Herpes Statistics

Anyone can contract the herpes virus. It affects people of all ages, races, cultures, and socioeconomic classes. However, some people appear to be at higher risk of contracting herpes.

+ Those who have more than one sexual partner are at increased risk of infection.

+ While oral herpes is nearly even among men and women, genital herpes is slightly more common among women – probably because male-to-female transmission is more efficient.

+ Although genital herpes is increasing fastest among young, white males, the infection is more common among African Americans. 

+ More than 80% of adults – and possibly as many as 98% of adults – have oral herpes.

+ Around 25% of adults have genital herpes.

+ There are more than one million new cases of herpes each year.

+  During an outbreak of genital herpes, the chance of transmission during sexual contact is approximately 75%.

+ Every 30 seconds someone contracts genital herpes.