HSV usually shows up as blisters or sores in the mouth (cold sores) or the genitals. These can resemble pimples or insect bites and may tingle or itch. When they break, they “weep” infectious fluid, causing you to be at risk for passing the virus to others.
You can get herpes tested with a blood sample. Test results are available within a few days.
Symptoms
The first herpes outbreak usually happens 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure and shows up as a group of red bumps or blisters around the genital area. Blisters often rupture into painful open sores. The sores then dry out, form a crust and heal without scarring.
The herpes virus stays in the nerve cells and causes more outbreaks over time, but they are generally less severe than the first one. People usually have four or more recurrent episodes in their first year, but the number of recurrences decreases over time.
Herpes can spread when people touch a sore, especially if they then rub the same area of skin, such as their fingers or mouth. They can also pass herpes to others when they spit on them or kiss them, and to babies during childbirth (neonatal herpes). Herpes is very contagious and can be spread even when the person does not have any open sores.
Incubation period
The herpes virus can hide for years in nerve cells without causing symptoms. But when a trigger wakes the virus up, herpes sores appear. These sores ooze and can be spread to others. This is called viral shedding. It may be accompanied by symptoms, or it can occur without any symptoms (asymptomatic shedding).
After an outbreak, herpes sores heal. Once they do, the virus goes back to hiding in your nerve cells. But it can reactivate again at any time. Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less painful.
Oral herpes causes sores on the lips and around your mouth, which are known as cold sores or fever blisters. They itch, tingle and burn before they break open. They ooze fluid and then form a crust. Cold sores usually last a few weeks, but can come back over the course of months or years. Herpes can also cause genital sores and a rash on your buttocks. The virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby during childbirth.
Treatment
Once you get herpes, the virus goes into hiding in your nerve cells. Your body can have recurrent episodes of sores and blisters from time to time, but it may not always cause symptoms.
Symptoms of herpes can be treated with medicine from a sexual health clinic or GP practice. You can also self-treat with antiviral medication, but your doctor can advise you on this.
You can reduce the risk of transmission by using latex condoms for sex and dental dams for oral sex. You should avoid contact with others until any sores have healed.
Having genital herpes increases your risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS. It’s important to talk openly about herpes with your partner. This can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Some people are at increased risk of contracting herpes from partners, including young people, women, older adults and black men in the United States.
Prevention
A person gets herpes by touching sores or getting the virus from a person with herpes. Symptoms usually develop in or around the mouth or genital area. They can also appear on the buttocks and thighs. These sores ooze and turn into blisters, which eventually dry up and form a crust. They can be itchy.
During an outbreak, it is best to use latex condoms or dental dams and avoid kissing or having sex until the sores are gone. Using antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Doctors can test for herpes by taking a swab from a sore or looking for symptoms in the mouth or genital area. They may also order blood tests to check for herpes antibodies. If a woman has herpes in the late stages of pregnancy, her health care provider may recommend a cesarean section to prevent transmission to the baby. Many people find that their herpes recurrences decrease in frequency and severity with time.
