First Signs of Herpes

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that occurs in both men and women. Often herpes outbreaks are centered around the mouth and genital areas. What we know as herpes, is actually two different viruses. Herpes simplex 1, sometimes referred to as “oral” herpes, will generally cause outbreaks around the mouth, although it can be present elsewhere. This is most often transmitted through oral secretions or sores and usually contracted when kissing or sharing objects like toothbrushes or eating utensils with an infected person. Herpes simplex 2, or “genital” herpes, is most commonly the cause of outbreaks below the waist. In general this type is spread through sexual contact with an infected individual. Depending on whether you are a male or female the signs and symptoms of herpes can vary.

First Signs and Symptoms

In many cases when an individual becomes infected with the herpes virus for the first time symptoms appear between 2 and 10 days, and the first outbreak can last between 2 and 3 weeks.

After this initial exposure to herpes, some may experience what they believe to be flu-like symptoms; headache, achiness and muscle pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the throat and groin areas, and even upset stomach. About 40 percent of men will experience these “flu” symptoms, while 70 percent of women will experience these to some degree. Other symptoms may include a burning sensation in the genitals, difficulty urinating, and in women an unusual vaginal discharge.

Reoccurring Signs and Symptoms

Prodrome symptoms, or warning symptoms, are usually the same whether you are dealing with an initial outbreak or a reoccurring one. These symptoms may include itching, tingling, and pain in the areas where the sores will develop. Prodrome symptoms may last 1 to 2 days, and it is important to note that even in this stage prior to an actual outbreak, you can be contagious.

After experiencing these warning symptoms you can expect to see sores or blisters, like small red bumps, forming around the affected areas. This will occur usually within 1 to 2 weeks of exposure. Depending on where on your body the virus is infecting you may see these sores around or on the lips, tongue, butt and anus. Women may also experience outbreaks on the vaginal area, external genital area, and the cervix. Men may experience the outbreaks on the penis, scrotum, thighs, and inside the urethra.

Often the blisters that form break leaving tender, open sores that may ooze or bleed. This can be extremely painful for some, making movement or other contact, in these areas difficult. Pain, when trying to urinate, can also be experienced in this stage. With an oral herpes outbreak you may find the individual has very bad breath and an increase in saliva.

Treatment

While there is no cure for the Herpes Simplex 1 or 2 viruses, there are treatments, and medications available to help you manage symptoms and help prevent or minimize outbreaks and pain. Warm baths may also relieve the pain that some experience with an outbreak of genital sores. Herpes Cures are only able to treat the symptoms.

Remember, even when there are no active sores, you can still be contagious and potentially spread this virus to others.