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National Herpes Awareness Day

Protection is key - get informed and help spread awareness on National Herpes Awareness Day to keep yourself and loved ones safe!

Tuesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 13

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

National Herpes Awareness Day on October 13 is a great opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in herpes research and education. This day was first established in 1995 as a way to increase public awareness of the virus, which affects an estimated 1 out of 6 people ages 14-49 in the United States. With more knowledge about herpes comes greater acceptance, and it's our hope that National Herpes Awareness Day will help end stigma associated with this virus.

TIMELINE

National Herpes Awareness Day Timeline

Herpes Discovery

In 1925, the herpes simplex virus was isolated in a laboratory for the first time, paving the way for more concrete research and understanding of the virus.

First Antiviral Medicine

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of acyclovir, the first antiviral medicine used to treat herpes infections.

Establishment of Awareness Day

National Herpes Awareness Day was first established in 1995 to increase public awareness and counteract the stigma related to the herpes virus.

Herpevac Trial Launch

In 2003, a major clinical trial for a herpes vaccine, known as Herpevac, was launched with hopes of preventing herpes infections in women.

Herpevac Trial Results

The Herpevac trial concluded in 2012, unfortunately it was ineffective at preventing genital herpes in women.

Ongoing Research

As of 2021, researchers continue to investigate potential vaccines and treatments for the herpes virus.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Herpes Awareness Day

Educate yourself

Take the time to research herpes and learn about its symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Understanding the disease can help reduce the stigma associated with it.

CHECK

Check in with your doctor

If you think you may have been exposed to herpes or are experiencing any type of symptom, schedule an appointment with your physician to get tested.

Share your story

If you’re comfortable doing so, consider sharing your experience with friends, family, or on social media. Your openness could help to reduce the stigma for others.

SUPPORT

Support a cause

Look into organizations that specialize in providing support to those living with herpes or researching new treatments and prevention methods.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Encourage friends and family members to practice safe sex and get tested regularly. Sharing this knowledge can help prevent further transmission of the virus.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Herpes Awareness Day is Important

It encourages safe sex practices

Herpes is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, so practicing safe sex (such as using condoms) is essential for preventing its spread. Herpes Awareness Day can help remind people to use protection during sexual activity and reinforce how important it is to practice safe sex.

It helps to reduce stigma and normalize talking about genital herpes

One of the most important benefits of National Herpes Awareness Day is that it helps to reduce stigma around genital herpes. By talking openly and honestly about this virus, we can help to end the shame associated with it and create a more open dialogue about sexual health in general.

It raises awareness about the symptoms of genital herpes

Genital herpes often has no noticeable symptoms or very mild ones, so many people don't even realize they've been infected. By raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of this virus, we can ensure that people are aware of what to look out for and can seek treatment quickly if necessary.

Related holidays

STI Awareness Month

It's time to break the stigma and spread awareness about STIs during STI Awareness Month - get educated, get tested, and stay safe!

HPV Awareness Day

An awareness observance on March 4 promoting global knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), its prevention through vaccination and screening, and management of HPV-related cancers and diseases.

National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

Let's stand together and raise awareness for National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day - because knowledge is power in the fight against these diseases.

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TUE

May 2026