Herpes Facts

• Herpes Facts show that herpes is a sexually transmitted virus.

• Herpes is only spread by skin to skin contact.

• The majority of people with genital herpes don’t know they have it.

• Herpes is the most commonly transmitted sexual disease

• The only sure ways to not contract the herpes virus are to abstain from sex, or to only have sex with the same person after both of you have tested negative

• You can lower your chances of getting herpes by using a condom every time you have sex. However, if the virus is active the condom might not cover every sore and you could still be infected.

• No amount of washing or douching after sex will prevent any sexual disease including herpes.

• Genital herpes can include sores on, around or inside the anus, and on the thighs or buttocks as well as in the genital area.

• Oral herpes can include cold sores on the lips, inside or around the mouth, the neck, and on the inside of the throat.

• Herpes facts indicate that herpes can be transferred to another person through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

• There are two viruses that can cause genital herpes--herpes simplex 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV2).

• Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV2 according to U.S. herpes facts.

• Herpes facts indicate there is no cure for herpes.

• There are antiviral prescribed medications you can take if you have herpes.

• Stress is the number one cause of an outbreak of herpes.

• Herpes can be managed by diet, exercise, medication, and safe sex.

• It is necessary to see a doctor or medical practitioner if either you or your partner have herpes or suspect you have herpes.

• In the first year that you have herpes you may have 4-5 active outbreaks.

• It is necessary to tell your partner if you have genital herpes.

• Pregnant women need to take extra precautions if they have herpes.

• Pregnant women need to have a cesarean delivery if the virus is active.

• The herpes virus can live for years in your nervous system.

• If you feel bad emotionally because you have herpes, talk to someone.

• Some people have flu-like symptoms from herpes.

• Saying the virus is active or that you have an outbreak, means you have open sores in your genital area.

• Your doctor can give you a blood test to see if you have herpes.

• Herpes does not cause any serious or life-threatening problems unless you have an outbreak in the final trimester of pregnancy.

• Most people successfully manage genital herpes.

• Just because you don’t have any herpes symptoms doesn’t mean you don’t have herpes.

• Herpes sores can be very painful.

• Most outbreaks of herpes heal in 2-4 weeks.

• People who have HSV2 are more likely to get HIV than someone without HSV2.

• Herpes is a growing problem worldwide.