Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, or commonly known as HSV. There are two types of HSVs: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes is caused by HSV-1 virus, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. However, either type of virus can cause infection in either location.
Herpes is very common among some populations, and most people who have it don’t even know it. In fact, the CDC estimates that 1 in 6 people in the US ages 14 to 49 have HSV-2, the type of herpes responsible for most cases of genital herpes. Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, and it can be passed even if there are no symptoms present.
1Common Symptoms of Herpes
The most common symptoms of herpes are fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms include;
- Pain or itching
There are many different symptoms associated with the Herpes virus, and one of the most common is pain and itching. For some people, the itchiness is mild and only occurs occasionally. For others, it can be much more severe, leading to constant discomfort.
- Small red bumps or tiny white blisters
Both types of viruses can cause lesions, which are small open sores that can appear on the skin or mucous membranes. Lesions are one of the most common symptoms of herpes and can be very painful. In some cases, they may also lead to other complications such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Fever
Fever is among the first symptoms of herpes. It usually appears within 2-3 days after coming into contact with the virus. The fever may be mild or high, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. In some cases, a high grade fever can be a sign of a more serious complication such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Body aches
Body aches are a common symptom of Herpes. The pain is often felt in the muscles and joints, and can be severe. Body aches and pains can make it difficult to move or even to stand up. In some cases, the pain may be so severe that it wakes a person up at night.
- Ulcers
Ulcers are a common symptom of herpes. They usually appear as small, red, open sores on the skin. Ulcers can be painful and may bleed. Ulcers are most likely to occur during an outbreak of herpes, but they can also occur without an active outbreak.
