Genital herpes (HSV-2) is a viral infection that is spread via sexual contact. Oral herpes (cold sores) are referred to as HSV-1 and are fairly common. The main difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is that many people have a natural pre-disposition to HSV-1, while genital herpes

(HSV-2) is only spread through intimate contact. While medical research continues to make amazing breakthroughs as far as a potential cure for both classes of the disease, it is still wide-spread throughout the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 536 million people are infected with HSV-2. The numbers are quite staggering, but at the same time, they provide hope to those suffering, as they are definitely not alone. Currently, there are 23.6 million new HSV-2 infections per year throughout the world. African countries are the highest ranked for HSV-2 infection, while Western European countries are ranked the lowest. While many people have a natural pre-disposition to HSV-1 infection, a Canadian study found that HSV-1 was responsible for 54 percent of HSV-2 infections, which means that cold sores are a common vehicle for infection. For instance, if a woman who suffers from HSV-1 has an active cold sore and engages in oral sex with her partner, she can transmit the virus and put her partner at risk for developing HSV-2, or genital herpes. The spread of herpes can be minimized through safe sex practices. Condoms work well to prevent the oral-genital spread of herpes, and the risk of transmission is also lowered when HSV-2 positive individuals abstain from sexual relations during an outbreak.

Prevention statistic numbers are definitely promising. Studies show that daily anti-viral therapy can help prevent the spread of herpes by 50 %, and regular use of condoms minimizes the spread of the virus by 30 %. If infected individuals abstain from sexual relations during an outbreak, this can minimize the chance of shedding the virus by 50 %.

 US Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 70 % of all Americans carry some strain of the herpes virus, either HSV-1 or HSV-2. Approximately 175 million Americans carry the

HSV-1 virus and 2,126 individuals are infected with HSV-2 each day.

Treatments and Potential Cures

While there is no proven cure for herpes at the current time, various studies are showing significant signs of hope that a cure is on the horizon. In the meantime, many individuals who suffer from either cold sores or genital herpes are finding hope in natural treatments that work to prevent the virus from spreading and shorten the duration of outbreaks. One popular natural treatment is MediViral, an all-natural 90-day supplement and topical gel combination treatment that has yielded amazing results. Customer testimonials state that their symptoms have lessened significantly since starting the program, and that is definitely good news. Prevention is possible with safe sex practices and abstinence during active periods, and medical researchers are working tirelessly to discover a cure that will bring relief to the millions of sufferers around the world.