Two viral strains cause herpes: herpes simplex virus Type 1 and herpes simplex virus
Type 2. Herpes simplex virus Type 1, or HSV-1, causes oral herpes and spreads through saliva. Herpes simplex virus Type 2, or HSV-2, causes genital herpes and spreads through sexual contact. People can have a cross-infection, such as an HSV-1 infection on the genitals, from mouth-to-genital contact. MedlinePlus explains that herpes always stays in patients' bodies, causing symptoms when the virus is reactivated.
Cold Sores
People with oral herpes can have cold sores in and around the mouth. Planned Parenthood points says sores in the mouth, such as on the gums, usually occur just during the initial infection. The cold sores can also occur on patients' lips. They are painful and can last a few weeks. When the sore breaks, the fluid inside the blister drains and a yellow crust forms. That crust falls off once the sore fully heals. After having the first cold sores after infection, they can return in the future, ranging from a few weeks to years later.
Genital Sores
Patients infected with HSV-2 also have sores, but they're located on the genitals. Planned Parenthood says the initial outbreak of genital herpes is more noticeable than future outbreaks. Patients with genital herpes have a cluster of blisters that may form on the anus, buttocks, penis, vagina, vulva or cervix. Some patients may have open sores that bleed or ooze. The affected area may become painful or itching. Sometimes, the sores may produce a tingling sensation. The genital sores may burn if they come into contact with urine. If the sores block the urethra, the part of the body that transports urine, patients can't urinate. The initial genital sores appear two to 20 days after the infection and heal within two to four weeks. Subsequent breakouts take 10 to 14 days to heal.
Flu-like Symptoms
When patients have the initial herpes outbreak, they may also have flu-like symptoms. For example, MedlinePlus says patients have a fever and enlarged lymph nodes. The lymph nodes in the neck, groin and arm can become affected during the initial herpes outbreak. Patients may also have aches and chills. Headaches can also occur.
