Like gonorrhea and chlamydia and other infections, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection STI that can be spread through close personal contact, such as kissing or sexual intercourse. Oral herpes is an infection in the mouth, caused by HSV-1 [ 2 ]. Symptoms often include cold sores or fever blisters, but you can have oral herpes without any symptoms. Related: STDs in women. The herpes simplex virus can be dormant until an active outbreak occurs.
The initial infection typically has the worst symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes to headaches. Sores may occur in and around the lips and mouth. Recurring infections are usually milder, and may include redness, itching, or swelling. Painful, fluid-filled blisters can occur and are highly contagious. These blisters often turn into sores or lesions , which will then scab over and typically heal in a few days.
Symptoms of genital herpes range from none to more severe manifestations [ 3 ]. The majority of genital HSV infections are mild, with little to no symptoms following the initial outbreak. For people who do experience symptoms, the usual course begins with genital inflammation, where the skin may itch or burn. Blister-like sores may appear. The sores may open, scab over, and heal.
Other indirect symptoms that can occur during an active herpes virus infection include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a burning sensation during urination. The primary symptom of a herpes outbreak is sores that resemble blisters, called herpes lesions, on the mouth or genitals. Most of the symptoms that occur before an outbreak indicate that the virus is replicating. Symptoms are usually the worst during the first herpes outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , subsequent herpes outbreaks are usually not as severe, and many people become familiar with the signs and symptoms of an approaching outbreak. If you have the herpes virus and your body has produced antibodies, it can be detected on a blood test, even if you have no symptoms. However, you can still spread the herpes virus to your sexual partners at any time, even if no sores are present.
If you have herpes, you can still take care of your sexual health through open communication and safer sex. Herpes simplex virus is common in the United States. Yes, you can contract oral herpes HSV-1 , aka cold sores, from kissing, but developing genital herpes HSV-2 this way is less likely. As many as 1 in 2 American adults have oral herpes, while an estimated 1 in 8 Americans ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. Most infections are…. There are two types of herpes: oral and genital. Find out what each type of herpes feels like.
If you think you may have herpes, see a doctor as soon…. At-home STI testing kits are becoming increasingly popular. Check out this roundup of the best at-home herpes tests to find out everything you need to…. There is no cure for herpes simplex viral infection. If you do test positive, taking an anti-viral drug such as Valtrex regularly may help you avoid outbreaks and reduce viral shedding, which means you're less likely to infect a partner.
The drugs are fairly benign, says Dr. Marrazzo, but she questions whether it's really worth treating a relatively harmless, incurable infection if it's causing you no symptoms in the first place.
To get our top sexual health stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Health Hookup newsletter. By Louise Sloan Updated April 17, Save Pin FB More.
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