It's estimated that 1 in 5 people under 50 have genital herpes. Learn more about this common STI!
Herpes is an extremely common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. There are 8 known types of herpes that impact humans, and 2 that are considered STIs: HSV-1 (oral herpes or “cold sores”) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). Although it’s hard to tell for sure, the WHO estimates that around 846 million people (that’s about 1 in 5) between the ages of 15-49 have genital herpes, and around 3.8 billion people under 50 have oral herpes.
The herpes virus can pass from a person with a herpes infection to another person through direct contact with skin, mucous membranes, or saliva. It is not passed through casual contact such as hugging or a shared toilet seat, although it can be spread through kissing. While HSV-1 and HSV-2 are considered STIs, it’s common to spread the virus through things like kissing during childhood or young adulthood. HSV-1 is more common orally (on the mouth), although it can occur genitally as well. HSV-2 is more commonly found on the genitals but can be found orally as well.
It’s important to note that while using condoms can help reduce the spread to some extent and can still be used to reduce the risk of transmission, they only protect the area that’s covered, and herpes can still be spread through uncovered areas as well as through kissing. Herpes can also still be spread when symptoms aren’t present, due to asymptomatic shedding.
Although rare, herpes can also be spread from a person to their baby during childbirth, called neonatal herpes.
While you may think you would know if you have herpes, the most common symptom of many STIs, including herpes, is no symptoms at all. Estimates vary, but it’s possible up to 80-90% of people with herpes won’t show signs of having it. It’s also possible for outbreaks to be mild and get mistaken for things like ingrown hair or pimples.
When symptoms are present, they can include:
These symptoms are called an “outbreak.” Symptoms are typically most severe during the first outbreak someone has, with symptoms often lessening during subsequent outbreaks. However, herpes is different for everyone. Outbreaks can be triggered by things like stress, illness, or menstruation, among other things.
It’s important to note that herpes is not regularly screened for in standard STI panels, even if you request to get tested for “everything.” To get tested, you will need to specifically request a herpes test. There are multiple types of herpes tests, including blood testing and swabbing an active outbreak. Many providers avoid testing blood samples and will only do testing if there’s an outbreak occurring, since it’s more accurate. If you’re concerned about herpes, talk to your healthcare provider about the different testing options available to see what makes the most sense for you.
Herpes is not curable, although it is manageable. That means that while it’s a lifelong infection, there are ways to help reduce the number and severity of outbreaks. Antiviral pills can be prescribed, including acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir, and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Self-care and reducing stress can also help reduce the number of outbreaks.
Although a herpes diagnosis may feel intense and emotional, it’s important to know that you can live a full and healthy life with herpes; you can still have children; and you can still have a pleasurable sex/dating life.
The only way to completely avoid herpes is to avoid sexual contact and kissing. However, sex and kissing are a normal and healthy part of many people’s lives and there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Here are some ways to have safer sex:
Please note that NCSD is not a medical facility. Content here is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Consult with a health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding an STI.