Health·Posted on Oct 29, 2015Two-Thirds Of People Actually Have Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1The World Health Organization estimates that 3.7 billion people globally are infected with HSV-1, but that's not just oral herpes cases.by Casey GuerenBuzzFeed StaffLinkFacebookPinterestTwitterMail A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) says that 67% of the population is infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is usually thought of as oral herpes, but it can also cause genital herpes when transmitted through oral-to-genital contact. In fact, HALF of the HSV-1 cases in people aged 15–49 are actually estimated to be genital infections. View this photo on Instagram Herpes is incurable, but medication can help with symptoms and make it less likely that you'll pass it along to a partner. Routine screening for herpes isn't recommended, but if you think you've been exposed or you have symptoms, check with your doctor ASAP. View this photo on Instagram Most importantly, know that the herpes virus is incredibly common.