Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and there are two types: oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth) and genital herpes (similar symptoms around the genital area). Approximately 50 - 80% of American adults have oral herpes. About one in five American teenagers and adults is infected with genital herpes. That's about 45 million people. Women are more commonly infected with genital herpes than men. In the United States, 1 out of 4 women has genital herpes. While some people have noticable symptoms, it is estimated that up to 90% of people with genital herpes do not realize they have it, or mistake their symptoms for another condition.
To assess your risk of having genital herpes, take this quiz from WebMD: Living With Genital Herpes: Are You at Risk?
Click here for recommended books and web links on genital herpes.