Herpes Simplex Virus Symptoms

The word "herpes" comes from the Greek word for creeping, which refers to the pattern that the herpes blisters form. According to the American Social Health Association, 50 to 80 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes and about one in five has genital herpes, with as many as 90 percent unaware that they have the virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). The American Social Health Association states that genital herpes infection is more common in women, with one in four infected, versus one in eight with men. The symptoms of herpes vary by individual and some people may have no symptoms at all. However, when signs and symptoms do present, they are very noticeable.

Length of Symptoms

Symptoms usually present within two weeks of exposure to the virus and may last for several weeks. The first episode is usually the most severe and later outbreaks tend to be milder. The CDC states that most people with genital herpes have five to eight outbreaks per year, and, as time goes on, the number of outbreaks usually diminishes. Oral herpes recurrence varies from as often as monthly to only a few times each year. After each outbreak the virus lies dormant in the nerve clusters until another outbreak is triggered.

Herpes Lesions

The most common signs of HSV infection are the painful, itching blisters that give herpes its name. With HSV-1 infection the blisters appear on, or near, the lip and, according to the Mayo Clinic, usually last seven to 10 days. With HSV-2 infection, the blisters appear on the genitals and can take two weeks to a month to heal.

Other Signs and Symptoms

Herpes simplex is a virus and may cause physical symptoms similar to other viruses, like the flu. During the first outbreak, patients may experience fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Patients may also experience swollen lymph glands, especially in the groin, and painful urination.

Warning Signs and Triggers

Some patients experience a tingling sensation (prodrome) on the lip or genitals, shortly before an outbreak. During the prodrome period the patient is actually very contagious, even if there are no lesions, and should avoid sexual contact. Outbreak triggers vary by individual. For some, illness, stress or fatigue can trigger an outbreak. For others, hormonal changes associated with menstruation or irritation from sexual intercourse may act as triggers. Others may have completely different triggers entirely. As noted by the National Institutes of Health, correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmitting herpes.