Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – More Prevalent Than You Realize
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is one of the most prevalent viral infections globally, but often least talked about due to stigma. There are two predominant types:
HSV-1: Typically results in oral herpes (cold sores) but is also a cause of genital infections.
HSV-2: Is predominantly responsible for genital herpes.
Global facts (WHO, 2025):
More than 3.7 billion individuals under the age of 50 are infected with HSV-1.
Over 500 million individuals are living with HSV-2.
Most infections are not symptomatic, but the virus still spreads.
Why It Matters:
HSV raises the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV.
Recurrent outbreaks impair quality of life and mental health.
There remains no cure, but just antiviral medications to manage symptoms.
Research Update:
Researchers are developing therapeutic and preventative vaccines against HSV. Preliminary clinical trials are promising and hold out hope for a breakthrough.
Should a safe and effective HSV vaccine, if available, be administered routinely (as is HPV vaccine) to decrease global burden or only to high-risk populations?
MBH/PS