How Prevalent is HSV?
Herpes simplex virus is highly prevalent globally. About half a billion people are living with HSV-2, and nearly two-thirds of the world’s population under 50 are affected by HSV-1, totalling about 3.7 billion people as of 2016. Although you might feel like you’re hearing about HSV for the first time, you’re likely more familiar with cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
It’s worth noting that HSV is typically not a part of the standard testing panel due to how common it is. Health providers generally don’t recommend routinely screening for HSV as it could do more harm than good, impacting people’s mental health due to the stigma, rather than the actual effects of having an outbreak itself.
How is HSV transmitted?
Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an affected area (genitals, face, or hands) when the virus is active. It can reappear near the original site of infection. The virus easily enters through mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth and genital-anal area, and can infect other body parts with broken skin, including fingers, hands, and knees.
Can HSV be transmitted even without symptoms?
Both types of HSV can spread even without visible symptoms due to asymptomatic viral shedding. This a key factor contributing to why HSV is so common and widespread, as the majority of people are unaware they carry the virus and unknowingly transmit it.
Only Promiscuous People Get HSV?
No, HSV is not exclusive to people who engage in promiscuous behavior. Herpes is a very common virus that can be transmitted through various forms of direct skin-to-skin contact. Herpes can affect anyone.
As mentioned above, HSV is highly prevalent, with millions of people living with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 globally. The virus is often asymptomatic, meaning people can carry and transmit it without knowing.
People from diverse backgrounds have contracted HSV in various ways. This includes individuals who received HSV from being kissed by family members as a child. Others have contracted HSV from past relationships, including reverts. There are also those who have remained chaste yet contracted HSV from their spouse. In some cases, people who have been sexually assaulted may also contract HSV. Understanding that HSV affects a diverse range of people helps to break down the stigma and promote greater awareness and empathy.
Why Did Herpes Become So Stigmatized Despite Being a Minor Condition?
Less than 40 years ago, herpes was seen as a minor skin condition like cold sores and not stigmatized. The perception changed in the early 1980s when pharmaceutical companies marketed it as a serious disease to promote new antiviral drugs. Effective marketing created widespread fear and stigma around herpes, despite it being a common and usually mild condition. Today, herpes remains highly stigmatized, with the public’s concern driven more by misinformation than the actual health risks. The focus is now on managing the stigma rather than treating a severe medical issue.
How Often Do Symptoms Recur and How Are They Managed?
Many people with this condition experience symptoms once or twice, with others having occasional episodes that typically become milder and less frequent over time, sometimes ceasing entirely. Some individuals never experience symptoms. Most find that their body controls the infection without medication, or that lifestyle changes can enhance immune response. For frequent outbreaks, antiviral treatments like Aciclovir (or acyclovir) are available.
Is Genital Herpes a Risk to Your Baby During Pregnancy and Delivery?
Recurrences of genital herpes do not affect a baby while it is in the womb. It is also rare for a baby to be affected during birth. Women with genital herpes should expect a normal delivery even if they have an outbreak at term. Only women who have their first ever episode after the 28th week will be advised to have a C-section.
how Common is Neonatal herpes?
Neonatal herpes can occur when an infant is exposed to HSV during delivery. Neonatal herpes is rare, occurring in an estimated 10 out of every 100 000 births globally.