Unbound - Street Herp Tee - Oversized T-shirt

What is Herpes?
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, commonly known as HSV. There are two types: HSV-1, which usually causes oral herpes (like cold sores around the mouth), and HSV-2, which typically leads to genital herpes. But both viruses can affect either region depending on how the virus is transmitted — for example, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.

How Does It Spread?
The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. What makes herpes tricky is that it can spread even when there are no visible symptoms — a phase known as asymptomatic shedding. In rare cases, it can also pass through shared items like lip balms, razors, or towels, but that's not the main way it spreads.

Symptoms (if any)
A lot of people who have herpes don’t even know it because they never show symptoms. But when symptoms do appear, they might include painful blisters or sores around the mouth or genital area, along with itching, tingling, or burning sensations before the outbreak. During the first outbreak, some people also experience flu-like symptoms like fever and swollen glands. These outbreaks come and go, and the virus stays dormant in your body between episodes.

Is There a Cure?
Right now, there’s no permanent cure for herpes, but it’s very manageable. Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are commonly prescribed to reduce how often outbreaks happen, how intense they are, and how likely someone is to pass the virus to someone else.

How to Prevent It
Protection is your best friend. Using condoms or dental dams during sex can reduce your chances of getting or spreading the virus, though it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk since herpes can affect areas not covered by protection. Avoid any sexual activity during an outbreak or when you feel one coming on. Getting tested and having open conversations with your partner about sexual health is not just smart — it's respectful. Honest talk keeps everyone safe.

Why It Matters
Herpes is way more common than people think — in fact, almost two-thirds of the global population under 50 has HSV-1. The virus itself is manageable, but the stigma? That’s the real problem. Talking openly about herpes breaks that taboo and puts the power back in people’s hands. That’s the energy behind this Kashiba Ü design. It’s meme culture with a purpose — making people laugh, think, and most importantly, stay aware.