The number of cases of genital herpes is increasing. Here’s what you need to know about this common infection

World Health Organization (WHO) new estimates recently published suggest that approximately 846 million people aged 15 to 49 are living with a genital herpes infection.

That’s the equivalent of one in five people in this age group.

At least one person per second (42 million people a year) develops a up-to-date genital herpes infection.

So what is genital herpes and are cases on the rise? Here’s what you need to know about this common infection.

First of all, what causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus, which also causes frigid sores.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2 (i it’s possible get infected with both at the same time).

HSV-1 spreads most frequently through oral contact such as kissing or sharing infected objects such as lip balm, cups or kitchen utensils, and manifests as frigid sores (or oral herpes) around the mouth. But it may also be so sexually transmitted cause genital herpes infection.

Estimated 3.8 billion people under 50 years of age (64%) worldwide have HSV-1.

HSV-2 is less common but almost always causes genital herpes infection. Some 520 million people People aged 15–49 years (13%) worldwide are believed to be infected with HSV-2.

The initial episode of genital herpes can be quite painful and present with blisters, sores and peeling of the skin around the genitals. 7–10 days.

Not all people experience severe (or any) initial symptoms. It means a person may not know were infected with the herpes virus.

Herpes is a lifelong infection, which means that once you are infected with the virus, it stays forever. After the first episode, next episodes may occur, but are usually less painful or even asymptomatic.

Both oral and genital herpes spread particularly easily when the disease is vigorous (herpes or genital ulcers). But even without symptoms, herpes can be transmitted to your partner.

And although relatively scarce, oral herpes can be transmitted in the genital area and genital herpes can be transmitted to the mouth through oral sex.

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Read more: Crunching, blistering and peeling: where does frigid sore come from and what can you do about it?

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If a future mother develops a genital herpes infection during the perinatal period, there is a risk to the child. A herpes infection in a child can be very earnest, and the younger the child, the more earnest it is the more defenseless they are. This is also one of the reasons why you should avoid kissing your baby on the mouth.

Changing trends

The latest WHO data collected data from around the world to estimate the prevalence of the disease genital herpes in 2020compared to previous estimates from 2012 and 2016.

This data shows no significant difference in the incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 since 2016, but highlights the boost in the incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV-1.

The estimated number of genital HSV-1 infections worldwide was almost twice as high in 2020 compared to 2016 (376 million vs. 192 million).

A 2022 study covering Australia, Fresh Zealand and Canada found over 60% of genital herpes infections are still caused by HSV-2. However, this number is decreasing by about 2% each year, while up-to-date genital infections caused by the HSV-1 virus are growing.

There is no uncomplicated solution, but secure sex is crucial

Genital herpes causes a significant disease burden and economic cost to health care services.

With such a gigantic percentage of the world’s population infected with HSV-1, there is disturbing evidence that this virus is increasingly causing genital herpes.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but some medications such as antiviral drugscan support reduce the amount of viruses present in your system. While it won’t kill you completely, it helps prevent symptomatic recurrences of genital herpes, improve your quality of life, and minimize the risk of transmission.

To prevent the spread of genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases, practice safe sexespecially if you are unsure about your partner’s sexual health. To protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, you must apply a barrier method such as condoms (contraceptives such as the pill will not work). This also applies to oral sex.

Because herpes is so common these days, testing is are usually not included as part of the regular sexual health examinationexcept in special circumstances such as pregnancy or severe episodes.

Therefore, it is wise not to let down your guard, even if your partner insists that everything was clear during a recent check-up.

If you have herpes lesions around your genitals, you should avoid sex altogether. Even condoms are not fully effective at this point because exposed areas can still transmit infection.

Immune health

If you are infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, you are more likely to develop symptoms when you are stressedtired or overwhelmed. During this time, our immune system may not function as well, and dormant viruses such as herpes may begin to grow quickly in our body.

To reduce your risk of recurring herpes infections, try this eat healthilyget at least seven hours every night if possible, and be aware of when your body may tell you to take the medicine step back and relax. This self-care can go a long way in helping you maintain hidden viruses and bay

Although the incidence of this disease has increased significantly in recent years, we have not yet lost the war against genital herpes. Sheltered sex practices, education and awareness can support reduce the spread of this disease and the stigma associated with it.

If you have personal concerns, you should discuss them with a medical professional.