Table of Contents
What is the main cause of herpes?
Overview. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.
Is herpes caused by a viral infection?
Herpes simplex virus infection causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, lips (cold sores), eyes, or genitals. This very contagious viral infection. It requires a living cell in which to multiply.
Can you get herpes from a toilet seat?
It’s very unlikely that you would get genital herpes from a toilet seat. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread by skin-to-skin contact. In most cases, the virus enters your body through mucous membranes — the type of skin found in your mouth, genitals or anus.
Can I spread herpes to my family?
If you have herpes simplex, you are most likely to pass the virus to another person when you have sores. But you can infect someone else even if you have no symptoms. Healthcare providers call this asymptomatic viral shedding.
What are the first signs of herpes in a man?
Symptoms
- tingling sensations in the genital area, including the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, or thighs.
- small red bumps that turn into blisters around the genital area.
- swelling in the groin, neck, or under the arms.
- muscle aches.
- fever.
- headaches.
- tiredness.
- trouble urinating.
How harmful to the body is the herpes virus?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that usually causes skin infections. There are two types of HSV: HSV type 1 usually causes small blisters on the mouth, eye or lips (cold sores) and HSV type 2 usually affects the genital area. HSV infection in newborn babies can be very severe and can even cause death.
Can the body rid itself of herpes virus?
While there is no cure for herpes, the severity of the virus varies over the course of an infected person’s lifetime. In fact, some people with the disease do not experience any symptoms for extended periods. They may still shed the virus, though, even when no symptoms are present.
What are the causes and risk factors of herpes?
You have another sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What you should know about herpes virus?
Tearing