Description
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), also known by their taxonomical names Human alphaherpesvirus 1 and Human alphaherpesvirus 2, produce infections in the majority of humans.
Both HSV-1 (which produces most cold sores) and HSV-2 (which produces most genital herpes) are common and contagious.
About 67% of the world population under the age of 50 has HSV-1.
About 11.9% are believed to have HSV-2.