Comprehensive Guide to Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) that can result in oral or genital sores. Antiviral medications are commonly used to manage herpes outbreaks.
Category
Condition
Where to get
Treatment available with prescription antiviral medications.
Applicable for
Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Herpes FAQ


Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2. This is the same type of virus that causes cold sores. Around 1 in every 8 sexually active Australian adults have genital herpes. Genital herpes can cause outbreaks (flare-ups) of blisters or sores on the genitals and anus.

Where does herpes come from?

Both kinds can make sores pop up on and around your vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, butt, inner thighs, lips, mouth, throat, and rarely, your eyes. Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, often during vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing.

What is the herpes simplex virus?

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes. Many people live with asymptomatic HSV, which means they have the virus without ever having an outbreak or active episode of herpes. Others might experience occasional episodes of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores.

How many people in the world have herpes?

An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the main cause of oral herpes. An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes.

Herpes References

If you want to know more about Herpes, consider exploring links below:

What Is Herpes

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genital-herpes
  2. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151739
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
  6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
  7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes
  8. https://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-simplex
  9. https://www.verywellhealth.com/herpes-7255214

Herpes Information

  1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/genital-herpes

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