How common are the Herpes Virus Groups (cold sores, genital herpes and shingles)?
Most people have herpes, either as genital herpes, or as cold sores, the main difference is where it appears on the body. Experts estimate that 60 million Americans have the virus that causes the genital form of herpes, with up to 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In 1991, an estimated 45 million Americans were infected with the virus that causes genital herpes, and 40 million more have cold sore outbreaks.
