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What Is Herpes & How Is it Contracted?

According to the American Social Health Association, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has genital herpes and 50 to 80 percent of adults have oral herpes. Here is a short rundown of what herpes is and how it's contracted.

  1. Herpes

    • Herpes is a short name for a sexually transmitted disease called herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for herpes at this time.

    Types

    • The are two types of herpes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 usually appears on or around the mouth and Type 2 presents on the genitals in most cases.

    Type 1

    • Type 1 is contracted through direct physical contact. Type 1 herpes normally results in cold sores around the mouth.

    Type 2

    • Type 2 is transmitted through sexual contact and direct physical contact. It is highly communicable and results in sores on the genitals.

    Prevention

    • Using condoms is a good way to prevent contracting herpes but they only protect the skin they cover. Abstinence is the most effective preventative method.

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