Genital Herpes… or The “Silent Bug”

Herpes infections are caused by the herpes silmplex virus. While labial herpes (sores on the lips) are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), genital herpes is mostly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2); HSV-1 may also be transmitted during oral sex and cause genital herpes.
 

Genital Herpes: Frequency

Genital Herpes is one of the most common viral STDs world wide. The CDC estimates a yearly new infection rate of more than 750,000 people in the US, mostly aged 14- 49 years. The high infection rate is due to the “silent” nature of the virus and its easy transmission through skin contact. While labial herpes is mainly transmitted by facial contact (kissing, etc.), genital herpes is transmitted mainly through sexual activity (oral, vaginal, or anal). because of its route of transmission, genital herpes is more likely to be transmitted from an infected male to its female sexual partner; in fact, one of six women and only one of nine men are infected with the virus.
 

Genital Herpes: Transmission, Symptoms and Complications