The Disappearing Spoon: A Science History Podcast

Herpes viruses are very common and not that big of a deal. One sixth of all people between ages 15 and 49 have HSV2, the genital one. For HSV1, that proportion rises to two thirds. Most infected people have no symptoms. The virus just sits in their body, doing nothing. In some people, rarely, herpes goes on a rampage. It can also infect the brain and destroy people's memories,. causing profound amnesia.