Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is highly contagious sexually transmitted disease of viral origin. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type one or type two. This viral infection is fairly common, and it affects both men and women.¹

Fast Facts

1. No cure
2. Virus dies quickly outside body²
3. Prevention: Condoms, abstinence
4. Can be fatal for infants¹
5. More common in blacks than whites³
6. Does not affect the immune system
7. Makes a person more prone to contract HIV⁴
8. Gets better with time and treatments⁴
9. Incubation period: 2-20 days⁵

United States Statistics

• Affects 1 in 4 women⁴
• Affects 1 in 8 men⁴
• Affects 45 million people ages 12 and up⁴
• Prevalence increased 30% since 1970s⁶

Symptoms

• Sores
• Flu-like symptoms
• Blisters
• Fever
• Muscle aches and pain
• Itchiness

Transmission and No Symptoms Present

Genital herpes can be spread through unprotected sexual contact or skin to skin contact, even if an open sore is not present. Genital herpes can also be spread through oral sex.¹ In many cases, there are no recognized symptoms, so it is easily spread from partner to partner.²

Related Infections

Some other infections caused by the viruses that cause herpes are chickenpox, shingles, and cold sores.¹

Psychological Consequences

Having genital herpes can cause feelings of depression, shame and regret.²

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have genital herpes, please consult your doctor.

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Gonorrhea | Chlamydia | HPV - Human Papillomavirus | STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease | Cold Sore | Viral Infections | Virus | Valtrex | How to Get Rid of Crabs | Moles

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