What Is Herpes

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What is Herpes?
Herpes is an infection caused by two different but closely related viruses ¡X herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both are easy to catch. They have similar symptoms. And both can occur on different parts of the body. When the infection is on the mouth, it is called oral herpes. When it is on or near the sex organs, it is called genital herpes.
What are the symptoms of oral herpes?
"Cold sores" or "fever blisters" usually show up on the lips or inside the mouth. They are common in young children. Brief, direct contact is all that's needed to pass the virus. Cold sores are annoying but harmless in children and adults. But cold sores are very harmful to a newborn. Oral herpes in adults is usually a "flare-up" of a childhood infection.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
Very often there are none. The most common symptom is a cluster of blistery sores ¡X usually on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, buttocks, or anus. Symptoms may last several weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months, or years.
The first episode of symptoms of a genital herpes infection is called "primary herpes."
Symptoms include
„h blisters
„h open sores
„h pain in the infected area
„h itching
„h burning feelings if urine flows over sores
„h inability to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra
Very severe first episodes may have symptoms that include
„h swollen, tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, and under the arms
„h fever
„h chills
„h headache
„h general run-down feelings
„h achy, flu-like feelings
The symptoms of later episodes are usually less severe than the first.
Many people carry the virus in their bodies but do not have their first episode of symptoms until they are infected another time.
How is herpes spread?
Herpes is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral in...