Herpesis a recurrent, contagious viral infection that causessmall ulcers and blistersaround the mouth or genital area.
Herpes infection is widespread in the United States and worldwide.
This article will discuss herpes facts and statistics, including oral and genital herpes.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
It will also go into how the viruses are transmitted and treated.
Finally, learn how likely a person is to contract herpes.
Additionally, HSV-1 can spread to the genitals through oral sex.
The blisters on the mouth are generally inside and around the lips.
Ulcers in the genital region develop in the vaginal, penile, or anal areas.
People will also notice tenderness and swelling in the groin, which indicates swollen lymph nodes.
Herpes Statistics
Infection with HSV is extremely common.
How Is Herpes Transmitted?
Herpes is spread from contact with a person who has the infection.
The herpes virus can alsobe transmitted to a fetus or newborn(this is called vertical transmission).
Contact with genital lesions during delivery can lead to infection in the baby, which can be deadly.
Therefore, it is best to take medication to prevent an outbreak during delivery or have a cesarean section.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Herpes?
Oral and genital herpes are common in the United States, particularly in people between ages 14 and 49.
Genital herpes is more common in women than men.
A person is more likely to acquire HSV-1 from a person with active oral lesions.
The chances are higher a person will acquire HSV-2 from a person with active genital lesions.
It is always wise touse condoms during sex.
The chance of transmitting the virus during protected sex is significantly lower than during condomless sex.
However, virus shedding from areas not covered by the condom can lead to transmission.
Is Herpes Treatable?
Herpes is not curable.
The virus remains in the body for life.
People with oral and genital herpes live withintermittent outbreaks and periods of dormancy.
During dormancy, the virus resides in nerve cells without causing symptoms.
The frequency of episodes depends on an individual, the person’s underlying health conditions, and certain stressors.
Treatment options include:
All of these medications are equally effective in treating and preventing herpes.
Treatment typically lasts seven to 10 days.
Some people have frequent outbreaks of herpes that can be debilitating and painful.
However, a person never gets rid of the virus.
It stays in nerve cells.
Neonates and people with weakened immune systems have the most significant risk for this complication.
A cool compress to the genital area can relieve the burning pain.
People with open sores that burn during urination can try urinating in a tub of water instead.
People can treat oral herpes sores with topical numbing medicines and lip balm.
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
Two different viruses cause these symptoms.
HSV-1 causes oral and genital herpes, and HSV-2 causes genital herpes.
The viruses are transmitted through kissing, sex, and a pregnant person to the fetus or newborn.
Herpes is a lifelong infection, but people can manage outbreaks with antiviral therapy.
A Word From Verywell
It can be very stressful when you find out you have genital herpes.
Oral herpes is also uncomfortable since the lesions are noticeable to other people.
These infections are very common, and you are not alone.
They are treatable, and you might reduce the number of outbreaks with antiviral medication.
Speak with your healthcare provider about treatments.
Use a condom during sex.
The highest rates of HSV-1 infections occur in Southeast Asia.
The highest rates of HSV-2 infections occur in Africa.
People with herpes have the virus for life.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
NCHS Data Brief, no 304.
Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.
InformedHealth.org.What are the treatment options for genital herpes?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes-sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines, 2021.
MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self care.
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