Facts About HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)

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HSV-2 is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases around the world. It is caused by the ‘œherpes simplex virus’, specifically type 1/ type 2 (HSV-1, HSV2). The disease can cause painful sores on and around the genital regions of those affected. There is no current cure for genital herpes, but there are a number of treatment options that can lessen symptoms.

Fact 1: Each year, over 775,000 new cases of genital herpes are transmitted.

Fact 2: Across America, about one out of every six individuals, aged 15 to 50, have genital herpes. That is an estimated 50 million people in the U.S. who are infected.

Fact 3: Genital herpes is more likely to be transmitted from males to females than from females to males.

Fact 4: Herpes infections can be passed from an infected mother to her child during birth. In some rare cases, this can lead to premature birth, miscarriages, and other birth complications.

Fact 5: Most of the time, HSV-2 is inactive, causing no symptoms, which can make it difficult to recognize, and also increases the chance of unknown spreading of infections.

Fact 6:
The number of individuals in the country with genital herpes has increased by 30% since 1970, and is becoming more prevalent each year.

Fact 7:
The primary outbreak in a new infected individual will occur about 2 weeks after initial infection. Symptoms of the primary outbreak can vary greatly, ranging from lesions to fever and swollen glands.

Fact 8: Once you are infected with HSV-2, it will never go away. Although an infected person may experience few, if any outbreaks, they will carry the disease for their lifetime.

Fact 9: It is a common misconception that the herpes virus can only be transmitted during an outbreak. This is not true. The virus can be transmitted regardless of whether or not an individual exhibits blisters or sores.

Fact 10: The herpes virus can be passed from person to person through oral sex, as well as anal and vaginal.

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