The Key Facts About Herpes

Reassurances and Key Facts About Genital Herpes and Cold Sores

• Herpes simplex causes a viral skin condition known as cold sores (on face), whitlows (on fingers) or 'herpes' on genitals or other skin areas.
• As many as one in three adults has the virus that causes genital herpes.
• Around 80% of people infected with genital herpes don't know they have the herpes virus because they have very mild symptoms or none at all.
• 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from people who are entirely unaware that they have HSV1 or HSV2 herpes themselves.
• The emotional impact of being diagnosed with genital herpes is often much worse than the condition and it doesn't deserve the upset it causes.
• Oral herpes, also known as cold sores (HSV-1), is commonly transmitted to the genitals through oral to genital contact. Up to 50% of genital herpes is caused by the oral cold sore type of herpes simplex.
• There is an effective treatment available if herpes symptoms are problematic.
• The symptoms of genital herpes vary enormously. It can show up as blisters or sores, but it can also just produce a mild rash. And whatever symptoms do appear may be on the thighs, back, fingers, and of course the genitals.
• The herpes virus can be passed on when there are no symptoms present.
• Most people who infect others with herpes don't realise they are even putting their partners at risk.
• Using condoms reduces the risk of passing on the herpes virus, but doesn't completely eliminate it.
• Daily medication can prevent recurrences of the genital herpes virus and reduce the risk of transmission to partners.
• Having genital herpes is not associated with causing cervical cancer.
   

Free Download Resources on Genital Herpes

You can also download our guides in pdf form:

  Genital Herpes - The Facts - our comprehensive pamphlet covers FAQs, herpes and relationships, pregnancy, facial herpes and more. 
  Genital Herpes – Myths Vs Facts 
  Summary of Genital Herpes Guidelines 

New Zealand Residents Only

If you would like to get a print copy of the information booklets, fill out the form on the consumer request for printed materials page (it contains sections on Genital Herpes - The Facts, Herpes and Relationships, Herpes and Pregnancy, Facial Herpes).