What is herpes?

Herpes is a virus. There are various types of the virus and a few different familiar names for them.

If you’ve ever had a cold sore, then you have one of two herpes simplex infections: HSV-1 or HSV-2. Both these viruses can cause genital herpes.

The herpes virus stays stored in your body – even if the symptoms never come back. For people who get regular outbreaks of symptoms they can use tablets to help prevent them.

The key facts

• About 1 in 8 of us has the virus that
causes genital herpes.

• Around 80% of people infected with
genital herpes don’t know they have the
   virus.

• The way people who are diagnosed with
   genital herpes feel about it usually affects    them more than the actual symptoms. But    most of the worry or anger is based on
   misunderstandings.

• The symptoms of genital herpes vary
enormously. It can show up as blisters or sores, but it can also just produce a mild rash. And whatever symptoms do appear may be on the thighs, back, fingers and
of course the genitals.

• There is no cure for herpes, but effective antiviral treatment is available once a
doctor has diagnosed the infection.

• Because most people with the virus have very mild symptoms or none at all,
they often don't realise they are infected.

• The virus is usually passed on when there are no visible symptoms.

• Most people who infect others don’t realise they are even putting their
partners at risk.

• Using condoms reduces the risk of passing on the virus but doesn’t completely
eliminate it.

• Women are twice as likely to have the virus as men.

• Simple daily treatment can help to prevent potential outbreaks and reduce the
impact of any that do occur.