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Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that causes infections. It is very contagious. There are two types of this
virus. One type (HSV-1) usually causes sores around the lips or inside the mouth that are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. The other type (HSV-2) usually causes sores on the genitals (private parts). Either type can infect the mouth, genital area or another part of the body. HSV spreads most easily when a person comes in direct contact with an infected person’s mucous membranes, saliva, or the oozing fluid from a sore. Mucous membranes are the moist skin that lines the inside
parts of the body such as the mouth, nose and vagina. That is why it is extremely important not to kiss or have sex with anyone when herpes sores are present. However, HSV can be spread even when the infected person has no sores or obvious signs of infection. The herpes virus cannot live very long outside of the body. It is unlikely that you can get it from a toilet seat. Symptoms of herpes usually begin within 2 to 20 days after
contact with the HSV virus. The skin becomes painful or it may itch, burn or tingle. Then one or more blisters appear. The blisters open and become sores. The sores turn crusty and heal slowly over 1 to 2 weeks. By 3 weeks, the sores have completely healed without leaving a scar. Sometimes flu-like symptoms, such as swollen glands, headache, body aches and fever also develop. For some, the symptoms may be so mild that the person does not get sores and may not even know that he or she is
infected. When the sores have healed and the skin looks normal again, the virus hides in the nerve cells under the surface of the skin. Once someone is infected with the herpes virus, he or she will have the infection for the rest of his life. The sores can come back at any time when you have a lot of stress, get too tired or have illness, irritated skin, sunburn or a poor diet. They can also come back during menstruation. Sometimes the sores can come back for no reason. There is no cure for herpes. Even though HSV sores can hurt and be unsightly, most cases of herpes do not cause serious illness. The sores go away in a few days. Contact the health provider if:
Other Important PointsDuring a flare-up:
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) (PDF) HH-I-174 6/93 Revised 2/17 Copyright 1993 Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested InWill herpes ever be curable?Genital Herpes Treatment and Care
There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.
How long till there's a cure for herpes?It will still take a long time before these experiments lead to the first human trials of gene therapy to cure herpes. Jerome estimates that will be at least three years away. Herpes simplex viruses afflict billions of human beings around the globe.
Can I have a normal life after herpes?People with herpes have relationships and live totally normal lives. There are treatments for herpes, and there's a lot you can do to make sure you don't give herpes to anyone you have sex with. Millions and millions of people have herpes — you're definitely not alone.
How long do herpes stages last?In some cases, it can take 2 - 3 weeks to heal completely. Subsequent outbreaks are usually less severe and pass within a few days. As a general rule, the first ever herpes outbreak tends to be the most severe. In some cases, it can take 2 - 3 weeks to heal completely.
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