Herpes is common- shame about it shouldn’t be
By Sheridan D. George, October 15th, 2025
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are among the most common global viral infections in humans (1). In people under the age of 50, approximately 3.8 billion are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and an estimated 520 million have HSV type 2 (HSV-2) (1). Despite its wide prevalence, HSV is associated with heavy stigma (2). Misinformation, fear, and taboos have fueled shame and silence around a condition that is both manageable and common. This post will explore what herpes actually is, the roots of its stigma, and why it doesn’t match the science.
What Is Herpes Simplex Virus?
HSV-1 is the most common HSV type, usually passed orally and can present as cold sores around the mouth (1). It is often acquired in early childhood through saliva, such as kisses from family, sharing toys with other children, and/or sharing utensils or straws (1). HSV-2 is the well-known, highly stigmatized sexually transmitted infection (STI) causing genital sores (3). However, either type of HSV can infect many different sites on your body, including eyes, underarms, fingers, chest, HSV-1 on genitals, and HSV-2 orally (3). Symptoms other than ulcers include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes near the site of infection, often occurring during the first infection cycle (1). However, most HSV infections are asymptomatic, contributing to the widespread and often unrecognized transmission of the virus (1). HSV establishes lifelong latency, a state in which the virus remains dormant as part of its lifecycle, in neurons and reactivates under stressors to infect other humans, such as emotional stress, sunlight, illness, fatigue, and hormonal changes (4). Transmission of HSV occurs through viral replication producing infectious virus particles, a process called viral shedding (5).
The Stigma Problem
Presumably because of the visible ulcers and sexual promiscuity associated with HSV infection, HSV is heavily stigmatized. Herpes became a stigmatized infection primarily in the 1970s and 1980s by popular media sources like TIME magazine covers, newspapers, and television, fearmongering about the moral impurities of sex (2). This strategy was particularly effective during the start of the AIDS epidemic in 1981 (6). In a TIME article from 1973 explaining the difference of HSV-1 and HSV-2, the author provides this explanation: “Unlike the basic herpes simplex [HSV-1], which strikes indiscriminately, type II appears to exercise moral judgement – tending to afflict primarily the sexually promiscuous.” (2, 7). While this statement is obviously untrue, this type of misinformation fueled the stigma still present today. The stigma of HSV-2 infection can cause significant emotional distress, shame, and social isolation for people living with HSV (8). The shame and silence associated with HSV-2 perpetuates misinformation. Ultimately, the stigma surrounding HSV could be causing more harm than the virus itself, serving as a reminder about how social perception intersects with science.
Separating Myth from Fact
Myth: Only sexually “promiscuous” people get herpes.
Fact: Anyone who is sexually active, no matter how many partners, can acquire HSV-2. HSV-1 is usually acquired in childhood but can also be acquired sexually (1).
Myth: Common cold sores are not herpes.
Fact: Cold sores are caused by HSV (9). Either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can cause both genital and/or oral herpes (3). This myth highlights the disconnect between the shame for genital herpes and not oral herpes.
Myth: People living with herpes can’t have healthy sexual relationships.
Fact: People with HSV-1 or HSV-2 continue to have healthy, fulfilling sex lives and romantic relationships despite their diagnosis. Antiviral medication and/or condom use significantly reduces the risk of transmission, along with abstaining from sexual activity during an ulcer outbreak (10).
Living with Herpes: The Science
HSV causes a lifelong infection; however, there are several available treatments to suppress viral load and to manage symptoms. Currently available antiviral agents include acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir (11). Each of these agents targets viral DNA replication, thereby reducing the severity of symptoms and the decreasing frequency of outbreaks. While these drugs do not yet have the capability to fully eradicate the virus or prevent latency, daily suppressive therapy can significantly lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners and improve the quality of life for those living with HSV. For example, in a study of couples followed over an eight-month period, daily antiviral treatment reduced the risk of HSV-2 transmission from the HSV-2 positive partner to just 14 out of 743 uninfected partners (12). Ongoing research is exploring vaccines and novel antiviral treatments aimed at preventing HSV reactivation or achieving a functional cure. However, progress in developing both therapeutic and preventative, or prophylactic, strategies has been hindered by the virus’s ability to establish latency and evade the host immune response, coupled by a lack of funding in this area (8, 13). Additionally, because HSV-1 is typically transmitted during childhood, introducing a prophylactic vaccine poses unique challenges. Parental reluctance and broader societal resistance to childhood vaccinations could limit uptake, even if an effective vaccine becomes available, similar to the limitations of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (13, HPV Vaccines a Parent’s Guide).
Conclusion: Normalizing the Conversation
Herpes is one of the most common infections in the world (1). Yet, stigma and shame continue to dominate the discussion, often overshadowing the truth. By shifting the focus from shame to science, and from judgement to empathy, we can create a more informed and compassionate dialogue around HSV and other STIs. Understanding that HSV is not a social death sentence, but a manageable and often asymptomatic infection, helps dismantle the fear and isolation still current in our society today.