been among teens and young adults. The latest studies show that at least 45 million people aged 12 and older have this infection – that is an astounding ONE in FIVE adolescents and adults.

This infection is caused by both the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) although type 2 is more frequently the cause of genital herpes (some 90 to 95%). The big problem with this sexually transmitted disease is that most people infected are not aware of their infection and of course when they are unaware of their status, the disease can be constantly spread to other sexual partners.  Many who have herpes may only become aware of their infection if they experience an outbreak of small and sometimes painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas. Many times, these blisters can occur

Genital herpes is contagious and it is spread by having sexual intercourse or any form of sex. For example if you have oral sex with a person who has oral herpes (commonly known as cold sores) then you are at risk of catching genital herpes.  By the same token touching, sexual intimacy and kissing are all activities which can spread the virus.

It’s strongly advised you take proper precautions when engaging in sexual or skin-to-skin contact with someone who has herpes.

It should also be noted, that those living with herpes are NOT contagious all the time. There are actually a few times a year they are – however, those times aren’t exactly known. Suppressive therapy treatment can reduce the shedding process and risk of transmission by a great deal. So that’s something that should be considered when getting involved with someone with herpes.

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