5 Things you Need to Know About the Stages of Herpes

1. Painful Blisters on Your Genitals

Herpes is a virus that causes painful blisters and sores. 2 types of herpes exist: there is herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 that is responsible for cold sores around the mouth and type 2, otherwise known as genital herpes. HSV-2 infects the external sex organs and rectum of men and women. This STD can never be cured, but some medications are available to deal with the outbreaks. The stages of genital herpes are more pronounced than with cold sores.

2. Attacking of the Healthy Cells Begins

The first stage of herpes is called the primary stage. This stage occurs 2 to 8 days after you've been infected. You probably won't even know you've been infected because herpes symptoms may not appear until days or weeks later. During this stage, the HSV-2 attacks the healthy cells to cause small groups of painful blisters to form around your genital area. The blisters are typically filled with a clear or cloudy fluid, and they break open easily to become painful open sores. Since the blisters break open so easily, you may not even notice them. But you will notice the red sores. Severity of the sores depend on how strong your herpes outbreak is. Milder outbreaks can be mistaken for insect bites. These sores may make it hard to pee. You might even have flu-like symptoms like a fever. It can take up to 4 weeks for the sores to heal.

3. The Symptomless Second Stage

During this stage, the herpes virus takes a break from attacking your healthy cells. It travels to the nerves near your spine and away from your skin. Here the virus waits until something causes it to attack the healthy cells again. This "something" has yet to be pinned down by doctors and researchers. However, once you've been infected, you will have another outbreak again at some point. Outbreaks typically occur 5 times in the first year and lessen after that point.

4. When the Virus Gets Into Bodily Fluids

The herpes virus can multiply in the nerves during a stage called the shedding stage. When this happens, the HSV-2 gets into semen, vaginal fluids and saliva. You won't know this stage is happening because you will see no symptoms. However, you can easily spread the herpes virus during this period.

5. Reduce the Risk of Spreading Herpes

It's important to take precautions to protect yourself or the people you have sex with from getting herpes, especially since it's difficult to know the contagious stages. Condoms can provide some protection since they reduce the transmission of bodily fluids. To protect yourself further, refrain from having sexual relations with simply anyone. Being in long-term monogamous relationships can reduce the chances of getting or spreading herpes.