Very common.Īccording to the World Health Organization, about 3.7 billion people (that’s billion, with a b) under age 50 (67%) globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Here are five basic facts to start with: 1. What we try to do when we answer questions is counter the stigma and misinformation with facts that help people better understand this very common infection and how to deal with it. This unnecessary and hurtful stigma makes dealing with what can be a very manageable infection so much harder.
But perhaps a bigger challenge is herpes-related stigma-TV shows, movies, and society as a whole create and perpetuate fear and shame around herpes and treat the infection, and people living with herpes, as a joke. Why the outsized interest? For one, while herpes can be treated, it can’t be cured, so people naturally have questions about managing symptoms, reducing the chance of passing the infection to sexual partners, and managing herpes in relationships. We probably answer more questions and address more concerns about herpes than any other STI. Over the years, we’ve talked to thousands of people about herpes, both through our former hotlines and email service and now through our Ask the Experts program.
