We analyzed data from a national telephone survey to determine whether awareness of the herpes epidemic led to changes in sexual behavior. Of those surveyed, 67 per cent heard about herpes only within the last two years. More importantly, 45 per cent of individuals perceiving themselves to be at risk stated they had changed their behavior as a result of this perception. Among those never married, 60 per cent stated they were willing to modify their lives to avoid genital herpes.