About one-fifth of all people aged 12 and up in the U.S. are infected with the HSV-2 virus that causes genital herpes, but as many as 90% don’t know it. Experts estimate 50% to 80% of adults have oral herpes.
One in four women compared with one in five men are infected with genital herpes. One reason may be that the virus can infect a woman’s genitals more easily than it can a man’s. It becomes more common as people age and the more sex partners people have.
How is Genital Herpes Contracted?
Both herpes simplex virus-1 and virus-2 may be transmitted through sex, or by kissing or touching any affected area. A condom can prevent herpes transmission during vaginal or anal sex, but oral contact with genitals or open sores anywhere can spread the disease. Washing hands can also minimize transmission
Symptoms:
Herpes simplex virus-1 usually shows up as cold sores or blisters. For those who have herpes simplex virus-2, some have no symptoms, while others may show signs of an infection from five to twenty days after having sex with an infected partner. Early symptoms can include a burning sensation in the genitals, low back pain, pain when urinating, and flu-like symptoms. A short while later, small red bumps may appear around the genitals or on the mouth; later these bumps become painful blisters which then crust over, form a scab, and heal.
Testing of Herpes:
Your doctor will examine the sores and test fluid from the blisters
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