Herpes is a very common infection. Caused by two different (yet closely related viruses) called herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2, the disease is easy to catch. Both forms can infect the mouth and genital area, sometimes at the same time. Oral herpes describes cold sores and/or fever blisters that land on or near the mouth while genital herpes refers to sores that appear below the waist including on and in the genital area. A third kind of herpes virus, known as herpses zoster produces chicken pox and shingles.

Herpes affects about 80 million people in the United States alone. The biggest variety of the disease is genital herpees, which is usually shared between sexual partners. However, herpes can be spread by touching and kissing as well. All that is needed is brief skin-to-skin contact. Genital herpes is not only painful, but can cause emotional pain to those affected. Feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, shame, regret, embarrassment, and undesirability are common, and society's reaction to any sexually transmitted disease (STD) is often harsh.

Spreading at rapid levels, genital herpes has increased 30 percent since the 1970s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 45 million people in the United States are infected with henital herpes. More than 1 in 5 adults and adolescents are infected with genital herpes, according to the CDC. More likely to affect women, rather than men, and blacks, rather than whites, more awareness of genital herpes is needed to prevent even further infections.

Disclaimer: This document is for informational use only and should not be used in place of the advice and diagnosis of a doctor or healthcare professional. This document is also not a recommendation for any particular treatment plans. The advice of a doctor or healthcare professional is important for your particular condition or disorder