Herpes: Understanding If You Can Be Exposed

Herpes is one of those diseases that 'other people' get, right? Wrong. In fact, the sad truth is that many people will contract this disease without even realizing that they are at risk. Knowing what it is, what symptoms are, and how to seek out treatment is necessary. You need to understand, then, that anyone engaging in sex can be exposed to herpes.
Overview
First, you need to know what herpes is. There are two main forms that you are likely to come into contact with. The first type is oral herpes which effects the mouth and face. Then, there is genital herpes. There are two different viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2 that cause these conditions. The viruses live on nerves. They live in the nerves but travel up to the skin or mucous membrane to duplicate. This is called shedding. Then, it travels back down into the nerve and can remain there, dormant for a period of time.
The sad fact is that about 20 percent of all individuals living in the United States have HSV-2, which is the virus that causes genital herpes. But, HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes is present in upwards of 50-80 percent of adults! The sad part of this equation is that up to 90% of those who have herpes do not even know they have it.