- Many people unknowingly pass the herpes virus to sexual partners.
April 13, 2011- Growing up there were always those at school that laughed at people when they had cold sores on their lips saying they had herpes. “Oh, gross” or “Who gave it to you” were the questions that always were asked. Those remarks are common when it comes to herpes since most people are unaware of what it really is and how it effects you. What you find out might surprise you.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 affects over 15% of the adults in the U.S. and is one of the most commonly transmitted sexual viruses in the entire world. The percentage of adults affected increases in college students and in young adults. The most surprising statistic is that most people do not even know they have the virus.
Many of those that carry the virus never show physical symptoms such as blisters or lesions thereby possibly infecting others while not even being aware. Many that test positive are not aware of the risks of passing the virus on. Making matters even worse they do not think it can be transmitted without an active outbreak in the genital area. That is the worst of misconceptions.
Studies show that most people that get infected received the virus from someone that did not have an active outbreak. A recent study at the University of Washington, Seattle of positive carriers, shows that over 80% of the participants, when at a stage that the infection could be transmitted, were symptom free.
The virus is very much more common than most people think and much more transmittable. It is treatable and controllable, the best thing it to get tested and make sure, if you test positive, you are aware of how you can affect others, especially your sexual partner(s).
