Both genital and oral herpes outbreaks have similar symptoms. 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….
In addition, herpes II can be spread from an infected mother to her child during birth. The herpes II virus is spread during sexual contact with an infected person who is secreting the virus in fluids from lesions or mucous membranes. Typically, the first signs of herpes II is a cluster of blister-like lesions in the genital area head of penis, labia, anus, cervix which spread and merge, break and crust over within four to 15 days.
The fluid from these itching, painful sores is highly infectious. Other frequent symptoms are painful urination, urethral or vaginal discharge and swollen lymph nodes. The first exposure or primary episode consists of headache, fever, chills and muscular weakness. Recurrent episodes are less severe and are limited to the affected area. Some studies have shown that from one-half to two-thirds of people infected with the virus will have no symptoms.
But, if they appear, local symptoms may be seen from two to 12 days after exposure. People are most likely to transmit the virus when the lesions are evident.
There is evidence, however, that the virus may be shed even when no symptoms of a recurrent episode are present. After the initial infection, the herpes II virus becomes dormant within the body. A person who experiences prodromal symptoms can begin taking treatments and other precautions in preparation for the outbreak. Some typical prodromal symptoms of herpes include an itching, burning, or tingling sensation around the genitals, as well as shooting pains in the hips, buttocks, or legs.
Over time, people may experience fewer outbreaks with milder symptoms. Some people may eventually stop experiencing herpes outbreaks altogether. After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.
Symptoms are usually less severe during repeat outbreaks. Sores also clear up more quickly, often within 3—7 days. This is due to the antibodies the body produces to fight the first outbreak of herpes. The body can then use these antibodies to respond more quickly to future outbreaks. There is currently no cure for herpes. Even if a person stops experiencing symptoms, the virus will remain inside their body. It is also important to point out that herpes is transmissible even when no sores or other symptoms are present.
For this reason, early prevention is advisable. The herpes virus may be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the affected area. As a result, people can contract herpes from engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a person who has the herpes virus. To help reduce the chance of this happening, people can use condoms or dental dams during sex. Condoms and dental dams do not offer complete protection against the herpes virus, as herpes can live on areas around the genitals.
However, these methods do reduce the likelihood of contracting the infection or passing it on. A person who has herpes can also take other steps to reduce the chance of passing it on to a sexual partner. Such steps include telling their sexual partner that they have herpes before having sex. Both people can then take additional steps to reduce the likelihood of transmission. These steps may include:. Taking daily antiviral medication can also reduce the likelihood of passing on the infection.
A person can talk to their doctor about this treatment option. It is important to note that people with genital herpes have a higher chance of contracting HIV from a sexual partner who has HIV. Using a condom during sex can help lower this likelihood. People should see their doctor if they think they might have herpes, or if they have any symptoms of herpes. Getting tested for herpes is also important to rule out other sexually transmitted infections.
People can visit their doctor or a sexual health clinic for a test.
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