In Australia it is estimated that three-quarters of Australian adults are infected with HSV1, and one in ten adults with HSV2. Women are more likely to be infected with HSV2 than men. HSV enters the body through the skin on the mouth, genitals and anus or small cuts in the skin elsewhere on the body.
How many Australians have HSV?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Approximately one in eight sexually active Australians has genital herpes.
How likely is it to contract HSV?
One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples. In 70 percent of cases, infection occurred at a time when there were no symptoms.
Where is HSV most common?
Worldwide, ∼90% of people have one or both viruses. HSV-1 is the more prevalent virus, with 65% of persons in the United States having antibodies to HSV-1 (Xu et al., 2002). The epidemiology in Europe is similar, with at least half of the population seropositive for HSV-1.
How common is HSV1 2020?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 6 people in the United States between the ages of 14 and 49 years have genital herpes. The World Health Organization (WHO) say that globally, about 67% of people below the age of 50 years (which equates to 3.7 billion people) have HSV-1.
Can you spread HSV-1 when you dont have an outbreak?
HSV-1 can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal and when there are no symptoms present. However, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores.
Is HSV-1 really that bad?
Herpes isnt deadly and it usually doesnt cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.