Herpes has been around for a very long time. So long that it very likely predates the human species. "Herpes" derives its name from the Greek word herpein, which means to creep or crawl. Throughout history many physicians attempted to understand the herpes virus. Due to similarities amongst various herpes viruses, it was difficult to diagnose which virus was responsible, as symptoms varied yet remained similar. Today herpes has become one of the most common virus infections, found in every social and economic class. Modern technology has further enabled us to classify the various herpes viruses.
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Herpes is one of the most common of more than 30 different sexually transmitted diseases in America today. Herpes is an infection that is caused by one of two closely related viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Unlike a flu virus that you can get through the air, herpes spreads by direct contact. For example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus to his or her mouth. Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners" genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes. Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but it is also often spread at other times too. .
Research in the late 60's revealed herpes of the mouth, Herpes I, and herpes of the genital region, Herpes II, as two very distinct herpes viruses, in a most recent study herpes is the most common Sexually Transmitted Disease in the United States. Across the nation more than forty five million people from the ages 12 and older have contracted the HSV-2 virus. That is one out of every five people in the country. HSV-2 is more common in women in America than in men almost one out of every four women have the HSV-2 virus.
