Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV. One form of the virus, HSV-1, is the main cause of infection in the mouth; the other type, HSV-2, usually affects the genitals. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Genital herpes affects about one in six individuals between the ages of 14 and 49, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Herpes is highly contagious and is transmitted from person to person through direct contact with an infected individual. There is no cure for herpes, and the symptoms can come and go as outbreaks occur. If symptoms occur from an infection, they appear within two weeks from exposure to the virus.
Blisters and Sores
The herpes virus produces many painful blisters that cause ulcers to occur during the first outbreak. The blisters contain a clear, straw-colored fluid that also contains the virus and can spread the infection. With oral herpes, sores form on the mouth while genital herpes causes blisters on and around the genitals. The sores generally heal within two to four weeks, but can recur, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sores are most common during the first outbreak of oral herpes. The first outbreak of genital herpes may not cause sores or the sores are so mild that the infected individual does not notice the symptoms of the virus. The skin around the area may tingle or burn for a few days before blisters erupt.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Individuals with a herpes infection may experience flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak. These symptoms include body aches, fever and swollen glands near the area of infection. Some individuals may also develop a headache with a genital herpes infection and a sore throat with an oral herpes infection. A decreased appetite and a general feeling of illness may occur. The flu-like symptoms do not usually occur in subsequent outbreaks, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Pain
The sores on the mouth may cause so much pain that eating and drinking are very uncomfortable. An aching pain can occur in the legs, genital area and buttocks. Women with genital herpes may experience pain during urination, according to MedlinePlus. The urinary pain occurs due to open sores on and around the urethral opening. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin may feel tender when touched. The area of outbreak may also start to itch.
