Herpes: Key Facts You Should Know

Herpes is one of the most common and most misunderstood viral infections in the world. Globally, approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 have HSV-1 and approximately 490 million have HSV-2. The majority of infected people have no recognised symptoms, and herpes is a lifelong but manageable infection that does not damage organs or shorten lifespan in immunocompetent individuals.

HSV-1 vs HSV-2: The Key Distinction

HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes — cold sores at the lip border. Approximately 67% of adults worldwide carry HSV-1, most acquired in childhood through kissing. HSV-1 increasingly causes genital herpes through oral sex; in many settings it now causes more than half of new genital herpes diagnoses. HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes. Approximately 13% of people aged 14 to 49 in the US have HSV-2 (CDC estimate). HSV-2 is almost exclusively transmitted through sexual contact.

Most Infected People Have No Recognised Symptoms

Approximately 87% of HSV-2-positive people and an even higher proportion of HSV-1-positive people have no recognised outbreaks. When outbreaks do occur, they are often mild and attributed to other causes. The majority of new herpes infections are transmitted by people who don't know they have it.

Transmission: What Actually Matters

Herpes transmits through skin-to-skin contact with an area shedding virus — not through fluid exchange specifically or surfaces. Asymptomatic shedding occurs on approximately 15–20% of days in untreated HSV-2 infected individuals. Condoms reduce transmission by 30–50%. Daily suppressive valacyclovir 500mg reduces shedding by approximately 50% and partner transmission risk significantly.

Health Impact

In healthy adults, herpes does not damage internal organs, cause cancer, or shorten lifespan. The primary clinical impacts are recurrent outbreaks (which decrease in frequency over years), asymptomatic shedding, and the psychological burden of diagnosis. The stigma around herpes substantially exceeds its medical impact in healthy adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is herpes?

HSV-1: approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 globally. HSV-2: approximately 490 million people globally; approximately 13% of Americans aged 14 to 49.

Can you live a normal life with herpes?

Yes. In immunocompetent adults, herpes has no impact on lifespan, organ health, or physical function. Suppressive therapy dramatically reduces outbreaks and transmission risk.

Does herpes always cause sores?

No — the majority of infected people never have recognised sores. Asymptomatic infection is more common than symptomatic disease.

Get Tested

Type-specific herpes testing (HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG) is available in Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas, Orlando, and Las Vegas.

Related: Living Well with Herpes · Asymptomatic STDs · How to Tell Your Partner · STD Testing: What You Need to Know · Get tested today →