Herpes Myths vs Facts
MYTH
Only certain sorts of people get herpes
FACT
Herpes is one of the most common infections in the world.
Around 8 out of 10 adults have it. It's not about being clean, dirty, good or bad - anyone who's ever kissed or had sex can get it.
MYTH
Herpes isn't that common and I am unlikely to get it
FACT
Herpes is very common and can come from either type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).
- Medically, there isn't any difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2. But when a herpes infection is on the face it is also known as cold sores and is usually caused by HSV-1.
- Approximately 8 out of 10 adults carry HSV-1 (either on the face, genitals, or both).
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults carry HSV-2 (most likely on the genitals).
- Most people don't know they have herpes because they never get symptoms.
- Around 3 out of 4 people get herpes from a partner who didn't even know they had it.
MYTH
Herpes "cold sores" on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes
FACT
Herpes is herpes. It comes in two types - HSV-1 and HSV-2, but they're the same family of virus. HSV-1 often causes cold sores on the mouth, but it can also be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex. Both types cause the same symptoms, are managed in the same way, and are almost always medically insignificant.
MYTH
Herpes can only affect the genital area
FACT
HSV-1 typically affects the face (particularly the mouth or nose). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can affect the genitals, anus, pubic area, buttocks, back of thigh or inner thigh. Herpes can also occur on other parts of the body, although this is very rare. On the fingers it is known as herpes whitlow
MYTH
People always know if they have genital herpes
FACT
80% of those with genital herpes do not know they have it. They may have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms
MYTH
People with herpes are always infectious
FACT
When a person has symptoms they are infectious. If there are symptoms on your face or genitals at the time you kiss or have sex then the chance of passing on herpes is very low (about 2%).
MYTH
When you have an STI check or a cervical smear, it always checks for herpes
FACT
Routine sexual health checks (STI screens) and cervical screening tests do not screen or test for herpes. Accurate testing for herpes can only be done if a person has symptoms and a swab is taken directly from the lesion. Blood tests are not recommended to diagnose genital herpes
MYTH
People with herpes cannot have children
FACT
Herpes does not affect fertility, and people with genital herpes can have normal pregnancies and vaginal delivery. Herpes can be passed on to babies, but this is rare. If you are pregnant and you or your partner has herpes, talk to your healthcare professional for more information
MYTH
Herpes causes cervical cancer
FACT
Herpes is not associated with cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer. These are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus)
MYTH
Herpes is passed through blood
FACT
Herpes is not present in the blood. People with genital herpes can still donate blood. Genital herpes is only passed through direct skin-to-skin contact, both facially and genitally
MYTH
If you have herpes you should always wear condoms, even in a long-term monogamous relationship
FACT
In long-term relationships, most couples choose not to continually use condoms, and understand that getting herpes is just a part of life. (Your partner may already have herpes without being aware of it). Whilst some people may experience troublesome symptoms from time to time, for the majority of people with herpes it is not symptomatic or causes only mild symptoms, Medication is available for those that need it for effective symptom management
MYTH
People who have genital herpes can't receive oral sex
FACT
If you don't have symptoms of genital herpes, it's usually safe to receive oral sex. The chances of passing on herpes without symptoms on your skin is very low
MYTH
People with herpes can never have sex again without transmitting it
FACT
Herpes does not define you, or your sex life. Having herpes means being aware and taking preacuations during flare up/recurrences (avoiding sexual contact during this time). The risk of transmission outside of a flare up/recurrence is low. You can still enjoy a normal sex life
MYTH
If someone in my house has herpes, I might get it
FACT
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not spread through sharing your household with others. When the virus leaves living skin cells, it dies. People with genital or facial herpes are able to use the same showers, toilets, washing machines and swimming pools as anyone else, with no risk of passing on the infection