How Do Organizations Define Herpes? Insights from Reputable Sources
“Stop saying it’s just a skin infection.” This is a common grievance I hear from folks living with herpes.
Society defines herpes by its stigma, but how do organizations define herpes? Let’s find out:
1. Planned Parenthood: “Herpes is a common virus that causes sores on your genitals and/or mouth.”
2. CDC: “Genital herpes is a common STI caused by two types of viruses - herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2)
3. WHO: Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is common globally. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is typically transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is mainly sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin caused by herpesviruses and characterized by clusters of vesicles, especially herpes simplex. Herpes simplex is either of two diseases caused by herpesviruses (species Human herpesvirus 1 and Human herpesvirus 2 of the genus Simplexvirus) and marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region.
There are many ways we can define herpes, but I think it’s helpful to see how reputable sources (note: these aren’t the only ones) define herpes.