What is Herpes ?

The two main types of the virus are Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1) and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2).

Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1), more commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, infects the area around your mouth, although there have been rare cases of HSV1 occurring in the genital area.

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2) infects the genital tract. Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, the sexual behavioral characteristics of HSV-2 infections in the general population have not been well characterized.

Herpes zoster (shingles) is another common form of the herpes virus.

It is estimated that up to 30% of all Americans have genital herpes (over 80 million Americans). While some estimate that over 80% of the American population will suffer from a cold sore sometime in their life (herpes simplex 1).

Genital herpes infects the nerve cells at the base of the spinal column. Oral herpes (cold sores, fever blisters, canker sores) infects the nerves at the top of the spinal column and base of the brain.

The herpes virus is highly contagious. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a herpetic lesion must be very cautious when being intimate with another person. If the virus has been transmitted, the infection is permanent

The virus is very distinct. An outbreak starts with one or a few small blisters. Without treatment, the blisters generally last several days and then form scabs indicating the end of the outbreak

Recent studies indicate that some people (perhaps 1% of those infected with hsv) may be contagious at any time even without visible signs of an outbreak. This is symptom is called “viral shedding.”