Herpes is a viral disease that causes pimple-like pustulates to appear on the skin.  There are two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2.  HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus.  The pimples appear, then turn into blisters, then they scab up and fall off.  Herpes is spread through direct contact with another infected person. Type 1 is usually spread through kissing, while Type 2, or genital herpes, is usually spread through sexual contact.  Cold sores are also caused by a form of herpes.  Once you get Herpes, it won't ever go away. An antiviral medication called acyclovir (Zovirax) can reduce the number of outbreaks, but can't rid the body of the virus.
 

-Victims who want information or help can call the National Herpes Hotline at 919-361-8488.

-Pregnant victims can pass the virus on to their children.

-Herpes is not new. Shakespeare wrote of it in Romeo and Juliet:

"O'er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream Which
oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, Because their
breaths with sweetmeats tainted are."