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ASHA is dedicated to helping people access information about sexual health. We have always been committed to offering accurate information based on science, not ideology.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan for the United States: 2021–2025 to include an addendum on herpes (HSV). HSV is widespread in the United States. An estimated 18.5 million adults are infected with HSV-2, which primarily causes genital herpes. It is also estimated that 48% of people ages 14 to 49 have HSV-1 which can cause either oral or genital herpes.
The STI Plan, first released in 2020, sets out a roadmap for preventing and controlling four of the most common STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). HSV was not originally included. In 2022, Congress directed HHS to amend the plan to address the prevention and treatment of herpes.
There are many challenges that come with preventing and treating HSV.
The HSV Addendum integrates the latest science in HSV diagnostics, prevention, care, and treatment into the STI Plan in the hopes of overcoming these challenges.
It also prioritizes federal action steps in each of these areas and identifies the agencies responsible for each. These action steps are integrated into the five goals of the STI plan which including preventing new infections, reducing the adverse outcomes of STIs, accelerating STI research and innovation, reducing STI-related health disparities, and coordinating efforts to address the STI epidemic.
In addition to spelling out direct actions that HHS will take, the HSV Addendum is meant to provide a foundation for a broad range of collaborators address challenges of HSV. You can read the HSV Addendum in full here. Future iterations of the STI Plan will incorporate HSV directly.
ASHA is dedicated to helping people access information about sexual health. We have always been committed to offering accurate information based on science, not ideology.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Learn the basics about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The word prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.
Life continues after becoming HIV positive. Thanks to new treatments, many people with HIV are living long, healthy lives.
Scabies is an infestation of the top layer of skin caused by the parasite. Scabies are passed on through close physical contact. Transmission is more likely when partners spend the night together than during a brief sexual encounter.
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
Once a disease primarily of children, molluscum has evolved to become a sexually transmitted infection in adults.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a group of viruses—hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. When hepatitis viruses damage liver cells, scar tissue is formed and those cells can no longer function.
In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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