It’s an STI we work hard on protecting ourselves from contracting, but according to new figures from the World Health Organisation, Herpes is on the rise.
The latest statistics prove that two-thirds of the world now have Herpes.
While 3.7 billion people under 50 years of age carry the herpes simplex virus type 1, most people aren’t aware they carry the infection apart from their occasional cold sore.
Another 417 million people carry the HSV-2 strain (genital herpes) – which could keep spreading due to the increased popularity of oral sex.
The health organisation warn that it’s easy for people to fall into the second camp, with those with oral herpes passing on the infection if engaging in oral sex.
So what’s the best way of protecting yourself down south?
Experts advise using a condom during both oral and penetrative sex when someone has a cold sore, and to continue practising safe sex to prevent spreading any infections you may not be aware you’re carrying.
