The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 6 Americans (16.2 percent) between 14 and 49 are infected with herpessimplexvirustype 2.
An estimated 16% of U.S. adults are infected with herpessimplexvirustype 2 (HSV-2), which can cause bumps, blisters, or sores on the genitals and surrounding areas, along with pain and itching.
New research suggests that people exposed to the herpessimplextype 1 virus, the virus that causes cold sores, may be at greater risk for developing cognitive problems, particularly memory problems.