A Brief Look at Herpes

A reference to herpes is usually a reference to infection

with genital herpes. Although there are different variations of the herpes virus, 'and by far most common is herpes simplex. Herpes simplex, HSV in other words, exists in two strains: herpes simplex 1 and 2.

Herpes simplex 1 is usually responsible for cases of oral herpes, although in rare cases, herpes simplex 1 affects the genital area. Herpes simplex 2 is generally responsible in case of genital herpes, although herpes simplex 2 may, in rare cases, cause infection by oral herpes.

The herpes virus is exceptional, probably exceeded only by the commonness virus causing a typical cold. It is estimated that eighty to ninety percent of all adults are infected with herpes simplex 1. Herpes simplex 2 is much less common, but still quite common with an infection rate of about twenty percent of all adults.

Not all cases of herpes are symptomatic. In herpes simplex 2 cases, up to ninety percent of those infected are unaware of their status, or because the symptoms are not present or are not sufficiently unique to be recognized. When herpes infection not show symptoms, the symptoms are usually an outbreak of blisters or lesions.

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