Hi
The herpes simplex virus (HSV type 1 & 2) is a very common virus with most Canadian adults having at least one type. HSV type 1 which causes cold sores is the most common type.
HSV can have some serious complications but it is not common for this to happen. Most people who have HSV don’t have any symptoms and are unaware that they even have it.
We find that the social stigma surrounding herpes is the biggest concern for people. People fear that having HSV will affect their current or future relationships. People seem to treat HSV on the mouth (cold sores) very differently than they treat genital herpes even though they are basically the same.
You bring up a good point about should people be worried about HSV. Even though HSV doesn’t cause many medical problems or symptoms it can still impact people’s life’s if they have to live with the social stigma that surrounds it.
It would be good if we could reduce the stigma around HSV as I feel that this stigma causes the most harm to people.
Have a look at our web page on HSV for more information.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.
Health Nurse
For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.