The Sexually Transmitted Disease, or STD, Herpes is very common in most Americans. Herpes can also be transmitted through sexual contact and other physical direct skin contact. Experts say that 60 million Americans both men and women have the herpes virus that causes the genital form of herpes. 500,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. There are more than 80 known forms of the herpes virus, but only eight can cause disease in humans. .
About 48 million people in the United States have genital herpes. The vast majority, perhaps 44 million, are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), but a rapidly growing minority--roughly four million--are infected with HSV type 1 (HSV-1). HSV has risen sharply during the past decade despite a barrage of warnings aimed at preventing the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Serum samples collected during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) II and III showed a 30% nationwide increase in HSV-2 prevalence from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. This epidemic is considerably higher among women than among men, and higher among African Americans than among other ethnic or racial groups. .
Everybody has heard of Genital Herpes but very few understand what the STD actually is, what it looks like and how it is acquired. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes Genital Herpes. There are two types of HSV and it is important to know the difference between the two. The first type affects our lips and causes sores known as fever blisters or cold sores, which are common. The second type effects the genitals, hence the name Genital Herpes. Both types can easily infect the mouth during oral sex. Genital Herpes is a very easily passed from one infected person to an uninfected person during intercourse. (www.Herpes.com).
Both types of HSV can produce sores. They may appear in and around the vaginal area, on the penis and around the anal opening or thighs and buttocks.