Risk Factors for Herpes Symptoms

Everyone is at risk for getting infected by the herpes simplex virus.  Studies show that as many as 60% of Americans between the ages of 14 and 40 are infected with type 1 herpes simplex virus.  In that same age group 17% are infected with HSV-2.  Children are at the highest risk for getting oral herpes.  Herpes symptoms will usually occur from 6 months to 3 years old.  The highest incidence of this type of herpes occurs in crowded and dirty regions of the world.  Individuals at risk for genital herpes include those who already have a STD or who experience intercourse at a very early age.  Women are more prone to the virus.  Immunosupressed individuals such as patients infected with HIV are more likely to become infected as well.  Health care providers and contact sport athletes are also in a high risk category for this disease.