Do I Have Herpes?
The most common herpes viruses are HSV–1 and HSV–2. Usually HSV–1 causes cold sores or fever blisters on or around the lips and HSV–2 affects areas below the waist, causing genital herpes. But both viruses can cause herpes outbreaks in either area.
Just How Common Is Herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by a contagious virus that spreads through intimate skin–to–skin contact. It is estimated that at least 45 million people have genital herpes. That means that 1 out of 5 people are infected with the herpes virus. Anyone who is sexually active, even with just one person, can get genital herpes. Once you have the virus in your body, there is no known way to get rid of it.
Up to 90% of people with genital herpes have not been diagnosed and are unaware of their condition. Many of these people have symptoms they don't recognize or that they confuse with something else.
Most Herpes Sufferers Report
- Swollen lymph glands.
- Headaches, muscle ache, lower back pain and fever.
- Vaginal or penis discharge.
- Painful inflammation and small red bumps which turn into blisters.
- A burning sensation during urination, indicating a infection of the urethra.
What You Should Know About Herpes
- The Herpes virus is very contagious.
- It infects the nerve cells of the spinal cord (genital herpes).
- It can also infect the nerve cells at the base of the brain (oral herpes).
- Do not allow infected areas direct contact with another person.
- When the virus has been transmitted, the infection is permanent.
- An outbreak starts with one or a few small blisters.
- During the blister phase any area of broken skin can be infected.
- The blisters rupture and form scabs indicating the end of the outbreak.
- Outbreaks generally last 12 to 21 days and often occur during stress.
Common Herpes Symptoms
Infected Area can initially tingle, and then become very painful with itching and burning during an outbreak.
