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How To Tell Someone You Have Herpes?

How to tell someone you have herpes is very difficult especially when this person is significant to you. Herpes creates a social stigma and impairs one’s sexual functioning when disclosed. People become afraid of being judged and misunderstood so most people do not divulge it. Because of this, there was a large increase in the prevalence of herpes all over the world and continues to rise because of unknowing sexual contact with an infected person.

The law states that any person who has a sexually transmitted disease should divulge the information to appropriate agencies and affected individuals. This measure gives appropriate treatment of genital herpes and prevents spread of infection. How to tell someone you have herpes is the most important thing to decide on to share the information accurate and honestly. Aside from spreading infection, non disclosure would also mean legal implications. A recent law suit against a wealthy man transmitting herpes to his partner because of non-disclosure cost him about 5 million dollars as damages for the woman. His reason was, he does not know how to tell someone you have herpes.  Of course, we don’t want that to happen to us! Gain enough courage and maturity to tell that person that you are infected.

Telling someone you have herpes also makes the other person defensive that he or she did not cheat on you and did not give you the diseases. Or he or she may be mad because you might have passed the infection to them. It all depends on how you disclose the information.

Simple steps on how to tell someone you have herpes:

1. Keep it straightforward. Tell that person “Hey I have been diagnosed with herpes, I think it’s better if you get tested too so we can fix things and subject our self to treatment.” But if you’re courting someone, never tell the girl “Hey I have Herpes! Can I court you?” It’s straight forward but improper as the person would still not emotionally and psychologically understand your situation and may dump you right then and there!
2. Look at the person straight in the eye. This is a good sign of sincerity and honesty and signals that you’re not playing around.
3. How to tell someone you have herpes especially if the person is your new partner? Tell her before engaging in the sexual act!
   It shows that you are a gentleman or you care about the person. Telling her after you have made love makes her think that you just used her and would hate you for that. Tell him or her “I have herpes and I’m telling it to you because I want to protect you and I don’t want you to become infected. If you understand, then let’s take measures to prevent you from having it”. But if the people do not understand, then it’s their right to terminate the relationship. Do not be afraid that you might end up being a single old man or lady. There is one who can understand your situation, maybe someone who has herpes too.
4. Research about the disease and discuss it with your partner after divulging the information. Maybe you have herpes simplex virus type 1 and did not get it from sexual contact. If you understand the disease, then your partner can easily get the information.

How to tell someone you have herpes largely depends on one’s view of the disease and the cultural and moral inclination of the individual. Prepare on how to tell someone you have herpes because it is not an easy thing to do!

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An Answer to the question - How to Know If You Have Herpes?

Many individuals often ask how to know if you have herpes because they are reluctant in seeking medical advice for diagnosing the problem. They would rather opt to check them out for themselves rather than asking people about it. This is for the reason that herpes have been a sexually transmitted disease that gives an individual a social stigma if he/she has it.

Herpes can be of two types: herpes type 1 and herpes type 2. Type 1 or cold sores are often not sexually transmitted and do not cause genital herpes (as what many people are afraid of). However, it can still cause genital herpes when one person having it may have contact with the genitals such as in oral sex.

Steps on how to know if you have genital herpes begins with examining the signs and symptoms of herpes. Genital herpes is characterized by an open tiny blister located on the genitals that produces a clear discharge. It may not have a foul smell but complicated cases may have a discharge that is foul. It is an open blister and differs with genital warts because warts often look like a tiny cauliflower bump on the genitals. Aside from appearance of blisters, presence of flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body malaise together with the blisters indicate an infection. However, most of genital herpes do not show classical symptoms and are confusing with the occurrence of other genital infections such as dermatitis, fungal infection or urethritis. These make it difficult on how to know if you have herpes.

The most definite way of knowing whether you have herpes or not is facing the problem and consult a medical professional. Doctors usually do the following:

• Conduct physical examinations of the genitals, discharges and blisters.
• Implement pelvic examinations for women to check the internal reproductive organs such as the cervix.
• Palpate the lymph nodes to check enlargement as a sign of infection.
• Collect samples of discharges and subject to laboratory testing. Laboratory testing is usually done to arrive with a definitive diagnosis.

Laboratory Testing for Herpes

How to know if you have herpes? The surest way to know is to subject yourself to the following laboratory examinations:

• Viral culture to determine presence of virus in the blisters
• Direct fluorescent antibody or DFA to determine the microorganism
• Polymerase chain reaction or PCR to assess DNA of the virus
• Immunodot glycoprotein G-specific HSV examination. This is the latest test to differentiate HSV type 1 from type 2

These tests involve the swabbing of blisters or getting blood samples from the patient. Patients should be informed of the procedure before undergoing it. These tests are often expensive and time consuming.

Other practitioners utilize Pap smear for women however; this is not a definitive step on how to know if you have herpes so it should not be done to save time and money, although a patient can still request for this to determine cervical malignancies.

Measures on how to know if you have herpes are not cost effective so prevention is still the best option. Finally, asking questions about how to know if you have herpes should be done with the support of the partner to acquire information for both who potentially have genital herpes.

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Herpes Symptoms in Men - Things You Should Be Aware Of

Herpes symptoms in men differ among individuals, as some having active and visible signs and others are asymptomatic. One out of 10 men in the United States suffers from herpes and more than two thirds of the cases are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 or genital herpes. More than a half of men also do not know they have genital herpes since they do not have any signs and symptoms. This is the reason why there is a high prevalence of the disease– having sexual intercourse unknowingly that they carry the disease. Herpes symptoms in men are readily visible once they occur because they are usually confined on the outer portions of the genitals.

Most common Herpes Symptoms in Men

First appearance of symptoms termed as outbreak happens 2 to 20 days after the exposure to an infected individual. The basic herpes symptoms in men are the development of blisters on the genitals especially on the glans penis and shaft. Other areas include the anorectal area, inguinal area and urinary meatus (opening of the urinary tract). The blisters appear reddish during the initial phase of the outbreak then become an open sore. The infection progresses and the blisters produce discharges that are infectious and the virus can be transmitted to another person by way of an open skin or wound. It turns into scab and heals within 20 days. The healed lesion leaves a reddish discoloration in the skin. Aside from the classical sign of herpes that is blisters, other herpes symptoms in men include:

• Burning, tingling and numbing in the genital area as an early sign of symptoms outbreak
• Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes
• Fever, body malaise, headache
• Discharges that could be non-foul smelling or foul smelling depending on the severity of infection
• Pain upon urination because of blisters in the urethra
• Muscle aches and back pains relating to infection of the sensory nerves around the lumbar area.

Once herpes symptoms in men appear, the person could have several outbreaks throughout his life. It becomes a lifelong disease with periods of latency or remissions, which means that the individual will not have signs and symptoms of herpes. Recurrence from herpes occurs most often in men rather than in women. This is for the fact that lifestyle related triggers are most often present in men such as alcoholism and smoking which lowers down the immune system.

Herpes symptoms in men usually present a prodrome or warning sign when they have outbreaks. A patient may feel pain and itching on the genitals which signals the development of another batch of symptoms.

Since it is a lifelong disease, men infected with herpes can spread the disease throughout their life even during remissions where there are no symptoms. Because of this, the primary prevention for the spread of infection is through safe sex practice and use of barrier methods. However, this does not provide 100% protection from spreading the disease as other modes of transmission such as kissing may spread herpes simplex virus type 1. Herpes symptoms in men are manageable and can be controlled by medications such as anti viral creams or oral medications prescribed by a physician.

Continue reading »]]> Herpes simplex 1 is a type of herpes virus that typically causes oral herpes or cold sores. The virus stays on the nerve cells adjacent to the ears. Because of this, symptoms of herpes simplex 1 infection occur on the lips, mouth and face.

Many people believe that having herpes simplex 1 infection means milder disease than herpes simplex type 2, the one that cause genital herpes. It is milder in the sense that there is lesser social stigma because genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, whereas oral herpes can develop in children. However, both herpes cause the same extent of damage in the sensory neurons so these should not be viewed as one being less serious. In addition, once oral herpes develop in adults, it is mistaken that the individual too has genital herpes, which is not the case in most of the patients but herpes simplex 1 can also cause genital herpes in cases of oral-genital contact. People should distinctly differentiate herpes 1 from that of herpes 2.

The Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes Condition

The manifestation and symptoms of herpes simplex 1

• Itching at the sides of the lips as initial sign of infection
• Open blisters on the lips, mouth, throat and esophagus
• Burning, tingling and numbing of the site of lesions
• Pain in the lesions
• Fever
• Lymphadenopathy in the neck (enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck)
• Headache, Muscle ache
• Dysphagia or painful swallowing

Herpes simplex 1 is transmitted through direct contact with the infected lesion, saliva or body fluids in the form of kissing, licking, sharing utensils with the infected person or using personal items such as toothbrush. Some individuals do not show active lesions but have the ability to still transmit the virus. The blisters appear 2 to 20 days after exposure to an infected person and the blisters normally heal in the same number of days.

Oral herpes or cold sores are sometimes referred to as fever blisters because of their appearance as reddish, swollen and sore plus they occur simultaneously with fever. People believe that the blisters are a result of having a high temperature where the body eliminates the heat through the skin openings. But this is a wrong notion because as we all know; the fever that accompanies the blisters is just a sign of an ongoing infection.

What should you do when you got infected with herpes simplex 1?

Management for the blisters in herpes simplex 1 is the same with that of herpes simplex 2– they just differ in location. These are easy, simple steps to undertake to hasten the healing if the sore and reduce itching or pain:

1. Apply cold compress over the lesions outside the mouth. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Administer analgesics to relieve moderate to severe pain.
3. Contact a medical professional for antiviral creams (acyclovir) and pills. These do not eradicate the disease itself because herpes simplex 1 stays on the nerves for life. Antiviral treatments only help in lessening the sick days or hastening the healing if the lesions.

Aside from management, preventing herpes simplex 1 spread should be instituted such as appropriate isolation precautions (non-sharing of eating utensils, avoid kissing, licking and having contact with the person’s body fluids especially saliva.

Continue reading »]]> Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease where symptoms of Chlamydia infection similar to other STDs like genital herpes. It is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and it is the most typical sexually transmitted disease all over the world with over 2 million cases per year, a prevalence that is 3 times higher to that of gonorrhea. Transmission is through intimate sexual contact and not through casual contact such as kissing or holding hands. It is never transmitted through placental route but neonates can get the disease through contact with the infection during vaginal delivery. Neonates may have conjunctivitis and pneumonia at birth because of this. Symptoms of Chlamydia usually affect the cervix, urethra and rectum. In addition, about 30% of patients are asymptomatic.

Symptoms of Chlamydia Infection in Men & Women

Being sexually active with multiple sexual partners increases the risk for Chlamydia infections. Moreover, young adults, people who belong to lower socioeconomic status, people in urban sites and African Americans have higher risk for Chlamydia.

Symptoms of Chlamydia often resemble gonorrhea; hence a definite diagnosis should be made for a more appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men

• Dysuria or painful urination
• Clear or white discharge from the urethra or rectum
• Inflammation of the testicles and testicular ducts leading to tenderness and pain
• Rectal pain
• Some may be asymptomatic

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women

• Mucopurulent vaginal discharge
• Edematous cervix
• Dysuria
• Post coital bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
• Mid –cycle spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse
• Rectal pain
• Some are also asymptomatic
• More advanced disease may lead to liver inflammation and salpingitis  (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)

Diagnosing Chlamydia

Laboratory tests are done to support symptoms of Chlamydia in diagnosing the disease. Cultures of urethral, cervical and anal secretions are done to determine presence of the bacteria. More advanced tests are the DNA probe test, and monoclonal antibody test through blood samples.

Once an individual had Chlamydia, it is easier for him or her to acquire other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Diagnosis should also try to rule out other STDs.

Treatment for Chlamydia

In order to eradicate symptoms of Chlamydia, antibiotic treatments are given such as azithromycin, doxycycline and tetracycline for 7 days or depending on the severity of the infection and a follow up assessment should be done after 1 month to completely eradicate Chlamydia.

Complications of Chlamydia

Symptoms of Chlamydia may progress when not treated promptly. The disease can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and urethritis. PID and salpingitis may further lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Prevention for Chlamydia

In order to prevent the disease and underlying symptoms of Chlamydia, sexually active women should be checked for Chlamydia yearly through cervical and vaginal smears. But the healthiest way of preventing it is for people to have monogamous sexual relationships. Symptoms of Chlamydia are sometimes unnoticed so further sexual precautions should be instituted like the use of condoms.

Continue reading »]]> Genital warts caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) results in various HPV symptoms. Genital warts usually present as small bumps that is flesh-colored in the skin of the genitals. Human Papillomavirus can also result in skin lesions on the neck and face but may also be present in the genitals. Because of this, it is most commonly termed as genital warts. Genital warts are the fourth most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide and about 6 million cases occur each year.

HPV Infection and HPV Symptoms

HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person. Some warts are not visible which makes a person think he or she is not infected. It is highly contagious and symptoms appear 1 to 2 months after exposure. Risk factors include being sexually active, being polygamous (having multiple sex partners), unprotected sex with an infected person, smoking and alcoholism as these decreases the immune system. Some people believe that genital warts are due to coming in contact with a bull frog because it resembles the skin of the frog. However, this is only a myth and it is transmitted only by humans.

Genital herpes is medically termed as condyloma acuminata. HPV symptoms occur in multiple clusters and most commonly found in the vulva, cervix, vagina, perineum, glans penis, urethral meatus, and anorectal area. In men, the warts appear most often at the tip of the penis but the shaft may also have tiny warts on it. The bumps are most often painless and colored pink or gray. Also, there is an increased itchiness and moisture on the areas around the warts. In women infected with HPV, vaginal discharges could be present and during sexual intercourse, bleeding may result as a result of irritating the lesions.

In non visible lesions, it could be identified by wrapping the glans penis or vulva with a gauze soaked with acetic acid, or in the home, white vinegar. Presence of tiny, white particles indicates the presence of HPV.

Just like genital herpes, HPV symptoms disappear during latency but will reoccur once triggered. There is no cure for HPV infection hence palliative or symptomatic management are the only ones instituted.

Complications of HPV Infection:

HPV symptoms may further lead to the following:

• Genital Malignancies. Clients with genital warts have an increased risk of developing cancer of the cervix, vulva or penis.
• Mothers infected with human papillomavirus may have a neonate with laryngeal papillomatosis— presence of warts in the baby’s voice box and throat causing difficulty of breathing and respiratory distress
• Difficult labor and delivery. Women with HPV symptoms specifically genital warts may have difficult delivery because the warts decrease elasticity of the vagina.

Some myths about HPV are present in the public. These are:

1.      HVP is the same as HIV and Herpes. This is totally not true because the three STDs are caused by different viruses.

2.      You can easily identify a person with HPV because of the warts. Some people do not show HPV symptoms despite being infected, and some warts are microscopic, so you cannot see it with the naked eye.

3.      People who are monogamous will not have HPV. Having multiple partners increase the risk of having HPV symptoms but it does not mean that having only one do not put risks. Your sexual partner can have other sexual partners before.

4.      HPV vaccination is not intended for people who are not sexually active. Prevention is better than cure so immunization as early as 14 years old, when the young girl has not have any sexual encounters is optimal to prevent future infections and HPV symptoms.

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The Truth about Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes affects 30% of adults in the United States. Herpes virus is classified into two: herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2. Genital herpes is commonly caused by herpes simplex virus 2 but some cases caused by herpes virus type 1 have been seen in individuals.

Having genital herpes creates a social stigma which keeps patients from seeking medical treatment. However, despite of medical treatment, genital herpes becomes a lifelong disease with periods of activity and latency. During the period of active infection, signs and symptoms of herpes appear. These may eventually heal and disappear but the herpes virus stays on the neurons forever, which means that if the patient have decreased immune system, signs and symptoms may appear again.

Signs and symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Fever

• Body aches

• Lymph node enlargement on the inguinal areas

• Blisters on the genitals and lower urinary system that can be itchy or painful

• Redness, soreness and swelling of area around the blister

• Tingling, burning or numbing of the area around the lesion

• Painful urination

• And in more advanced cases, painful sexual intercourse

The blisters normally heal up to 20 days. It starts from a tiny red bump in 1-2 days that becomes open and produces a clear, watery discharge in 3-7 days. It dries after 8-10 days and forms a scab until it eventually disappears in 14-20 days leaving a reddish mark on the skin.

The herpes virus enters the body through contact with the infected lesions and body fluids. Genital herpes is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Once it enters the body through the mucous membranes and open skin, it travels to the sensory neurons and stays and multiplies at the neurons. They stay there for life which makes the disease difficult to eradicate. The person may have periods of relief during the latent phase but must be careful to avoid lowering down the immune system such as catching other infections to prevent the herpes virus from being active again.

Because of this, management of genital herpes focuses on supportive treatment to control the symptoms and hasten the healing of the lesions.

Here are some advices to people with genital herpes:

1. Boost your immunity by consuming adequate vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and zinc. These will prevent reoccurrence of signs and symptoms and control the activity of the herpes virus.

2. Never put other solutions on the blisters such as isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Physicians prescribe for antiviral and anesthetic creams to reduce the blisters and the pain. Applying other substances may further irritate and infect the lesions.

3. Ensure protected sexual intercourse by using barrier methods such as condoms. As much as possible, protect also your partner as you protect yourself. You may not want to spread the disease to other people.

4. And most importantly, seek for medical advice for the supportive management of the herpes. You might as well talk it over to your trusted friend or support system to let you emotionally cope with genital herpes.

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Understanding what a cold sore is and how can you prevent it?

A cold sore is a tiny blister found on the mouth and lips. It is otherwise known as fever blister because the area surrounding it is swollen, red and sore. At start, it is a tiny bump that eventually becomes an open lesion that produces clear discharges. While it heals, it turns into scab until it eventually disappears leaving a reddish discoloration in the skin. Cold sore is due to herpes simplex virus infections.

Herpes virus are classified into two – : Herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. HSV-1 most commonly causes appearance of a cold sore.
It is transmitted through contact with the cold sore such as kissing or licking. It can also be transmitted through contact with body fluids that are infected such as having contact with saliva and sharing utensils and other personal things. A cold sore present in an adult may be spread on to children through kissing. Moreover, it can be spread to other areas such as the genitals through other sexual styles.

What are the signs and symptoms of Cold Sore?

Cold sore may begin as a fever indicating presence of infection. Tingling, burning, pain in the mouth and sore throat signals the appearance of a blister. Once in active infection, the lymph nodes around the neck enlarge indicating an infectious process near the area (as in this case, infection in the mouth). More advanced cold sore in the mouth may descend to the throat and esophagus which causes difficulty and painful swallowing. A cold sore can be so painful especially to children and those who have a lot of them. The blisters normally heal in 20 days so supportive management should be instituted to provide relief from pain, hasten the healing and prevent further spread.

The following are recommended home remedies for cold sore:

1. Keep the area clean and dry. A moist environment is a potential place for microorganisms to replicate and cause further infection. Keep it clean and dry by using a soft cloth to prevent irritation.

2. Avoid too much contact with the cold sore. Avoid touching the lesions using bare hands and too often. Some people become irritated by their presence and unconsciously touch the area. Frequent touching may further irritated and enlarge the sore.

3. Exercise oral care by use of sodium chloride solution (mix 2 pinches of salt with 1 glass lukewarm water). Warm water and salt soothes the itching and pain on the blisters and maintains a healthy and clean mouth to prevent further infection.

Aside from these home remedies, consulting a physician is always better to have a holistic approach for the infection. An antiviral herpes cream may be prescribed to reduce the duration of the healing process. Anesthetic creams may also be applied to decrease the pain. Other oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir can be taken to have systemic actions and faster effect. These medications should be taken properly as these may produce side effects.

A cold sore may affect the body image of the individual so proper emotional and psychological support as well as non judgmental attitude should be given by support systems.

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Herpes Simplex Virus: Overview, Causes, Symptoms and Prevalence

Herpes simplex virus or HSV causes a contagious disease that is sexually transmitted. It belongs to herpesviridae, a family of herpes virus that causes infection to people. Herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 are two categories of herpes virus that causes infection. Herpes type 1 result to cold sores on the mouth and herpes type 2 cause genital herpes although an increasing number of genital herpes due to HSV type 1 have been documented because of various sexual practices.

Both classes of herpes virus are transmitted through direct contact with the infected skin, lesions or body fluids during active infection. HSV type 2 is transmitted basically by sexual contact. Once inside the body, it travels through the skin and mucous membranes and sensory nerves where it replicates and stays for the rest of the patient’s life. Because of this, herpes simplex virus infection can have periods of activity and remissions. As discussed, it is contagious during active infection where the patient has visible symptoms. However, transmission is also possible during the latent stage. Patients with HSV can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Herpes can also be passed on to neonates during vaginal birth where the baby comes in contact with the lesions.

Specific Causes of Herpes Simplex Virus infection

Incidences of herpes simplex virus infection are largely related on the following factors:

• Being sexually active. Since HSV infection is largely sexually transmitted, any contact with anyone suffering the disease may put risk of developing it too.
• Being polygamous (multiple sexual partners). This puts greater risk in developing the disease because of exposure to many people potentially carrying it.
• Immunosuppression. A weak immune system puts an individual to becoming infected with any types of diseases including herpes. Immunosuppression includes but not limited to having HIV/AIDS and taking immunosuppressant medications such as steroids.

Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection

Signs and symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection include presence of blisters on the genitals and anus, and cold sores or fever blisters found on the areas surrounding the lips. The blisters start from a red bump then progresses into an open lesion. After that, it dries and forms a scab. The blisters normally heal within 20 days. An infected individual may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches during the start of infection. Specific manifestations depend on the site of blisters such as painful urination when they are present in the urethra; itching, tingling and burning sensation in the genitals and soreness of the mouth.

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus

Recent statistics shows that more than 60% of American adolescents are infected with herpes type 1 and about 30% of adults suffer from it. This is an alarming condition that needs to be seen because HIV infections are greatly increased by herpes infections. Genital herpes may be caused by both types of virus, but more than 70% of cases worldwide are caused by HSV type 2 and about 90% of them have visible symptoms. In addition, 1 out of 5 women in the United States have HSV and 1 in 10 men suffer from it. This means that women have the greater risk of developing it after unprotected sexual contact. Hence, to prevent spread of herpes simplex virus, a safe or protected sexual practice should be exercised especially in women.

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Understanding Herpes Symptoms

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which causes several herpes symptoms that affect the sexual and body image of the individual. Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus and is categorized into two: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes type 1 is otherwise known as oral herpes and type 2 as genital herpes. Although the manifestations are similar, the herpes symptoms differ in location. The mode of transmission of the virus is through direct contact with body fluids and lesions, although the most common mode of acquiring herpes symptoms is through oral and genital sex.

Signs and symptoms of herpes infection develop within 2-20 days after contact with a person with herpes. Initial herpes symptoms may be mild to severe and stays for as long as 21 days. Once an individual suffered from the viral infection, it may reoccur for some time. This is due to the fact that the virus travels along the sensory nerves and reside in the nerve bodies lifelong. Once immunocompromised, herpes symptoms reoccur. The period when symptoms disappear and the person is apparently well is called remissions. The following are the general signs and symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection:

• Blisters or lesions on the site of infection
• Burning and tingling sensations at the site of the vesicle (perirectal areas, genitals, esophagus, or mouth)
• Pain on the lesion
• Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) as a sign of active infection
• Headache and muscle ache
• Back pain as a sign of infection to the sensory nerve roots at the spine
• Fever

Aside from these general symptoms, one can have specific manifestations depending on the type of herpes infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or Oral Herpes Symptoms

• Itching of the mouth and areas near the lips as a first sign of infection
• Sores on the lips, tongue, cheeks, buccal mucosa, palate, and throat that extends to the esophagus
• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing as a result of herpetic lesions in the esophagus
• Pain, burning and tingling sensation in the mouth

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 or Genital Herpes Symptoms

• Itching of the genitals as a first sign of infection
• Small reddish lesions on the genital area which later changes into blisters, crusts, scabs and eventually heals in 20 days
• Abnormal discharges in the vagina and penis
• Burning and tingling sensation in the genitals
• Painful urination as a result of infection of the lower urinary tract

Despite these evident herpes symptoms, up to two thirds of infected individuals do not show signs and symptoms of the disease, however, they are still able to transmit the virus. In this case, barrier methods such as condoms are important to prevent transmission.

Reoccurrence of herpes simplex virus infection is triggered by an immunocompromised status because of a weak immune system to counteract the infection. These include having colds, hormonal imbalances, physical and emotional stress, alcoholism and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Individuals can be warned for outbreaks by the occurrence of prodromes or warning signs. These include sudden itching, burning, tingling and numbness of the previous areas of blisters, fatigue, fever, headache and symptoms resembling flu. Herpes symptoms are highly contagious so people should exercise safer sex practices.