Gals — a lot of people have herpes. More than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67% of the world's population, to be exact, have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This gem of news comes from a new report from the World Health Organization released yesterday. They also reminded us that this disease is super easy to catch, and unfortunately, incurable.
As you know, herpes is divided into two categories: HSV-1, which can cause "cold sores" on your mouth and HSV-2 presents itself as sores in your genital or anal region. The former is mostly transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact, and the latter primarily through sexual acts where skin touches skin. They can both cause itching, pain, discharge, flu-like symptoms, and sadly, social stigma. Some people who have the disease show no symptoms at all, however, which is part of the reason why it's so easily spread. WHO notes that this figure on the high rate of infection for HSV-1 is significant because HSV-1 is another source of how people can contract genital herpes, through acts like oral sex.
So what's the takeaway here besides just fear? Well, first, know your status. If you're sexually active or romantically linked get tested regularly. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be detected through blood samples that test for antibodies for the disease. Once you know your status, if you have the disease, you'll be able to avoid sexual activities when you're having outbreaks. And if you don't have herpes, make sure you look at the other person's genitals before doing anything. But here's the tricky part: most people get herpes from someone who shows no symptoms, so the only real way to help prevent the disease is know your own status, inquire about the status of your partner or partners, and use protection each time you have sex.
There's also a silver lining. While the disease can be unpleasant and incurable, it does not cause death like HIV/AIDS or cancer like HPV. It can be controlled and managed pretty easily with [antiviral drugs] (http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm).
Don't despair, we know WHO is a well of bad news, but they're just watching out for you. Like us, they want you to enjoy life, but also stay safe.
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