The Key Facts

•  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 virus because they have very mild symptoms or
    none at all

•  Over 50% of people who have genital herpes get it from people
    who are entirely unaware that they have it 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, is commonly transmitted to
    the genitals through oral genital contact. Up to 50% of genital
    herpes is caused by the oral cold sore type of herpes simplex

•  There is effective treatment available if 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 virus can be passed on when there are no symptoms present

•  Most people who infect others don't realise they are even putting
    their partners at risk

•  Daily medication can prevent recurrences and reduce the risk of
   transmission to partners

•  Having genital herpes is not associated with causing cervical
   cancer