Positive Friends Home Page Think Positive!

Herpes

How do I know if I have the Herpes virus?

HSV-1, is the virus typically associated with cold sores on the lips, nose, chin, and other parts of the face. Because symptoms can be minor or not apparent, it is quite common for HSV-1 infections to go completely unnoticed. In the United States, approximately 56% of individuals 14 years or older show evidence of a previous HSV-1 infection when their blood is tested for HSV-1 antibodies.

HSV-2 is the virus typically associated with genital herpes infections. Most people infected with HSV-2 are actually not aware of their infection. However, if symptoms do occur during the first outbreak then they will typically occur within that first couple of weeks and usually last between two to four weeks. Classic symptoms include, blisters on/in the mouth, penis, anus, buttox; Open sores; itching, burning, or tingling in the infected area; swollen glands in the groin area; flu-like symptoms (achy, run down). However for most people the blisters or sores are the first sign that they notice.

According to the CDC, most people who do experience a first episode of genital herpes typically have several outbreaks within the year. However, over time the frequency of these recurrences typically decrease.

It is important to remember that most people with HSV-2 infection may not ever have sores, or may have very mild symptoms that they misinterpret as being something other than HSV-2. In addition, lesions can occur deep inside the vagina or the anus, where they cannot be seen or felt, but the virus can still be readily transmitted. In the United States, about 22% of people over 12 years of age will show evidence of HSV-2 when their blood is accurately tested. Only 10% of those infected with HSV-2 actually know it.

This question has been viewed 1212 times so far.

Click Here to View all the questions in Herpes category.

Related Questions

1. What is herpes?
2. Is a cold sore the same as Herpes?
3. When is Herpes most contagious?
4. Is Herpes contagious when there are no active symptoms?
5. Is Herpes only transmitted during an active outbreak (when there is a sore present)?
6. Can I get Herpes from oral sex?
7. How does someone get herpes?
8. How do I know if I’ve been infected with herpes?
9. Can I get herpes from kissing?
10. How common is herpes infection?
11. Is oral Herpes only transmitted in the mouth?
12. Is genital herpes only transmitted genitally?
13. What can trigger an outbreak?
14. How often do outbreaks occur?
15. Can oral herpes ne transmitted to the genitals?
16. What is viral shedding?
17. Is there a cure for Herpes?
18. Can I have genital herpes and not know it?
19. If I have a cold sore, can I pass it to my partner?
20. What is an outbreak?