In late 2015, the World Health Organization released its estimate for the prevalence of the herpes virus. It concluded that approximately 67% of people under 50 were infected with HSV-1, the strain of the virus that causes cold sores on the lips and can also be spread to the genitals. Most carriers of HSV-1 catch the virus from mouth-to-mouth contact early in life. The herpes virus is literally older than humanity itself, and thus far, scientists haven't discovered a cure. However, considering how common it is, the stigma that often accompanies it seems largely unwarranted.
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Key Facts In This Video
There are eight different strains of the herpes virus, but humans are most commonly infected with type 1 or type 2. 00:38
Even if you're not showing symptoms of herpes, you can still spread the virus. 02:20
Some potential herpes treatments target the virus as it makes its transition from nerve cells into skin cells. 03:19
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