Most Americans have herpes, either as genital herpes (GH), or as cold sores ¡X the main difference is where it appears on the body. It is a disease of growing public health importance. In 1991, a study estimated that 45 million Americans had the virus that causes herpes. Today, experts estimate that genital herpes affects almost 60 million people, or one in five Americans over the age of 12. Anyone who is sexually active ¡X even with just one person ¡X can get genital herpes, and there are up to one million new cases each year. In fact, it is more common than diseases like diabetes and asthma. So you're not alone, and you shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed.

Whether you have the herpes virus or not, keeping yourself informed is your best protection. In this section, you will find an overview of the Herpes family of viruses, as well as information to help you protect yourself and others from the spread of this extremely common virus.