Herpes simplex is a common health problem troubling countless Americans. herpes is very generally associated with the term STD. Although it should be noted that there are in fact two different forms of herpes. These forms are HSV-1 and the other form is HSV-2. HSV-1 is the cause of cold sores which are transmitted nonsexually. HSV-2 is the actual STD. While HSV-2 appears to dominate society and keep the public on alert, and it does have a high presense in American society, HSV-1 is also very evident. It is estimated that in our society an unfortunete 50-80% of the entire American population is suffering from Herpes. Studies have recently shown African-Americans and immigrants from other countries are genrally at a greater risk of contracting the disease with the probability being three times what it is for whites.

Herpes is more than just unsightly blemish appearing on the face, or an irritating and or itchy spot; The HSV-1 is something that should cause concern among adults and even teenagers. Because of the absense of antibodies resistant to HSV-1 from a previous HSV-1 oral infection can leave the sufferers at a very enhanced risk or contracting the HSV-1 genital infections. Specific dangers are present for pregnant women whom stand a serious chance of passing the virs on to their babies. A current estimation see’s HSV-1 rates in the United States standing at 25-30 percent. A sharp increase in the disease has been found among teenagers as a result increasing sexual activety among that age group.