Understanding HSV-2: CDC Updates on Prevalence and Misconceptions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated data related to STI prevalence, incidence, and cost in collaboration with the journal, “Sexually Transmitted Diseases.”
While there are other STIs to discuss, I want to specifically share updates for herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2. Please note, although HSV-1 can and does transmit sexually, it was not included in this data set (I don’t have a finite reason as to why but I have my suspicions, just FYI!).
While HPV is the most common STI, HSV-2 came in second with an estimated 18.6 million (new or existing) infections during a specific time (prevalence) and 572,000 new infections, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed (incidence).
When people think of genital herpes, and especially HSV-2, they tend to think of it as rare or something they are immune or invincible to. They also think it’s something that they’d certainly know If they or their partner(s) had —which is false. Given the general lack of knowledge, misinformation and miseducation, and potential for misdiagnoses and/or asymptomatic cases, it makes sense to see these numbers, and to see HSV-2 as the second most common STI in the US. However, given herpes’ reputation and lingering stigma, an immediate reaction to these numbers might be, “No way.”
I share these numbers to empower and ignite curiosity of existing beliefs, rather than to instill fear. Knowledge is power, including when it comes to sex—especially when it comes to sex. The more you know about STIs, their prevalence and incidence, your status and associated risks, and how to communicate about these topics with your partners, the better prepared you’ll be for the realities of being sexually actively. My hope is that by communicating effectively with our partners about our STI status, we can develop a more holistic understanding of the presence of STIs in relationships—no matter the label.