Symptoms Of The Herpes Virus

If you currently have herpes, or you know someone who does – it might be beneficial to understand what the symptoms are, so that you don't get a major fright when they appear.

For the simplicity of this article, we are going to break up the major virus called “Herpes” into two separate sections. The first will be the herpes virus which is transmitted orally. The second will be the herpes virus which is transmitted sexually.

Orally Transmitted Herpes

The main symptom of orally transmitted herpes is what everyone refers to as a cold sore. This is a painful, raised bump, usually on the outer rim of the lips – surrounding the mouth. Unfortunately, this is the most prominent place that the herpes virus could manifest itself, however there is indeed a reason why this area tends to be targeted the most.

The fact of the matter is that the lips have exposure to both moisture and air or a regular basis. We lick our lips throughout the day, which not only moistens them, but also transfers bacteria from the mouth to the outer surface of the lips.

When exposed to someone carrying the herpes simplex virus, this combination of factors results in a manifestation of a painful sore in this exact region.

Hence, people are able to identify just by looking at you that you have contracted this disease, or have been kissing someone with the virus in their body.

Generally, this is the only symptom of orally transmitted herpes. Of course, if you are extremely unlucky, the virus may mutate itself which in the body, and result in further consequences in other places – however this is somewhat unlikely, and a very uncommon thing to happen if you treat it properly.

Sexually Transmitted Herpes

Whilst the previous paragraph explained that herpes was quite a mild virus (as far as symptoms go), the sexually transmitted version is not so lenient when it comes to symptoms.

In fact, there have been some life threatening episodes where herpes has caused major issues with the genitalia regions of the body. Usually, the same “sore like” features are found, however in a much higher quantity, and recurring much more frequently.

This is why it is often very important to acknowledge that you have the virus, and inform people before you go ahead and have sex with them.