What is herpes?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common, lifelong infection, most commonly passed on through skin-to-skin contact. There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus – Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2.
Herpes Type 1
- Herpes Type 1 (HSV-1) or oral herpes is the virus that most commonly causes cold sores on the lips or face.
- HSV-1 is often passed on during childhood through kissing, but can be transmitted at any age. HSV-1 can also be passed on to the genital area, generally through oral sex.
- About 8 in 10 Australians have HSV-1 by the age of 25 X, but only a small number of these people have obvious symptoms such as blisters.
Herpes Type 2
- HSV-2 is the virus responsible for most genital herpes and is generally passed on through sexual contact. The best possible way to avoid transmission is to always use a condom
- Around 1 in 8 Australians has genital herpes
- Only 1 in 5 actually has symptoms i.e. blisters and will seek a diagnosis
