Herpes Truths…
The Stats…
- Approximately 2/3 of Americans with STDs are under the age of 25
- Up to 1 million herpes viruses will be transmitted each year
- An estimated 25 percent of American adults (45 million people, ages 12 and older) are infected with genital herpes
- 80 percent of people with herpes, are unaware that they have herpes
- Herpes infection is more common in women because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission
Prevention…
- Abstain from sexual contact with anyone who has not been tested for STDs
- If you can, be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
- Although condoms aren’t 100% effective, correct and consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes
- If you have been diagnosed with herpes, it’s crucial to abstain from sexual activity with uninfected people
- Although it is less likely for herpes to be transmitted when there isn’t a visual outbreak, it isn’t impossible.
- Always inform your partner if you’ve been infected with an STD, or limit your dating to other singles with herpes.