https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
Key facts
- The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorized into 2 types: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact, causing oral herpes (including symptoms known as cold sores), but it can also lead to genital herpes.
- HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes.
- An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally.
- An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.
- Most HSV infections are asymptomatic, but symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time.
- Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
