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According to the Medical News Today (www.medicalnewstoday.com, "the prevalence of genital herpes in the United States has decreased significantly" This; however, does not exclude herpes as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States.

In third world countries, herpes has increased to an alarming rate among teens and young adults. Whether there is an increase or decrease, herpes still remains a great concern not only for parents, but also for allied health workers all around the globe.

There are two types of herpes; the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) which usually causes oral sores and the HSV2 which causes genital sores. Genital herpes or HSV2 is acquired through sexual contact with whoever harbors the virus in his body. However, one could also acquire the disease from infected toilet seats, comfort room door knobs and any material that the virus could remain viable in.

Since the microorganism is a virus, and viruses cannot be cured, the developing complications are treated instead. Prevention could also be instituted by avoiding sexual promiscuity and pre-marital sex. The developing complications may include painful lip sores and genital sores.

Why is herpes acquired by teens when it is supposedly a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? What influences the prevalence of herpes in teens?

These are the major reasons why herpes could be prevalent in teens:

1. Teens are more inclined to sexual intimacy nowadays because of what they watch on TV, read from books and observe around them everyday. They do not; however, learn simultaneously about proper prevention and protection from STDs. This ignorance of the health issues involved leads to herpes infections in teens.

2. Society's tolerance also, of sexual intimacy has a lot to do with the prevalence of herpes in teens. Since society tolerates pre-marital sex and sexual promiscuity, teens are allowed more sexual freedom. This misguided freedom could make them acquire STDs like herpes, HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia.

3. More parents are working nowadays to cope up with the increasing cost of living and this usually leaves the teens unattended and without adult company to monitor them.

4. Some infected persons are asymptomatic (there are no symptoms). They would infect persons, (mostly uninformed teens) who are not aware of the modes of transmission of the disease.

It is therefore important that parents should talk to their teenage children about the dangers of STDs and answer whatever questions they have regarding this topic. In the end, the responsibility of preventing teen children to acquire these dreaded diseases is the parents'. Proper guidance, appropriate parental care and unconditional love would certainly prevent the spread of the herpes infection among teens.

Learn more about this author, Virginia Gaces.
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