Two-thirds of the world's population is infected with sexually transmitted viruses

The latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 67% of the world's population under 50 years old is infected with herpes virus.

According to the Telegraph, the report shows that more than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 suffer from herpes simplex 1 viruses (HSV type 1) that cause skin infections and sores. In addition, 417 million people aged 17-49 with type 2 HSV infection, the cause of genital herpes, cause itching, sores around the genitals. This is the first time the World Health Organization estimates the global rate.

Most people with type 1 HSV in childhood, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected adult . It is transmitted through secretions or sores on the skin through kissing, touching or sharing objects such as razors, towels, toothbrushes, cutlery . HSV type 2 is usually transmitted sexually , can increase the risk of getting and spreading HIV.

More than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 suffer from the herpes simplex virus 1. (Photo: Telegraph).

In rich countries, HSV type 2 is growing faster than HSV1. This is thought to be due to improved hygiene conditions that reduce HSV type 1. At the same time young people increase oral sex, causing HSV type 2 to spread.

Herpes is a chronic condition . The virus can "sleep" for years and recur due to hormonal changes, stress, fatigue or changes in the immune system. The average recurrence rate is 4-5 times in the first two years after infection. At least 8 out of 10 people carrying the virus do not know that they have been infected because there are usually few or no initial symptoms.

"Need to accelerate the development of vaccines against the herpes simplex virus, especially to prevent the spread of HSV type 2," said Sami Gottlieb, WHO health worker. Companies are still in the process of testing vaccines that meet this need.